Past and Present Answer Key

This reflective writing worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they compare personal experiences from the past year with their current goals and hopes. Through two organized paragraphs, learners reflect on lessons learned, personal growth, and future intentions while practicing narrative writing, paragraph development, and expressive language connected to self-awareness and motivation.

Learning Goals

• Narrative and Reflective Writing (Grades 4-6) – Encourages thoughtful writing that connects personal experience with reflection and meaning.
• Organization and Paragraph Development – Strengthens the ability to structure ideas clearly across multiple paragraphs.
• Self-Reflection and Growth Mindset – Helps students recognize progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Goal Planning and Evaluation – Promotes forward thinking by connecting reflection to future goals and aspirations.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support upper-elementary ELA and social-emotional learning standards.
• Clear Writing Prompts – Provides focused guidance while allowing personal voice and creativity.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for end-of-year reflection, beginning-of-year goal setting, writing workshops, or homeschool journaling.
• Life Skills Focus – Encourages accountability, confidence, and thoughtful planning.

This printable worksheet helps students connect writing with personal growth by reflecting on the past and planning for the future. By combining introspection, organization, and expressive language, learners build stronger writing skills and deeper self-awareness. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this activity offers meaningful practice in reflection, goal setting, and purposeful writing.

This worksheet is part of our New Year’s Day collection.