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How Do We Move Forward?

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Lesson Plan

Future-Focused Plan

Guide students to shift from trauma-focused thoughts to a future-focused mindset by setting realistic goals and envisioning a positive future.

This lesson is crucial for helping students who have experienced trauma to build hope and motivation by focusing on future goals in a structured, supportive setting.

Audience

7th Grade Group

Time

55 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and reflective discussion.

Prep

Prepare Lesson Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Check-In

10 minutes

  • Welcome students and briefly discuss the importance of looking forward after challenging times.
  • Ask students to share a small positive event from their week (optional, based on comfort).
  • Introduce the session's goal to create hope for the future through goal-setting.

Step 2

Interactive Goal Setting

30 minutes

  • Present the Moving Forward Slides to illustrate the concept of future-focused planning.
  • Conduct the Goal Setting Workshop: have students write or draw personal short-term goals.
  • Facilitate a group discussion on how setting goals can empower them to overcome past trauma and embrace a positive future.

Step 3

Vision Reflection Cool-Down

15 minutes

  • Lead the Vision Reflection exercise: encourage students to visualize where they want to be in the next few years.
  • Guide reflective questions: What steps can you take to achieve these visions? What support do you need?
  • Conclude with affirmations and encouragement.
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Slide Deck

How Do We Move Forward?

Welcome! Today we'll explore how setting goals and planning for the future can help us overcome challenges and build hope.

This slide introduces the lesson. Emphasize the importance of a forward-looking mindset in overcoming past difficult experiences. Ask students what one goal they have for the future.

Understanding Our Challenges

Trauma can sometimes make us feel stuck. But by setting goals, we can create a roadmap to a brighter future.

Discuss the impact of trauma and how focusing on future goals can help in healing. Share a brief story or example of someone who overcame obstacles by focusing on their goals.

Steps to Set Achievable Goals

  1. Identify a Goal
  2. Break it Down
  3. Take Action
  4. Reflect & Adjust

Illustrate the steps to set goals clearly. Explain each step and ask students to think of examples from their own lives.

Visualizing Success

See how setting small, achievable goals leads to big changes. Imagine your success story!

Show visual examples of goal setting. Use simple icons and relatable images to keep the 7th graders engaged.

Our Future-Focused Path

What are your short-term goals? How will achieving them help you overcome current challenges?

Encourage students to link goal setting with overcoming obstacles. Provide prompts for reflection and group discussion.

Moving Forward Together

Remember, every small goal is a step towards a positive future. Let's move forward with hope!

Wrap up by summarizing the importance of a future-focused mindset and encouraging self-reflection. End with an uplifting message.

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Activity

Goal Setting Workshop

In this activity, students will actively engage in setting personal, short-term goals. This workshop is designed to accommodate various learning styles, be it writing or drawing, and provides a safe space for every student to express their aspirations.


Instructions

  1. Introduction:

    • Briefly explain the purpose of setting realistic goals and how these can help overcome challenges.


  2. Guided Prompts:

    • Ask students to think of a personal goal they would like to achieve in the short term (e.g., improving a skill, achieving a personal milestone, etc.).
    • Provide these guiding questions:
      • What is one thing you want to achieve in the next month?
      • How does this goal make you feel?
      • What first step can you take toward this goal?


  3. Creative Expression:

    • Give students the choice to either write about their goal or draw a picture that represents their goal. This flexibility allows them to express their thoughts in a way that suits them best.


  4. Sharing and Discussion:

    • Invite students to share their goals with the group if they feel comfortable doing so. Encourage a supportive discussion around each goal, highlighting the strengths and possible first steps mentioned.


  5. Reflection:

    • End with a reflective discussion on how setting a small goal can lead to larger, positive changes over time.


Materials Needed

  • Paper and pencils or art supplies (colors, markers, etc.)


Encourage students to refer to the Moving Forward Slides and Future-Focused Plan for additional inspiration as they work on their goals.



This workshop is designed to be both reflective and action-oriented, ensuring that students leave with a clear, achievable goal and a sense of optimism about their future!

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Cool Down

Vision Reflection

In this cool-down activity, students will engage in a guided visualization to reflect on their future aspirations and the steps they need to take to achieve them. This exercise encourages deep thinking and personal connection to their goals, allowing them to leave the session with a sense of clarity and optimism.


Activity Steps

  1. Guided Visualization:

    • Invite students to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths.
    • Encourage them to visualize a place or scenario where they feel successful and happy. Ask them to picture the details: What does the environment look like? Who is with them? What are they doing?
    • Play soft instrumental music (if available) to enhance the visualization experience.


  2. Reflective Questions:

    • After the visualization, ask students to open their eyes and take a moment to reflect on their experience.
    • Provide the following questions for them to consider and write or draw their answers:
      • What did you see in your vision of a positive future?
      • What feelings did this vision evoke?
      • What are one or two steps you can take to move closer to this vision?
      • Who or what can support you on this journey?

    Encourage students to spend a few minutes on their reflections.


  3. Sharing & Discussion (Optional):

    • Invite students to share their reflections with the group if they feel comfortable doing so.
    • Facilitate a discussion emphasizing that each vision is unique and that every small step counts toward achieving those dreams.


  4. Affirmation and Closure:

    • End the activity by reading out a few affirmations such as:
      • "I am capable of creating a positive future."
      • "Each step I take brings me closer to my dreams."
      • "I have the strength to overcome challenges."
    • Encourage students to hold onto these affirmations throughout the week.







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How Do We Move Forward? • Lenny Learning