Five Minute Post session Review

So maybe you’ve taken the time to start filling out 5-minute session prep sheets. They help you focus in before a game, but the hard part is always trying to remember specifics after a break. Get out ahead of that, and get it all on paper!

That’s why we have a 5-minute session wrap up sheet. A partner sheet to the 5 minute prep, this one helps you jot down a few important notes after a session has completed to help you both remember the session and get excited for the next one. I’ll break down why each of these questions is important.

What’s my favorite thing that happened this session?

You just spent hours with your friends, take this opportunity to note it down. This can be a cool plot twist, a lucky crit, a funny joke, or a time when it really felt like you could shine. We remember moments stronger when we have emotional ties to them. Just a sentence or two talking about something you enjoyed or something you are proud of can really help anchor your memory of the session.

what does my character think of this?

Whatever happened above, add a sentence analyzing it from your character’s point of view. their emotion wont always match your own, and that is OK. Maybe your favorite moment was when you got to rush in and save your friend who crit failed their saving throw against a fireball. Did your character like that their best friend nearly died? How will they act the next time a wizard starts casting a spell? Sometimes noting this difference can be free RP fuel for next session.

What did another player do this session that I really appreciated?

While the first question is most often a DM provided moment, or a time when your own character shined, note down a moment that you appreciated another player was there. It could be a funny joke they cracked, or a clever solution to a puzzle. Noting down what you love from your team is like a free cheat sheet for how to be a better player yourself. And it never hurts to let that player know. Make their day by sending a message to the group chat recalling the moment.

Was I able to find a moment to use my reminder from session prep?

If the answer is no, this is not something to beat yourself up about. You can just put down “maybe next time.” But if you did remember, then celebrate it! Pat yourself on the back and write down how it worked out! Two sentences here to say what you did, and how it worked out help you realize when your session prep is actually paying off.

What am I excited about for next session?

Make a note here about what you are looking forward to. This can be anything from a story beat that you want to get to, trying out a new item that you just picked up, or just wanting to split some more skulls! Noting this down immediately after session helps remind you what is going to be good about next session if session anxiety starts rearing its ugly head.

Does anyone need anything from me for next session?

Note down what you need to do. There can be all kinds of things we need to handle between games: level up, select spells, schedule the next session, or give the DM a backstory fact they asked about. Don’t worry about doing it now, just leave yourself a note. (You’ll thank yourself later when you need to fill out your next 5 minute prep sheet)

Toss that in with your Character sheet, and you’re set!

You’ve got everything you need to prompt yourself for next session. You’ve got a reason to come back (what you’re excited for), some stuff to talk to your group about (your favorite moments), and a reminder to anchor yourself for next session.

So go grab your 5 minute wrap up sheet, and set yourself up for success!