Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce participants to project independence by identifying resource gaps and learning basic project mapping steps, setting the stage for deeper skills in subsequent sessions.
Starting with self-assessment of available resources and a simple map gives participants awareness of their current practices, highlights improvement areas, and builds confidence early in the series.
Audience
Experienced Publishers (Adult Professionals)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive activity + scaffolded mini-lesson
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Session 1 Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with talking points.
- Ensure digital copies of the Project Mapping Template and Resource Inventory Worksheet are ready to share or print.
- Set up a shared workspace (Google Docs, whiteboard) for participants to collaborate on mapping.
Step 1
Welcome & Objectives
5 minutes
- Greet participants and outline the session goals.
- Briefly recap the overall Project Pathfinder series purpose.
- Display slide 2 of Session 1 Slide Deck showing today’s agenda.
Step 2
Resource Gap Identification
10 minutes
- Distribute the Resource Inventory Worksheet.
- Ask participants to list all tools, people, and information they currently use for a recent project.
- In pairs, have them discuss missing resources or underutilized assets.
- Facilitate a brief share-out of top resource gaps.
Step 3
Mapping Basics Mini-Lesson
10 minutes
- Introduce key elements of a project map (tasks, milestones, dependencies) using slide 5 of Session 1 Slide Deck.
- Distribute the Project Mapping Template.
- Model mapping a simple project (e.g., releasing a newsletter) step-by-step.
- Invite participants to sketch the first two steps of their own project map.
Step 4
Reflection & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Prompt participants to reflect: What resource gap surprised you? How might mapping alleviate it?
- Highlight how Session 2 will build on mapping by adding time and priority layers.
- Assign a quick take-home: complete the first draft of your project map for next session.
Slide Deck
Project Pathfinder: Session 1
Building Resource Awareness & Mapping Basics
Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and the Project Pathfinder series. Explain that today’s focus is on identifying resource gaps and learning the basic steps of project mapping. Encourage participation and set a supportive tone.
Session Agenda
- Resource Gap Identification (10 min)
- Project Mapping Basics Mini-Lesson (10 min)
- Reflection & Next Steps (5 min)
- Take-home Assignment
Briefly walk through each item so participants know what to expect. Highlight the interactive activities and the takeaway assignments.
Resource Gap Identification
• List all tools, people, and information used in a recent project
• In pairs, discuss missing or underutilized resources
• Share top 2–3 gaps with the group
Distribute the Resource Inventory Worksheet. Give clear instructions and monitor pair discussions. Encourage participants to note surprising gaps.
Project Mapping Basics
Key Elements of a Project Map:
• Tasks: discrete actions to complete
• Milestones: major checkpoints
• Dependencies: order and relationships
• Outcomes: desired results
Distribute Project Mapping Template.
Use this slide to introduce the key elements before handing out the mapping template. Emphasize how each component contributes to clarity.
Example: Newsletter Launch Map
- Select topic → 2. Draft outline → 3. Write content → 4. Review & edit → 5. Design layout → 6. Schedule send
Dependencies:
• Editing follows drafting
• Design follows editing
Walk through each step of the newsletter launch example, pointing out dependencies and milestones. Invite questions before participants sketch their own map.
Reflection & Next Steps
Reflection Questions:
• What resource gap surprised you?
• How might mapping help address it?
Next Steps:
• Complete first draft of your project map
• Bring your draft to Session 2
Prompt reflection verbally, then display this. Assign the draft map take-home. Preview how Session 2 will build on this foundation.
Activity
Resource Gap Activity
Objective: Help participants identify and discuss gaps in their current project resources to build awareness of underused or missing supports.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Resource Inventory Worksheet
- Timer or clock
- Whiteboard or shared digital doc for note‐taking
Instructions
- Individual Brainstorm (4 minutes)
- Distribute the Resource Inventory Worksheet.
- Ask each participant to list all tools, people, and information they used in a recent project.
- Encourage bullet points and brief phrases.
- Distribute the Resource Inventory Worksheet.
- Pair Discussion (4 minutes)
- Have participants pair up.
- Share and compare lists using these guiding prompts:
• “I found ___ helpful, but I wish I had ___ because ___.”
• “One resource I underused was ___. I could leverage it by ___.” - Rotate roles so both partners speak and listen.
- Have participants pair up.
- Group Share-Out (2 minutes)
- Invite 2–3 pairs to share their top resource gap with the whole group.
- Record these gaps on a whiteboard or shared doc for everyone to see.
- Invite 2–3 pairs to share their top resource gap with the whole group.
Accessibility & Scaffolding
To ensure all participants can fully engage, provide:
- Sentence Starters: Printed on the worksheet to support language processing.
- Multi-Modal Response Options: Allow typing, drawing, or voice‐recorded responses for brainstorming.
- Chunked Instructions: Break each step into small, numbered actions.
- Extra Processing Time: Prompt participants to pause for 5 seconds before responding in discussions.
- Visual Icons: Use simple icons for “tool,” “person,” and “information” categories on the worksheet.
Next Steps: Collect the completed worksheets. Highlight how recognizing these gaps will inform the project mapping activity in the next session.
Game
Mapping Relay Race
Objective: Reinforce understanding of project mapping components and foster collaboration by having teams sequentially build a project map under time pressure.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Large flipchart paper or shared digital whiteboard
- Markers or digital pens in different colors
- Timer or stopwatch
- (Optional) Sample project scenario cards for inspiration
Instructions
- Form Teams (1 minute)
- Divide participants into teams of 3–4. Each team stands before their own flipchart or shares a digital canvas.
- Set the Relay (1 minute)
- Explain that each team will build a project map one step at a time. Emphasize inclusion of tasks, milestones, and dependencies.
- Run the Relay (6 minutes)
- On “Go,” the first team member writes or draws the project’s first task or goal at the top of the chart, then passes the marker to the next person.
- The second person adds the next task, milestone, or draws arrows to indicate dependencies.
- Continue in relay fashion until each member has added at least one element or until the project map is complete.
- Teams shout “Done!” when they believe the map includes all key steps and relationships. Stop the timer.
- Gallery Walk & Feedback (2 minutes)
- Each team briefly presents their map to a partner team.
- Partner teams identify one strength (e.g., clear milestone) and one suggestion (e.g., missing dependency).
Debrief Questions
- Which component (task, milestone, dependency) was easiest to add? Which was hardest?
- How did the relay format influence your communication and clarity?
- In what ways can this rapid mapping approach help you in your own projects?
Accessibility & Scaffolding
- Sentence Starters: Provide prompts like “Next I’ll add ___ because ___.“
- Visual Icons: Offer simple task/milestone arrow stickers or digital icons to speed up drawing.
- Flexible Roles: Allow participants to dictate verbally while a scribe draws.
- Chunked Timing: Give 30-second warnings and pause for 5 seconds before each handoff.
- Multi-Modal Input: Let participants type, sketch, or use voice memos if drawing is challenging.
Next Steps: Highlight how the communication and mapping practice here will feed into adding time and priority layers in Session 2.
Rubric
Project Pathfinder Series Rubric
This rubric evaluates participant growth across the five sessions of Project Pathfinder. Each criterion aligns with our learning objectives—building independence, leveraging resources, creating accurate project maps, prioritizing tasks effectively, and collaborating with peers. Participants earn a score from 1 (Beginning) to 4 (Exemplary) on each criterion.
| Criterion | 1 – Beginning | 2 – Developing | 3 – Proficient | 4 – Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Independence | Requires frequent instructor prompts; waits for direction on next steps. | Occasionally seeks guidance but can complete simple tasks with minimal support. | Identifies own tasks and proceeds with little to no prompting; asks precise questions when needed. | Anticipates obstacles, self-initiates solutions, and mentors peers in independent project planning. |
| Resource Utilization | Overlooks available tools/people; seldom consults shared materials. | Recognizes some resources but inconsistently integrates them into work. | Regularly uses templates, worksheets, and peer support to solve problems. | Innovatively adapts and shares resources; creates new templates or protocols to optimize team workflows. |
| Project Mapping Accuracy | Map lacks clear tasks, milestones or dependencies; steps are missing or illogical. | Basic map structure is present but may omit key milestones or mis-order dependencies. | Map is complete, with logical tasks, milestones, and dependencies clearly defined. | Map is comprehensive and detailed; includes contingency paths, outcomes, and clear visual hierarchy. |
| Prioritization & Time Management | Task sequence is unclear; time estimates missing or unrealistic. | Develops a rough timeline but struggles to balance priorities or adjust when delays occur. | Creates a realistic schedule with prioritized tasks; adjusts plan proactively as needed. | Proactively sequences tasks by impact and risk; uses color-coding or tools to communicate timeframes and priorities. |
| Collaboration & Communication | Rarely participates in discussions; feedback to peers is minimal or off-topic. | Joins group work but occasionally requires prompts to contribute; feedback is general. | Engages constructively; offers specific feedback, asks clarifying questions, and listens actively. | Leads discussions; synthesizes group input into actionable next steps; facilitates inclusive collaboration. |
Scoring Guide:
• 1 (Beginning): Emerging awareness; significant growth needed.
• 2 (Developing): Some mastery of fundamentals; continued practice required.
• 3 (Proficient): Meets session objectives independently.
• 4 (Exemplary): Exceeds expectations; models best practices for others.
Use this rubric at the end of Session 5 to assess overall progress and identify next steps for ongoing development.
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Build on your initial project map by adding realistic time estimates and priority levels to tasks, increasing your scheduling accuracy and focus.
Layering time and priority onto project maps helps clarify task sequencing, manage workloads, and ensure high-impact tasks receive attention, boosting independence in planning.
Audience
Experienced Publishers (Adult Professionals)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided mini-lesson + paired mapping activity
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Session 2 Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with talking points.
- Ensure digital copies of the Time & Priority Mapping Template and Priority Color-Coding Guide are ready to share or print.
- Gather color-coding tools (stickers or digital icons) and set up a shared workspace for mapping.
Step 1
Welcome & Objectives
5 minutes
- Greet participants and recap the take-home assignment from Session 1.
- Introduce today’s goal: adding time estimates and priority levels to your project maps.
- Display slide 2 of the Session 2 Slide Deck showing the agenda.
Step 2
Time & Priority Layers Mini-Lesson
10 minutes
- Using slide 4 of the Session 2 Slide Deck, explain how to estimate task durations (ranges vs. exact times).
- On slide 5, introduce priority coding: High/Medium/Low and discuss criteria for each.
- Distribute the Time & Priority Mapping Template.
- Model adding a time range and priority dot to a sample task.
Step 3
Pair Priority Mapping Activity
10 minutes
- Ask participants to open their draft map from take-home and their Time & Priority Mapping Template.
- In pairs, add realistic time estimates to each task and apply color codes per the Priority Color-Coding Guide.
- Use sentence starters: “I estimate this task takes __ because __.” and “This is a __ priority because __.”
- Provide multi-modal options (typing, drawing, or sticky notes) and allow 5 seconds processing time before each discussion.
- Circulate to support and prompt trade-off discussions: “If Task A runs long, how might that affect Task B?”
Step 4
Group Discussion & Reflection
5 minutes
- Invite one or two pairs to share a key insight: Did time or priority change how you view the project’s flow?
- Facilitate a brief discussion: How will these layers help you manage upcoming deadlines?
- Preview Session 3: aligning resources to your time-prioritized map.
- Assign take-home: finalize time and priority layers and bring your updated map to Session 3.
Slide Deck
Project Pathfinder: Session 2
Adding Time Estimates & Priority Levels
Welcome back! Briefly recap the take-home: participants drafted their initial project maps. Explain today’s goal: layering in realistic time ranges and priority levels. Encourage questions as we go.
Session 2 Agenda
- Welcome & Objectives (5 min)
- Estimating Task Durations (5 min)
- Priority Coding (5 min)
- Pair Mapping Activity (10 min)
- Reflection & Next Steps (5 min)
Walk through each agenda item, linking to the draft maps they’ve already begun. Emphasize that we’ll first learn how to estimate time, then assign priority, and finally practice in pairs.
Estimating Task Durations
• Choose exact vs. range estimates
• Base on prior experience or similar tasks
• Include buffer for reviews and delays
Distribute Time & Priority Mapping Template.
Explain methods for estimating durations:
- Use ranges (e.g., 1–2 hrs) when uncertain
- Leverage past projects for reference
- Factor in review and buffer time
Show how to note estimates beside each task.
Priority Coding Guide
Priority Levels:
• High (🔴): Must complete on schedule
• Medium (🟡): Important but adjustable
• Low (🟢): Optional or future phase
Refer to Priority Color-Coding Guide.
Introduce High/Medium/Low priorities:
- High: critical path items or looming deadlines
- Medium: important but flexible timing
- Low: nice-to-have or optional tasks
Show color-coding conventions from the guide.
Example: Adding Time & Priority
Task: Draft outline
• Time estimate: 1–1.5 hrs
• Priority: 🔴 High
Task: Design graphics
• Time estimate: 2–3 hrs
• Priority: 🟡 Medium
Model on a sample task:
“Draft outline” → estimate: 1–1.5 hrs; priority: 🔴 High
Walk through your thought process and refer back to the template and color guide.
Reflection & Next Steps
Reflection Questions:
• How did time estimates alter your sequence?
• Which tasks shifted in priority and why?
Next Steps:
• Complete time/priority layers
• Bring updated map to Session 3
Invite participants to share an insight or challenge. Remind them of Session 3 focus. Assign take-home: finalize their time & priority layers and bring the updated map.
Activity
Priority Mapping Activity
Objective: Apply realistic time estimates and priority levels to your project map to enhance scheduling accuracy and focus.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Your draft project map (from Session 1 take-home)
- Time & Priority Mapping Template
- Priority Color-Coding Guide
- Sticky notes or digital comments (optional)
Instructions
- Pair Up & Prepare (1 minute)
• Form pairs; ensure both partners can view each other’s draft maps.
• Distribute the Time & Priority Mapping Template. - Estimate Task Durations (4 minutes)
• Working together, review each task on your draft map.
• Record a realistic time estimate next to each task, using ranges when uncertain.
• Use the sentence starter: “I estimate this task takes ___ because ___.”
- Assign Priority Levels (3 minutes)
• Refer to the Priority Color-Coding Guide.
• Apply 🔴 (High), 🟡 (Medium), or 🟢 (Low) priority dots next to each task.
• Use the sentence starter: “This is a ___ priority because ___.”
- Discuss Trade-Offs (2 minutes)
• Consider dependencies: “If Task A runs long, how might that affect Task B?”
• Offer suggestions on adjusting time or priority to keep the project on track.
Accessibility & Scaffolding
- Chunked Prompts: Each step is clearly numbered with its own time limit.
- Sentence Starters: Provided for both time and priority explanations.
- Multi-Modal Options: Allow typing, drawing, or voice notes for estimates and priorities.
- Processing Time: Pause for 5 seconds before each discussion prompt.
Next Steps
- Finalize your time estimates and priority coding as take-home.
- Bring your updated map to Session 3, where we’ll align resources to your time-prioritized plan.
Discussion
Time-Priority Trade-Off Discussion
Objective: Reflect on how adding time estimates and priority levels influences project sequencing, resource decisions, and risk management.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials:
- Your paired map with time & priority layers
- Time & Priority Mapping Template
- Priority Color-Coding Guide
Discussion Instructions
- Pair Share (2 minutes)
• In your pair, take turns responding to these prompts (30 seconds each):
- “One task whose priority surprised me was ___ because ___.”
- “I adjusted my sequence when I saw ___ would take longer; I moved ___ earlier.”
- Whole-Group Reflection (3 minutes)
• Invite 2–3 volunteers to share a key insight from their pair.
• Use these guiding questions to deepen the conversation:- How did time estimates change your understanding of your project’s critical path?
- Which high-priority tasks will you tackle first, and how will that influence resource needs?
- If a high-priority task overruns its estimate, what’s your backup plan?
Facilitator Tips & Scaffolding
- Sentence Starters: Post: “I noticed ___,” “I plan to ___ next.”
- Visual Timer: Show a 30-second countdown for each share.
- Multi-Modal Response: Allow participants to speak, type in chat, or sketch a quick note.
- Encourage Connection: Highlight links between one group’s insight and another’s: “Like Sarah noted, ___ also came up for John.”
Next Steps: Capture major takeaways on a shared board. Preview how Session 3 will align these time-priority maps with available resources to optimize your plan.