End of the year reflection

This lesson is great for intermediate students and is focused on speaking and writing. You can teach it either towards the end of the year or at the beginning of the new year. It will prompt your students to reflect on the last year and to talk about their accomplishments, goals, challenges and skills they would like to improve and develop. It can be combined with the lessons “How to set effective language learning goals“, “Self-care“, “Idioms: ambition”, “Idioms: challenges” and “Phrasal verbs: success and failure“.

Vocabulary: After an initial discussion, students learn the target vocabulary of this lesson (develop, accomplish, process) by matching 5 words to their definitions and then completing a few sentences about the benefits of reflection.

Video: Students watch a short video “Simon Sinek on how reflection informs personal growth” and complete the notes with the correct word.

Speaking and writing: Students complete 2 activities focused on speaking and writing. First, the most important things that happened to them each month and then discuss their experiences with a partner. Secondly, they complete a “stop, start, continue” table where they write different habits they have or would like to build.
Lastly, 11 questions for reflection are given for students to discuss. You can use the conversation cards for additional speaking practice.