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Beyond the Books

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Lesson Plan

Beyond the Books Lesson Plan

By the end of this 30-minute session, adult GED learners will identify personal self-care activities and effective study strategies, share strengths to boost confidence, and commit to small, actionable goals that balance academic preparation with wellness.

Integrating wellness with academic preparation empowers learners to manage stress, stay motivated, and build sustainable study routines—critical factors in GED success and long-term achievement.

Audience

Adult GED Learners

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflections, group discussions, and goal-setting activities.

Materials

Self-Care Reflection Sheet, Study Strategies Worksheet, Blank paper, Pens, and Timer or stopwatch

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Welcome learners and introduce the session goal: balancing study with wellness
  • Invite each person to share one personal strength they bring to their GED journey
  • Note responses visibly on a whiteboard or flip chart

Step 2

Self-Care Reflection

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Self-Care Reflection Sheet
  • Ask learners to list 2–3 self-care activities they currently use or wish to try
  • Pair up participants to share one activity and its benefits

Step 3

Study Strategies Brainstorm

10 minutes

  • Hand out the Study Strategies Worksheet
  • Learners list study methods they’ve tried or want to explore
  • In small groups, discuss which strategies align with their schedules and responsibilities
  • Rotate groups if time allows

Step 4

Confidence-Building Wrap-Up

7 minutes

  • Reconvene as a full group
  • Each learner shares one study strategy and one self-care activity they commit to this week
  • Summarize key takeaways, reinforce small-goal setting, and encourage ongoing support
  • Thank participants and invite questions or follow-up
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Slide Deck

Beyond the Books

Balancing Study and Wellness for GED Success

A 30-minute session for adult learners

Welcome learners. Introduce yourself and explain the session focus: balancing GED study with self‐care for lasting success.

Session Objectives

• Identify 2–3 personal self-care activities
• Explore effective study strategies
• Share strengths to boost confidence
• Commit to small, actionable goals

Review the objectives out loud. Emphasize why integrating wellness supports learning and motivation.

Warm-Up: Discover Your Strengths

➤ Share one personal strength you bring to your GED journey

Invite each learner to share one personal strength. Note responses on the board to create community energy.

Self-Care Reflection

List 2–3 self-care activities you currently use or want to try.

(Some ideas: 🧘 Meditation, 🚶‍♀️ Walking, 🎨 Creative hobbies)

Pair up and share one activity and its benefits.

Distribute the Self-Care Reflection Sheet. Give 5 minutes to list activities, then 3 minutes for partner sharing.

Study Strategies Brainstorm

List study methods you’ve tried or want to explore:
• 📚 Reading notes
• 📝 Flashcards
• 📅 Scheduled sessions
• 📱 Apps or online tools

Discuss in small groups which fit your schedule.

Hand out the Study Strategies Worksheet. Allow 5 minutes individual brainstorming, then break into small groups.

Group Discussion

  1. Share 3 study strategies in your group
  2. Discuss how to integrate them into your weekly routine
  3. Choose one to try first

Encourage each group to pick one strategy to highlight. If time allows, rotate groups to share insights.

Wrap-Up: Commit to Action

Each person shares:
• One study strategy you will try this week
• One self-care activity you will practice

Write these down as your personal action plan.

Go around the circle. Ask each learner to state their commitments clearly and write them on blank paper.

Key Takeaways

✔️ Self-care enhances focus and reduces stress
✔️ Small, realistic goals build lasting habits
✔️ Peer support fosters accountability and confidence

Summarize the session’s key messages and reinforce how small, consistent steps build confidence.

Thank You & Questions

Thank you for participating!

Any questions or support needed?

Stay connected and keep balancing learning with wellness.

Thank participants for their energy. Invite any final questions and remind them of follow-up support.

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Worksheet

Self Care Reflection Sheet

Use this worksheet to identify and plan self-care activities that support your GED journey.

1. List 2–3 self-care activities you currently use:


2. List 2–3 self-care activities you would like to try:


3. For each activity above, describe one benefit you expect or have experienced:

• Activity: _______________________
Benefit: _______________________


• Activity: _______________________
Benefit: _______________________


• Activity: _______________________
Benefit: _______________________

4. Choose one activity to incorporate into your weekly routine. Describe when and where you will do it:





5. What challenges might prevent you from practicing self-care? How can you address them?





Keep this sheet as your reference for setting and tracking self-care goals during your GED preparation.

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Worksheet

Study Strategies Worksheet

Use this worksheet to brainstorm, evaluate, and plan study methods that fit your schedule and responsibilities.

1. List 3 study methods you have tried or want to try:





2. For each method above, describe:

• Method: _______________________

  • How it works: _______________________
  • When you would use it: _______________________


• Method: _______________________

  • How it works: _______________________
  • When you would use it: _______________________


• Method: _______________________

  • How it works: _______________________
  • When you would use it: _______________________


3. What are the advantages and challenges of each method?

• Method 1 advantages: _______________________
Challenges: _______________________



• Method 2 advantages: _______________________
Challenges: _______________________



• Method 3 advantages: _______________________
Challenges: _______________________



4. Choose one strategy to commit to this week. Describe your plan (when, where, for how long):





5. How will you track your progress and stay motivated?





Keep this worksheet as a reference to refine your study routine and build consistent habits.

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