Lesson Plan
Beyond The Screen Lesson Plan
Adults will identify diverse leisure activities, reflect on personal preferences, and create a practical plan to explore new interests beyond their phones.
Many adult women with disabilities rely on phones for leisure, limiting their exposure to enriching activities. This lesson expands their horizons, builds confidence, and promotes social engagement and well-being.
Audience
Adult Women with Disabilities
Time
2 hours
Approach
Interactive discussion, hands-on planning, and personal reflection.
Materials
- Slide Deck: Exploring Leisure Activities, - Worksheet: Leisure Interests Inventory, - Reading: Benefits of Diverse Leisure Activities, - Discussion Guide: Leisure Exploration Questions, - Activity Materials: Idea Cards and Planning Template, - Quiz: Leisure Knowledge Check, - Warm-Up Prompts: Icebreaker Questions, and - Cool-Down Reflection Sheet
Prep
Preparation
30 minutes
- Review Slide Deck: Exploring Leisure Activities to familiarize yourself with the session flow.
- Print the following materials for each participant:
- Prepare activity items from Activity Materials: Idea Cards and Planning Template.
- Test AV equipment and projector to display the Slide Deck: Exploring Leisure Activities.
- Arrange chairs in a circle to support group interaction.
Step 1
Warm Up
15 minutes
- Distribute Warm-Up Prompts: Icebreaker Questions.
- Encourage each participant to answer one prompt, sharing a fun fact about themselves or a current leisure habit.
- Emphasize an open, supportive atmosphere.
Step 2
Reading
15 minutes
- Provide copies of Reading: Benefits of Diverse Leisure Activities.
- Read individually or aloud in pairs.
- Ask participants to highlight any activities that pique their interest.
Step 3
Discussion
20 minutes
- Use Discussion Guide: Leisure Exploration Questions.
- Facilitate a group conversation on reading insights and personal experiences.
- Ask guiding questions about past hobbies, barriers to trying new activities, and desired outcomes.
Step 4
Activity
40 minutes
- Introduce Activity Materials: Idea Cards and Planning Template.
- In small groups, draw idea cards suggesting various leisure activities.
- Use the planning template to outline steps, resources needed, and a schedule for trying at least one new activity.
- Circulate to assist and encourage realistic planning.
Step 5
Quiz
15 minutes
- Hand out Quiz: Leisure Knowledge Check.
- Participants complete individually to reinforce key concepts.
- Review answers together and clarify any misconceptions.
Step 6
Cool Down
15 minutes
- Distribute Cool-Down Reflection Sheet.
- Prompt participants to reflect on something new they learned, a goal they set, and follow-up actions.
- Invite volunteers to share reflections and encourage accountability partners.
Slide Deck
Exploring Leisure Activities
A 2-hour interactive session for Adult Women with Disabilities
• Discover diverse leisure options beyond phone use
• Engage in group planning and reflection
• Build confidence to try new activities
Let’s get started!
Introduce yourself and the session. Encourage a friendly atmosphere and participation. Explain the session flow.
Session Objectives
By the end of this session, you will:
- Identify at least three new leisure activities
- Reflect on personal interests and barriers
- Create a realistic plan to explore a chosen activity
Briefly review the objectives so participants know what to expect.
Why Explore Beyond the Screen?
• Phones are convenient but limiting
• New activities boost mood, health, and social ties
• Stepping outside your comfort zone builds confidence
Discuss why diversifying leisure is beneficial. Connect to well-being and social engagement.
Warm-Up: Icebreaker
Use Warm-Up Prompts: Icebreaker Questions
• Share a fun fact or current hobby
• Highlight one thing you enjoy doing on your phone
• Get to know each other!
Facilitate the icebreaker. Call on volunteers to share. Keep it light and inclusive.
Reading Highlights
From Reading: Benefits of Diverse Leisure Activities:
• Physical Activities: walking groups, adaptive sports
• Creative Pursuits: painting, crafts, music
• Social Outings: book clubs, community classes
Which caught your attention?
Summarize key points from the reading. Encourage participants to highlight activities of interest.
Discussion Prompts
Refer to Discussion Guide: Leisure Exploration Questions
• Which past hobbies brought you joy?
• What stops you from trying something new?
• How might a new activity fit into your routine?
Use these prompts to guide a supportive discussion. Invite multiple voices.
Group Activity: Idea Cards
Use Activity Materials: Idea Cards and Planning Template
- Draw an Idea Card with a suggested activity
- Use the template to outline:
• Steps to get started
• Resources needed
• A tentative schedule - Plan to try at least one new activity
Explain the activity structure. Form small groups and circulate to assist.
Quiz Time
Complete the Quiz: Leisure Knowledge Check
• Reinforces key concepts
• Individual completion (15 minutes)
• We’ll review answers together afterward
Introduce the quiz, clarify any questions, and set expectations.
Quiz Review
Key Concepts:
- Benefits of varied leisure
- Steps for realistic planning
- Overcoming barriers
Discuss any surprises or questions from the quiz.
Go through each quiz question and discuss correct answers. Use this to clarify misconceptions.
Cool-Down Reflection
Use Cool-Down Reflection Sheet
• What did you learn today?
• What’s one goal you’re setting?
• Who will support you?
Share with the group if you’d like.
Guide reflection and goal-setting. Encourage sharing and accountability partners.
Next Steps & Closing
• Select a date to try your new activity
• Exchange contact info with an accountability partner
• Keep a brief journal of your experience
Thank you for your participation!
Wrap up the session by encouraging next steps and checking in on accountability.
Worksheet
Leisure Interests Inventory
1. Current Phone-Based Activities
List three activities you currently do on your phone for fun (e.g., scrolling social media, playing games, watching videos). For each, explain why you enjoy it.
- Activity: _______________________________
Why I enjoy it: _______________________________ - Activity: _______________________________
Why I enjoy it: _______________________________ - Activity: _______________________________
Why I enjoy it: _______________________________
2. Brainstorm New Leisure Activities
Think of five new activities you have never tried or do rarely. Write each below.
Activity 1: _______________________________
Activity 2: _______________________________
Activity 3: _______________________________
Activity 4: _______________________________
Activity 5: _______________________________
3. Interest Rating
For each activity above, rate your interest on a scale from 1 (Not interested) to 5 (Very interested).
Activity 1 Rating: ___ /5
Activity 2 Rating: ___ /5
Activity 3 Rating: ___ /5
Activity 4 Rating: ___ /5
Activity 5 Rating: ___ /5
4. Barriers and Supports
Choose one activity you rated 4 or 5. What might prevent you from trying it? What support or resources could help you?
Barrier: _______________________________
Support/Resources: _______________________________
5. Action Plan
Pick one activity to try first. Outline the steps, resources needed, and a start date.
Activity: _______________________________
Steps to get started:
1. ___________________
2. ___________________
3. ___________________
Resources needed:
- ___________________
- ___________________
Start date: _______________________________
Reading
Benefits of Diverse Leisure Activities
Engaging in activities beyond phone use can enrich your life in many ways. As you explore new interests, you may notice improvements in your physical health, mental well-being, and social connections.
Physical Benefits
Participating in movement-based activities—such as walking in a local park, adaptive yoga, or light gardening—helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Regular movement can also boost energy levels, support cardiovascular health, and reduce muscle stiffness.
Mental Benefits
Creative and mind-challenging pursuits like painting, crafting, puzzles, or learning a musical instrument can reduce stress and anxiety. These activities encourage focus, spark imagination, and foster a sense of accomplishment as you master new skills.
Social Benefits
Joining group activities—such as a community art class, book club, or volunteering opportunity—provides a chance to meet new people, build friendships, and develop support networks. Sharing experiences with others can increase feelings of belonging and boost self-confidence.
Taking the First Step
Think of one activity that appeals to you. Start small: set a simple goal, find accessible resources or local groups, and schedule a time to give it a try. Remember, every new experience is a chance to learn more about yourself and broaden your horizons.
Discussion
Leisure Exploration Questions
Use the prompts below to guide a rich group conversation. Encourage participants to elaborate and build on each other’s ideas.
- Which leisure activities have you tried before that brought you joy? What elements of those experiences did you enjoy most?
- Are there activities you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? What feelings or obstacles have held you back?
- When you think about spending time away from your phone, what concerns or worries come to mind?
- How do you imagine a new leisure activity could improve your daily routine or overall well-being?
- What kind of support, resources, or accommodations would help you feel confident in trying something new?
- Think of someone in your life who could encourage or join you in exploring new activities. Who are they, and why would they be a good partner?
- What small first step could you take this week to move toward trying a new activity? What would that look like?
- How will you celebrate or reflect on your experience once you’ve tried something new?
Activity
Idea Cards & Planning Template
Idea Cards (cut into individual cards)
Distribute one card per participant or group. Each card suggests a new leisure activity to explore.
- Join a local walking group in the park
- Attend an adaptive yoga or chair yoga class
- Try a beginner’s painting or watercolor workshop
- Participate in a community gardening session
- Join a women’s book club at the library
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter or food bank
- Take a simple cooking or baking mini-class
- Go on a guided photography walk or nature hike
- Attend a craft circle (e.g., knitting, jewelry making)
- Visit a museum or art gallery tour
- Try a gentle dance or movement class
- Sign up for a puzzle or board-game meetup
- Explore a basic meditation or breathing workshop
- Take an introductory music circle (singing or drumming)
- Join a community service project (e.g., park clean-up)
Planning Template
Use this template to turn your chosen Idea Card into a concrete plan.
Activity Selected: _______________________________
1. Steps to Get Started
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
2. Resources Needed
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
3. Proposed Schedule
Date: ___________________ Time: _________________
4. Potential Barriers & Solutions
Barrier: _______________________________
Possible Solution: _______________________________
5. Accountability Partner
Name/Contact: _______________________________
6. Reflection Plan
When will you reflect on your experience? (Date/Time) ___________________
How will you celebrate or record what you learned? ___________________
Quiz
Leisure Knowledge Check
Warm Up
Icebreaker Questions
Use these prompts to get to know each other and warm up for today’s session. Feel free to write a brief answer or share aloud.
- What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
- Name your favorite thing to do on your phone and why you enjoy it.
- If you could try any new hobby without worrying about barriers, what would it be?
- Think of a recent time you tried something new (big or small). How did it feel?
- Describe your ideal relaxing activity—no phones allowed!
Cool Down
Reflection Sheet
Use this sheet to reflect on today’s session, set goals, and plan next steps.
1. Key Takeaways
What is one new insight or idea you learned today?
2. Goal Setting
What is one specific activity goal you will set for yourself? (e.g., attend a yoga class, join a book club)
3. First Step
What is the first small step you will take to start this activity? (e.g., call to register, find a location)
4. Support & Accountability
Who will support you or join you in this activity? How will they help?
5. Reflection & Celebration Plan
When and how will you check in on your progress and celebrate your effort?