lenny

Future You

user image

Lesson Plan

Planning for Your Best Self

Students will be able to identify how current planning and prioritizing decisions impact their future selves and develop strategies for proactive organization.

Understanding how today's choices affect tomorrow empowers students to take control of their academic and personal success, reducing future stress and improving goal attainment.

Audience

7th Grade Special Education Group

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, journaling, and group sharing.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Invest in Future You Slide Deck, Letter to Future Self Journal, and What Future You Needs Discussion Guide

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: Meet Future You (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Begin by presenting the Invest in Future You Slide Deck (Slide 1-3).
    - Ask students: "Have you ever thought about 'Future You'? What kind of person do you imagine 'Future You' will be?"
    - Facilitate a brief open discussion, encouraging students to share initial thoughts.
    - Introduce the concept of how today's small decisions in planning and prioritizing can create a big impact on 'Future You'.

Step 2

Activity: Letter to Future Self (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Letter to Future Self Journal to each student.
    - Explain the activity: Students will write a letter to their future self, focusing on their current goals, challenges, and how they plan to use planning and prioritizing skills to achieve those goals.
    - Guide students through the prompts provided in the journal. Provide support and examples as needed.
    - Play calming instrumental music during this writing time to encourage focus.

Step 3

Group Discussion: What Future You Needs (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Transition to the What Future You Needs Discussion Guide.
    - Divide students into small groups or facilitate a whole-class discussion based on the prompts.
    - Encourage students to share insights from their letters (they can share as much or as little as they are comfortable with).
    - Discuss practical planning and prioritizing strategies they can start using now.

Step 4

Conclusion: Invest in Your Future (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Return to the Invest in Future You Slide Deck (Slide 4).
    - Recap the main points: small actions today lead to a better future.
    - Encourage students to keep their Letter to Future Self Journal and revisit it later in the year.
    - End with an empowering statement about their ability to shape their own future.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Meet Future You!

Who is 'Future You'?
What do they want to achieve?
How do your choices today impact them?

Welcome students and introduce the exciting idea of 'Future You'. Ask them to think about what kind of person they want to be. Set a positive and forward-thinking tone.

Building Your Best Self

Every choice you make is an investment in Future You.
Planning helps you set a course.
Prioritizing keeps you on track.

Explain that 'Future You' isn't just a dream, but a result of small, consistent actions today. Emphasize that planning and prioritizing are key tools for building that future.

A Letter to Future You

Today, you'll write a letter to your future self.
Think about your hopes, dreams, and the steps you'll take.
This is your personal roadmap!

Introduce the journal activity. Explain that this letter is a personal reflection and a chance to set intentions for their future self.

Future You, Here You Come!

Your future is in your hands.
Small steps lead to big changes.
Keep planning, keep prioritizing, and keep investing in your best self!

Conclude by reiterating the power of their choices. Encourage them to keep thinking about 'Future You' and to use the strategies discussed.

lenny

Journal

A Letter to My Future Self

Dear Future Self,










I am writing to you today, on [Date], to tell you about who I am right now and who I hope to become. I want to think about the kind of person you are, what you are doing, and what makes you happy.

My Current Self

Right now, some of my biggest goals are:




Something I am currently working on improving in my life is:




Planning for Future You

To become the person I want to be, I know I need to make smart choices. When it comes to planning and prioritizing, here are some habits I want to start or continue:











One small step I can take this week to help you, Future Self, is:




What I hope to remember from today, and this letter, is:




Keep dreaming big, and remember that I am working hard for you!

Sincerely,

Your Past Self (Today!)

lenny
lenny

Discussion

What Future You Needs: Discussion Guide

Introduction

  • Teacher: "We just wrote letters to our future selves. What was it like to think about who you want to be?"
  • Invite a few students to share a general thought or feeling (no need to share letter specifics).

Discussion Prompts (Choose 2-3 to focus on based on time and student engagement)

Reflecting on Future You

  1. Thinking about your 'Future You,' what is one thing you hope they are really good at? (e.g., managing time, staying organized, learning new things)

    • Follow-up: "How might what you do today help you get there?"

  2. What is a challenge or obstacle that 'Future You' might face? (e.g., feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, having trouble starting tasks)

    • Follow-up: "What planning or prioritizing strategies could you start practicing now to help 'Future You' with this challenge?"

Planning and Prioritizing in Action

  1. Imagine you have a big project due next month. How could you break it down and plan your time so 'Future You' isn't stressed right before it's due?

    • Follow-up: "What happens if you don't plan ahead? How does that feel?"

  2. Think about your daily tasks (homework, chores, hobbies). How do you decide what to do first? What strategies do you use to prioritize?

    • Follow-up: "Are there times when you struggle to prioritize? What makes it difficult?"

  3. What does it mean to 'invest in Future You' with your time and effort? Can you give an example from your own life or schoolwork?

    • Follow-up: "Why is it important to think long-term when making small decisions today?"

Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

  • Teacher: "What is one practical planning or prioritizing tip you heard today that you want to try this week to help 'Future You'?"
  • Encourage students to commit to one small action.
lenny
lenny
Future You • Lenny Learning