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Navigating Adulting 101

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Lesson Plan

Life Skills Survival Guide

Students will be able to identify and understand essential life skills such as understanding leases, basic car maintenance, and voter registration, preparing them for independent adult life.

Preparing for adulthood involves more than just academics. This lesson equips students with practical knowledge and skills they're likely to use immediately after high school, fostering confidence and self-sufficiency.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

120 minutes

Approach

Interactive lessons, real-world scenario simulations, and practical checklists.

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

20 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Adulting Superpower?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What's one thing you're excited about for independent adult life, and one thing you're a little nervous about?"
    * Have students share their thoughts in a quick whip-around or small group discussion.
    * Introduce the lesson by explaining that today's session is about gaining 'adulting superpowers' to tackle common real-world challenges.

Step 2

Introducing 'Adulting Decoded'

30 minutes

  • Present the Adulting Decoded slide deck.
    * Go through each slide, focusing on key takeaways for understanding leases, basic car maintenance (e.g., checking tire pressure, oil), and voter registration.
    * Encourage questions and brief discussions after each topic.
    * Use the provided Adulting Decoded script for guidance on talking points and discussion prompts.

Step 3

Real-World Scenarios Simulation

40 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
    * Distribute the Real-World Scenarios Simulation instructions.
    * Assign each group a scenario related to leases, car maintenance, or voter registration.
    * Instruct groups to work together to discuss and problem-solve their scenario, applying the knowledge from the slide deck.
    * Circulate among groups to offer assistance and facilitate discussion.
    * After 25-30 minutes, bring the class back together for groups to briefly share their scenario and their proposed solutions.

Step 4

Adulting Checklist & Resource Map

25 minutes

  • Distribute the Adulting Checklist & Resource Map to each student.
    * Explain that this worksheet is a practical tool to help them organize their adulting tasks and find resources.
    * Guide students through the first few sections, demonstrating how to fill it out.
    * Allow time for students to start working on their personal checklists and identifying resources relevant to them.
    * Encourage them to share any useful resources they find with the class.

Step 5

Cool-Down: My Adulting Confidence Check

15 minutes

  • Distribute the My Adulting Confidence Check activity.
    * Have students complete the confidence check, reflecting on what they learned and how they feel about their readiness for adulting.
    * Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.
    * Conclude by reiterating the importance of these skills and offering ongoing support.
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Slide Deck

Adulting Decoded: Your Guide to Independent Life

What is "Adulting" Anyway?

  • The journey to independence.
  • Gaining essential life skills.
  • Feeling confident and prepared.

Ready to decode adulting?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of 'adulting' in a relatable way. Ask about their initial thoughts or concerns about becoming independent.

Leases 101: Understanding Your Rental Agreement

What is a Lease?

  • A legal contract between tenant and landlord.
  • Outlines rights and responsibilities.

Key Things to Look For:

  • Rent amount & due date: Don't miss payments!
  • Lease term: How long are you committed?
  • Security deposit: What is it for? How do you get it back?
  • Rules & restrictions: Pets? Guests? Decorations?
  • Repairs & maintenance: Who fixes what?

Think: "What questions would I ask before signing a lease?"

Explain that understanding leases is crucial for anyone renting. Highlight that it's a legal document and needs careful attention. Ask if anyone knows what a lease is.

Car Care Basics: Keeping Your Ride Running Smoothly

Why Basic Car Maintenance Matters:

  • Safety first!
  • Saves money in the long run.
  • Extends your car's life.

Essential Checks:

  • Tire Pressure: How often? Why is it important?
  • Oil Level: What does oil do? When to check?
  • Fluid Levels: Coolant, wiper fluid, brake fluid.
  • Lights & Wipers: Are they working?

Pro Tip: Your car's owner's manual is your best friend!

Emphasize the importance of basic car maintenance for safety and saving money. Ask students what they already know about car maintenance.

Your Voice, Your Vote: Voter Registration & Why It Counts

Why Vote?

  • Shape your community and country.
  • Elect leaders who represent your interests.
  • Your civic duty!

How to Register:

  • Eligibility: Age, citizenship, residency.
  • Where to register: Online, DMV, mail, local election office.
  • Deadlines: Don't miss them!

Your vote is your power!

Discuss the significance of voting as a civic duty and how it impacts their lives. Ask if anyone has registered to vote or knows someone who has.

You've Got This! Your Adulting Journey Begins

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding leases protects you.
  • Basic car maintenance keeps you safe and saves money.
  • Voter registration gives you a voice.

Next Steps:

  • Keep learning!
  • Ask questions!
  • Practice these skills.

You are now better equipped for the adventure of adulting!

Summarize the key takeaways and encourage students to feel empowered. Reinforce that these are just starting points.

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Activity

Real-World Scenarios Simulation

Objective: To apply knowledge of leases, car maintenance, and voter registration to solve practical problems.

Instructions:

  1. Work with your group to read and understand your assigned scenario.
  2. Discuss the situation and identify the key problem(s).
  3. Brainstorm possible solutions using the information you learned today.
  4. Outline the steps you would take to resolve the scenario.
  5. Be prepared to share your scenario and solution with the class.

Scenario 1: The Mysterious Leak (Lease Focus)

You've just moved into your first apartment. A week in, you notice a mysterious water stain appearing on the ceiling in your bathroom. It's slowly growing bigger. You remember seeing something about repairs in your lease, but you're not sure what to do.

  • What's the first thing you should do?
  • What information from your lease would be helpful here?
  • Who should you contact, and how?
  • What should you document?













Scenario 2: The Flat Tire Fiasco (Car Maintenance Focus)

You're driving to your new job, and suddenly, your car feels wobbly. You pull over safely and discover one of your tires is completely flat. You've never changed a tire before, but you remember learning about tire pressure.

  • What immediate steps should you take for safety?
  • What basic car maintenance knowledge could have helped prevent this?
  • If you had to change the tire, what tools would you need? (Even if you call for help, it's good to know!)
  • What ongoing maintenance can prevent future flat tire surprises?













Scenario 3: Election Day Dilemma (Voter Registration Focus)

It's election day for local city council, and your friends are all excited to go vote. You're 18 and passionate about local issues, but you realized you never got around to registering. Now you're wondering if it's too late.

  • Can you still vote today? Why or why not?
  • What steps should you have taken earlier to ensure you could vote?
  • What are the typical eligibility requirements for voter registration?
  • How can you make sure you're registered for the next election?












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Worksheet

Adulting Checklist & Resource Map

This guide will help you keep track of important adulting tasks and where to find help!

Section 1: Housing & Leases

  1. Understanding a Lease: Before signing a lease, what are three key things you would look for and understand?









  2. Rental Budget: What expenses, besides rent, might you need to consider when renting an apartment (e.g., utilities, internet, security deposit)?






  3. Local Housing Resources: Where could you look for apartments or rooms for rent in your area? (e.g., websites, local agencies)



Section 2: Car Maintenance Basics

  1. Essential Checks: List three regular car maintenance checks you can do yourself to keep your car running safely.









  2. Emergency Kit: Besides a spare tire, what three items would you keep in a car emergency kit?









  3. Finding a Mechanic: How would you go about finding a trustworthy mechanic if you needed a repair?



Section 3: Civic Engagement: Voter Registration

  1. Eligibility: What are the basic requirements to register to vote in the United States?






  2. Registration Methods: Name two ways you can register to vote.






  3. Important Dates: Why is it important to know voter registration deadlines for upcoming elections?



Section 4: My Personal Adulting Goals & Resources

Think about your own adulting journey. What are some immediate or future goals you have, and what resources might you need?

Adulting Goal (e.g., Save for a car, Learn to cook)Resources I Might Need (e.g., Budgeting app, Recipe website, Family member)
























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Cool Down

My Adulting Confidence Check

Instructions: Please take a few moments to reflect on today's lesson and your feelings about preparing for adult life.

Part 1: Self-Assessment

Rate your confidence level (1 = Not Confident, 5 = Very Confident) for each statement:

  1. I feel more confident about understanding a basic lease agreement.
    1   2   3   4   5

  2. I feel I could perform some basic car maintenance checks (like tire pressure).
    1   2   3   4   5

  3. I understand the steps needed to register to vote.
    1   2   3   4   5

  4. Overall, I feel more prepared for the practical realities of independent adult life after this lesson.
    1   2   3   4   5

Part 2: Reflection

  1. What was the most important thing you learned today that you think will be useful in the future?






  2. What is one area of "adulting" that you still feel you need more information or practice with?






  3. What's one question you still have about navigating independent adult life?






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Navigating Adulting 101 • Lenny Learning