Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed 814413111.
docx Page 1 of 9
Unit # 1 Title: The Successful Student
Lesson Title: Just Checking Lesson 4 of 4
Grade Level: 8
Length of Lesson: 45 min. group session with group and/or individual follow-up sessions
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Big Idea:
AD.4: Applying Skills Needed for Educational Achievement
Grade Level Expectations (GLEs):
AD.4.A.08: Consistently apply a system of study skills and test-taking strategies to promote
academic success.
AD.4.B.08: Consistently apply a self-management system to promote academic success.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Standard:
Academic Development
A: Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge and skills contributing to effective
learning in school and across the lifespan.
Materials (include activity sheets and/ or supporting resources)
Introduction to the Just Checking Lesson
Just Checking Checklist-Goal-Setting activity sheet
Tips for Setting Goals information sheet
Effective Time Management System Tips information sheet
Counselor may wish to provide sample of an assignment planner, a calendar page, and/or an
electronic calendar screen.
Show Me Standards: Performance Goals (check one or more that apply and identify
relevant process standards)
Goal 1: Gather, analyze and apply information and ideas
1. Develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research
6. Discover and evaluate patterns and relationships in information, ideas, and structures.
X
8. Organize data, information and ideas into useful forms for analysis or presentation
10. Apply acquired information, ideas and skills to different contexts as students, workers,
citizens, and consumers.
Goal 2: Communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom
1. Plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and
audiences.
X 2. Review and revise communications to improve accuracy and clarity.
3. Exchange information, questions information and ideas while recognizing the
perspective of others
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
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and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 2 of 9
Goal 3: Recognize and solve problems
1. Identify problems and define their scope and elements.
3. Develop and apply strategies based on one’s experience in preventing or solving
X problems.
4. Evaluate the processes used in recognizing and solving problems.
7. Evaluate the extent to which a strategy addresses the problem.
Goal 4: Make decisions and act as responsible members of society
1. Explain reasoning and identify information used to support decisions.
X
4. Recognize and practice honesty and integrity in academic work and in the work place.
5. Develop, monitor and revise plans of action to meet deadlines and accomplish goals.
This lesson supports the development of skills in the following academic content areas.
Academic Content Area(s) Specific Skill(s)
X Communication Arts Writing, evaluating information, discussion
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Health/Physical Education
Fine Arts
Enduring Life Skill(s)
X Perseverance X Integrity X Problem Solving
X Courage Compassion X Tolerance
X Respect X Goal Setting
Lesson Measurable Learning Objectives:
The student will develop two academic success goals and three action steps that can be
utilized to accomplish each goal.
Lesson Formative Assessment (acceptable evidence):
Assessment should relate to the performance outcome for goals, objectives and GLEs.
Assessment can be question answer, performance activity, etc.
Students will complete the Just Checking Checklist to assess the degree of their use of a
personal management system.
Students will set goals for themselves based on the results of the Just Checking Checklist and
will identify steps they need to use to accomplish their goals to improve academic
achievement.
Lesson Preparation
Essential Questions:
What choices do you make that impact your success as a student?
Engagement (Hook):
Counselor/instructor will read the Introduction to the Just Checking Lesson.
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 3 of 9
Procedures
Instructor Procedures/Instructional Strategies: Student Involvement/Instructional
Activities:
1. After reading the “Introduction to Just
Checking Lesson” 1. Students will divide into groups of two
to think/pair/share.
2. Ask students to write their definitions of a
“management system” (think), discuss their 2. Students will write their definitions of
writing with their partners (pair/share). management system (Think on own);
Large Group (Public) Sharing: Generate a discuss writing with a partner
public list of definitions. Link students’ (Pair/Share); and contribute to the
definitions of management system to public list of definitions.
individual differences in planning/self-
management styles.
3. Distribute Effective Management Tips
(Handout 1) to students. Allow time for 3. Students identify and discuss any
students to read handout and to formulate discrepancies between the model and
questions and/or comments. Provide their personal management systems.
opportunity for students for students to ask
questions and make comments about
components of effective time-management
systems. Ask students to compare their
current time-management system to those
listed on the handout. NOTE: If your
district has adopted a planner system for
students (e.g. Franklin Covey Student
Planners), use that system for this lesson.
4. Hand out the Just Checking Checklist and
ask students to complete it using their 4. Students will complete the checklist
personal management system as the basis (think on own); discuss results with
for completion of the checklist. their partners (Pair/Share).
5. Using the Tips for Setting Goals
information sheet as a basis for discussion, 5. Students will determine goals and write
ask students to set realistic goal(s) based them on the checklist with steps for
upon perceived strength and weaknesses achieving the goals.
from student checklists. Set a goal… Take The steps…
GET IT DONE!!
Teacher Follow-Up Activities
Teacher determines 4 to 5 follow-up dates for filling out subsequent checklists to assess
student progress toward goals. This can be done daily or weekly for a prescribed period of
time. Teacher will facilitate student reflection on progress and work with him/her to set a new
goal based on checklist information.
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 4 of 9
Counselor reflection notes (completed after the lesson)
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 5 of 9
Counselor Resource
Introduction to “Just Checking” Lesson
School and homework! Activities and chores! Sleeping and eating!
Ack! Do you feel that everything is piling up? Are you out of
control!?!
Wouldn’t it all be easier if time were like a DVD that you could
slow down, speed up, fast-forward, or rewind? Or have you wished
that time was like an arcade game, and when your time was up,
you could just drop in some change and get more?
Well we can’t change the speed of time or get more. What we
CAN do, however, is manage our use of the 24 hours each of us is
given everyday of our lives. This means that we:
Consider everything we HAVE to do and WANT to do.
Understand how much time each activity will take.
Make a plan that helps us get through the day, week, or
month without running around like a total wacko!
Hold your hand up if the “Out of Control Time Monster” is taking
over your life… I have news for you… You can control your Time
Monster, AND…If you learn to tame the time monster, you might
be surprised at how much you can get done. The real reward,
however, is that you’ll probably feel less stressed, make better
grades, and be happier. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 6 of 9
Handout
Effective Time Management Tips
The Key to Success in Middle School/Junior
High
What management system are you using now? Even if you think you
don’t, you do have a system in place. How does your system
measure up against the following system?
Do you:
* Use your planner everyday
* Review your planner every week at the beginning of the week to
help plan your week
* Write down something in your planner for every subject (e.g.,
homework for the next day, assignments for the week {pages to
read, questions to answer, and date assignments are due},
upcoming test dates and special project due dates, etc.)
* Write clearly and neatly.
* Refer to your planner before you go home at the end of the day
to make sure you have everything you need (necessary books,
folders, study guides, class notes)
* Set weekly goals for yourself and write them down in your
planner.
* List helpful resources in your planner (e.g., websites, phone
numbers of study buddies, homework hotline information, etc.)
* Schedule time in your planner to study for each test
* Set aside a homework time everyday with no distractions—no
phone, no TV
* If there is no specific assignment, you can read over your class
notes, make math flash cards, or READ!
* Use study halls to study
* Ask for help as soon as you realize you don’t understand
* Keep all assignments, handouts, tests, etc., that are given back
* Always record assignments as soon as they are given
* Always use study time
* Form a study group
* Take notes and keep them organized and labeled
* Do your best on every assignment
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 7 of 9
Just Checking Checklist
Rate your use of the following components on a scale of 1-5, using
your current management system.
I never do I do it once I do it I do it I do it every
it. in awhile sometimes sometimes day for all
(making for some for all classes.
progress). classes. classes.
1 2 3 4 5
1. I write my assignments in my planner, including pages to read, questions to answer,
and date assignments are due.
1 2 3 4 5
2. I understand what I have written in my planner.
1 2 3 4 5
3. I use my planner to get necessary books/materials home.
1 2 3 4 5
4. I write important test dates/project due dates on my master calendar.
1 2 3 4 5
5. I review my planner before the start of the week and plan my week.
1 2 3 4 5
6. I write down my weekly goals. (Goals written are more likely attained.)
1 2 3 4 5
7. I list helpful resources in my planner, such as websites, phone numbers of study
buddies, homework hotline information, etc.
1 2 3 4 5
8. I schedule time in my planner to study for each test.
1 2 3 4 5
What is working well for you?
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 8 of 9
Tips for Setting Goals
1. Goals must be clear and describe exactly
what you want or will do.
2. Goals must be personal. They must be about
you, not someone else.
3. Goals must be measurable. You need to
know when you have achieved your goal.
4. Goals must have realistic time limits.
5. Goals must be manageable. Divide big goals
into several, attainable goals or tasks. This
will enable you to experience results in a
shorter period of time and will help you feel
like you are making progress.
6. Goals must be stated in positive rather than
negative terms. (I will do something rather
than I won’t do something.)
7. Goals must be written down. People are
more likely to achieve goals that are in
writing. Written goals can be reviewed
regularly, and have more power. Like a
contract with yourself, they are harder to
neglect or forget.
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.
Adapted from Missouri Dept of Ed [Link] Page 9 of 9
Goal Setting Activity Sheet
Think about what you need to do differently to attain success as a
student. Set goal(s) and take action, be the successful student
you are meant to be.
GOAL 1:_______________________________________________________________
What action steps will you take to accomplish your goal?
Step 1_________________________________________________________________
Step 2_________________________________________________________________
Step 3_________________________________________________________________
GOAL 2:_______________________________________________________________
What action steps will you take to accomplish your goal?
Step 1_________________________________________________________________
Step 2_________________________________________________________________
Step 3_________________________________________________________________
Missouri Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Programs: Linking School Success to Life Success
To ensure that the work of educators participating in this project will be available for the use of schools, the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education grants permission for the use of this material for non-commercial purposes only.