Project Launch Simulation - Set up the classroom as a chaotic first day of middle school with incomplete schedules and mismatched locker combinations. Debrief with students to discuss their feelings and what could have alleviated their confusion. Introduce the guidebook project as a solution to these problems. (30 min)

Reflective Journaling - Students write about their own first-day experiences or expectations, capturing emotions and challenges. (15 min)

Interactive Panel Discussion - Host a panel with current 7th and 8th graders sharing their transition experiences. Facilitate a Q&A session for students to ask questions and express concerns. (30 min)

Initial Reflection - Students reflect on the panel discussion, noting any new insights about the middle school experience. (15 min)

Literary Text Exploration - Read and discuss a short story or excerpt about transitions and belonging in middle school, focusing on the emotions and challenges depicted. (25 min)

Empathy Mapping - Students create empathy maps for incoming students, identifying their needs, feelings, and challenges based on the literary discussion. (20 min)

Reading Informational Texts - Students read and annotate a selection of informational texts about adolescent psychology, focusing on identifying key information and text structures. (25 min)

Text Structure Mini-Lesson - Conduct a mini-lesson on identifying and understanding different text structures such as cause/effect, sequence, and comparison, using examples from the texts read previously. (20 min)

Survey Design Workshop - Students learn how to create unbiased survey questions and collaboratively design a survey to gather data on their peers' experiences and challenges in starting middle school. (30 min)

Peer Feedback on Surveys - Students exchange surveys with peers and provide constructive feedback, using a “Glow and Grow” protocol to suggest improvements. (15 min)

Data Visualization Introduction - Introduce students to basic data visualization techniques, including charts and graphs. Students begin to input survey data and practice creating simple visual representations. (25 min)

Reflective Journaling - Students reflect on the survey process and initial insights from their data, considering how this information might inform their guidebook. (20 min)

Writing Workshop: Crafting Personal Anecdotes - Students draft personal anecdotes about their first day of school, focusing on emotions and challenges. They will incorporate descriptive language and narrative techniques. (20 min)

Peer Review Session: Personal Anecdotes - Students pair up to exchange drafts and provide feedback using a structured peer review protocol, focusing on clarity and emotional expression. (25 min)

Research Gathering: Informational Texts on Adolescence - Students read and annotate new articles on adolescent psychology, focusing on behavior and emotional changes. They identify key insights that can inform their guidebook. (30 min)

Collaborative Discussion: Insights from Research - In small groups, students share findings from their texts and discuss how these insights can be incorporated into their guidebook sections. (15 min)

Survey Data Analysis Workshop - Students finalize their survey designs, conduct surveys among peers, and begin analyzing data to identify trends and insights. They will create visual representations of their findings using charts or graphs. (30 min)

Reflective Journaling: Survey Insights - Students reflect on the survey process and insights gained about middle school transitions, considering how this data supports their guidebook content. (15 min)

Guidebook Outline Workshop - Students collaboratively create an outline for their guidebook, deciding on the key sections and content based on previous research and insights. (20 min)

Content Development Session - Begin drafting the first section of the guidebook, focusing on 'Navigating School Life,' and integrating personal anecdotes and researched information. (25 min)

Peer Review: Drafted Sections - Students exchange their initial drafts for peer feedback using a structured protocol, focusing on clarity, tone, and engagement. (25 min)

Revision Time - Implement feedback received from peers to revise and improve guidebook sections, ensuring alignment with the needs of incoming students. (20 min)

Visual Design Introduction - Conduct a mini-lesson on visual design principles, focusing on layout, headings, and infographics to enhance guidebook readability. (20 min)

Digital Design Practice - Students begin applying design elements to their guidebook drafts using digital tools like Canva or Google Slides, experimenting with different layouts. (25 min)

Guidebook Finalization Workshop - Students review and revise their guidebook drafts, focusing on ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with the needs of incoming students. (25 min)

Peer Feedback Session - Students exchange finalized drafts with peers for a last round of feedback using the 'Glow and Grow' protocol, focusing on readability and engagement. (20 min)

Visual Design Enhancement - Students apply final design touches to their guidebooks, utilizing digital tools to create cohesive and visually appealing layouts. (30 min)

Accessibility Check - Conduct a mini-lesson on accessibility, ensuring students review their guidebooks for font readability, color contrast, and image clarity. (15 min)

Preparation for Exhibition - Students plan interactive activities for their mini advice stations, role-playing potential scenarios with incoming students to practice communication and presentation skills. (25 min)

Final Reflection - Students engage in a reflective journaling activity, considering how their understanding of adolescence and belonging has evolved throughout the project. (20 min)

Feedback Integration Session - Students review peer feedback from last week's session and integrate suggestions into their guidebooks, focusing on clarity and engagement. (25 min)

Visual Design Final Touches - Students ensure their guidebooks are visually appealing and accessible, making final adjustments to layout and design using digital tools. (20 min)

Guidebook Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice presenting their guidebook sections, focusing on clear communication and engaging delivery for the upcoming orientation event. (25 min)

Role-Playing Activity Stations - Students simulate advice station scenarios, practicing communication with incoming students to enhance confidence and readiness for the exhibition. (20 min)

Exhibition Setup Planning - Students collaborate to organize the logistics for the orientation event, deciding on the layout and flow of their advice stations for maximum engagement. (30 min)

Final Reflection Journaling - Students reflect on their project journey, considering how their understanding of adolescent transitions and belonging has evolved. They document their thoughts and insights gained throughout the process. (15 min)

Final Guidebook Review - Conduct a thorough review of the guidebook, checking for cohesion and ensuring all sections are polished and ready for print. (25 min)

Exhibition Walkthrough - Organize a walkthrough of the exhibition setup, ensuring all advice stations are ready and materials are in place for the orientation event. (20 min)

Guidebook Printing and Assembly - Print and assemble the final copies of the guidebook, ensuring each group has enough copies for their station. (20 min)

Rehearsal of Interactive Presentations - Practice interactive presentations for the advice stations, focusing on clear communication and engaging storytelling. (25 min)

Orientation Event Setup - Set up the venue for the orientation event, arranging advice stations and ensuring all materials are organized and accessible. (20 min)

Orientation Event Execution - Host the orientation event, guiding incoming students through advice stations and presenting the guidebook. Students will engage with attendees, answer questions, and share their experiences. (25 min)