OBJECTIVE:

  • Help students mentally prepare for the increased expectations of junior year.
  • Teach students strategies for balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life.

MATERIALS:

Whiteboard, Chart Paper, Markers

REQUIRED PREP:

Transform your room – Next Gen sessions should be different from typical classes — change the room’s seating order, and get ready for your first session!

Opening Huddle

Opening Huddle: Feel free to play music to generate energy and set the vibe!

Opening Ritual: Conduct your opening ritual! 

Mood Check: Gather the students into a circle (standing or sitting – keep comfort in mind)!

Activity 1: Junior Year Breakdown (20 mins)

What’s the Big Deal About Junior Year?

  • Ask: “What have you heard about junior year? Why do people say it’s the hardest year?”
  • Quick Discussion: List concerns on the board and discuss common challenges.
  • Group Brainstorm: What makes junior year different? (Harder classes, leadership roles, college prep, etc.)

Survival Strategies: Students work in small teams to create solutions for common junior-year challenges.

Activity 2: Future Role-Play

Scenario Challenge: Students receive different junior year challenges (e.g., balancing sports & grades, preparing for SATs, time management).

Quick-Fire Solutions: Teams come up with solutions and present them to the class.

Ask: “What’s one thing you’ll do now to prepare for junior year?”

Discuss Common Junior Year Challenges Here

Closing Huddle:

End by collectively performing your exit ritual! Remind students of the next session!

Final Thought: “Preparation makes the difference between struggling and thriving.