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College Bound: Ready, Set, Go!

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brynn.cooper

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

College Countdown Lesson Plan

Introduce 12th-grade students to essential college readiness skills, including time management, self-advocacy, and utilizing college resources. The lesson prepares students to smoothly transition to college life.

This lesson is crucial as it empowers seniors to confidently navigate the college transition, make informed decisions, and be proactive about planning their futures.

Audience

12th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Engage through interactive discussion and goal-setting activities.

Materials

College Countdown Lesson Plan, and Interactive College Planning Activity Sheet

Prep

Review and Setup

10 minutes

  • Review the College Countdown Lesson Plan for overall flow.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Interactive College Planning Activity Sheet to guide discussions.
  • Prepare a brief overview of college basics and goal-setting strategies tailored for 12th-grade students, emphasizing real-life transition scenarios.

Step 1

Introduction and Brainstorming

5 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of college and engage students by asking what they know about the college experience from a senior perspective.
  • Use guided questions to prompt discussion about their imminent transition and future academic goals.

Step 2

Interactive Goal Setting Activity

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Interactive College Planning Activity Sheet.
  • Guide students through setting personal goals and outlining steps to prepare for college.
  • Encourage small group discussions to share insights and strategies relevant to transitioning as seniors.

Step 3

Wrap-up and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Recap the key ideas including time management, self-advocacy, and using college resources effectively.
  • Invite students to share one goal or insight about their transition to college.
  • Provide additional tips and resources to support them in continuing their college planning post-lesson.
lenny

Slide Deck

College Countdown: Ready, Set, Transition!

Welcome! Today, we'll explore the exciting journey toward college and how planning early sets you up for success.

Introduce the lesson, set expectations, and share a brief overview of what transitioning to college might involve later in life. Remind teachers to capture any initial questions from students.

What is College?

Explore the basics of college—what it is, why it matters, and the various types of colleges available.

Discuss and explain what college is: its purpose, types of colleges, and what students might expect from a college environment. Use imagery to spark interest.

Why Start Planning Now?

Starting early helps you develop key skills & set goals that pave the way to success. Even though college seems far away, the planning you do today makes a difference. It also reduces stress, opens up scholarship opportunities, and helps you explore different career paths.

Emphasize why planning ahead matters. Use examples like setting academic and career goals, and how small steps now can lead to success later.

Interactive Goal Setting Activity

Using the Interactive College Planning Activity Sheet, outline your personal goals and steps towards college. Work in small groups to discuss your ideas!

Introduce the Interactive Goal Setting activity. Instruct students to work in small groups and share ideas for their future academic journeys.

Goal Sharing & Discussion

Let's share one goal or insight. What did you learn about planning for college? How can these goals boost your success?

Encourage students to share and discuss one interesting goal they came up with during the activity. Validate their ideas and summarise key learnings.

Wrap-up & Next Steps

Recap what we've learned today about college planning. Remember: early planning builds the foundation for a bright academic future!

Consolidate key takeaways and provide closure. Emphasize the importance of continuous planning and encourage students to re-visit the ideas discussed today.

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Activity

Interactive College Planning Activity Sheet

This activity sheet is designed to guide you in setting your personal academic goals and planning steps to prepare for college. Even though college might seem distant, the planning you do now lays the foundation for future success.

Section 1: Dream Big!





What does college mean to you? Write down any ideas or images that come to your mind when you think about college.










Section 2: Set Your Goals





  1. List three academic or personal goals you would like to achieve by the time you reach college.





  2. For each goal, explain why it is important for your future.





Section 3: Mapping Your Steps





For each goal you listed above, answer the following:

  • What is one step you can take now or in the near future that will help you reach this goal?





  • What resources or help might you need to achieve this step?





Section 4: Reflection and Sharing





Take a moment to reflect on your responses. How do you feel about the steps you have planned? Write a short reflection below.





Share & Discuss:

When you are finished, share one of your goals with a partner or in a small group. Discuss what steps you can each take to support your goals.





Remember, every big dream starts with a single step—keep planning and keep reaching for your dreams!

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