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Road to Tomorrow

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For Schools

Lesson Plan

Road to Tomorrow

Students will explore the concept of college and career readiness, understand why planning for their future matters, and identify personal interests and strengths to kickstart goal-setting.

Introducing college and career readiness early fosters self-awareness and a growth mindset. Students connect their interests to long-term goals, boosting motivation and laying the groundwork for future success.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive slides and a hands-on reflection activity.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Road to Tomorrow Slide Deck to become familiar with each slide’s talking points.
  • Print one copy of the Interest and Strengths Worksheet for every student.
  • Gather Chart Paper, Markers, and Sticky Notes for the group sharing activity.
  • Arrange classroom seating to facilitate whole-group discussion and easy access to materials.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

3 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce today’s topic: college and career readiness.
  • Display Slide 1 of the Road to Tomorrow Slide Deck.
  • Share the lesson objective: understanding future planning, discovering interests, and linking them to goals.

Step 2

Explore College and Careers

5 minutes

  • Ask: “What is college? What is a career?” and invite quick Think-Pair-Share.
  • Use Slides 2–4 to define college, careers, and why planning early matters.
  • Highlight real-life examples of professionals and how they used education to reach goals.

Step 3

Interest & Strengths Activity

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Interest and Strengths Worksheet and Sticky Notes.
  • Instruct students to list 2–3 personal interests and 2–3 strengths on their worksheet.
  • Have students write one item per sticky note and post them on Chart Paper under “Interests” and “Strengths.”
  • Circulate to support students and prompt deeper reflection.

Step 4

Share & Reflect

4 minutes

  • Invite 3–4 volunteers to share one interest and one strength they posted.
  • Emphasize how these qualities can guide future learning and career choices.
  • Conclude by reinforcing that planning helps turn interests into tangible goals and encourages a growth mindset.
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Slide Deck

Road to Tomorrow

Welcome, 5th graders! Today we’ll explore what college and careers are and start planning our futures.

Greet students, introduce yourself, and set a positive tone. Explain that today’s journey is called “Road to Tomorrow.”

What Is College?

• A school you attend after high school
• A place to learn more about subjects you love
• A stepping stone to certain careers

Define college in kid-friendly language. Ask for quick examples of places they’ve heard of.

What Is a Career?

• A long-term job or profession
• Something you train and grow in over time
• Often connected to what you’re passionate about

Explain difference between any job and a career. Invite a student to name a career they know.

Why Plan Early?

• Sets clear goals so you know what to learn next
• Builds confidence as you track progress
• Turns interests into real future paths

Highlight reasons to start thinking early. Use a map or journey metaphor.

Real-Life Examples

  1. Maria loved drawing—now she’s a graphic designer.
  2. Jamal enjoyed puzzles—today he’s an engineer.

Share two brief stories: e.g., an engineer who loved building in middle school, a nurse inspired by helping family.

Your Interests & Strengths

Think of 2–3 things you enjoy and 2–3 things you do well. Then share with a partner.

Introduce the Think-Pair-Share: let students talk with a neighbor.

Activity: Interests & Strengths

  1. Grab your Interest and Strengths Worksheet.
  2. List each interest and strength, one per sticky note.
  3. Place notes under the chart headings: “Interests” or “Strengths.”

Explain the worksheet and sticky note process step by step.

Share & Reflect

• Who wants to share one interest and one strength?
• How might these guide your learning or future career?

Invite volunteers. Model sharing first if needed.

Wrap Up & Next Steps

• Planning helps you reach your dreams.
• Use your interests and strengths as a guide.
• Keep exploring and growing every day!

Summarize key takeaways. Encourage growth mindset and set up future lessons.

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Activity

Interests & Strengths Worksheet

Instructions:

  1. Think of 2–3 things you enjoy doing (your interests).
  2. Think of 2–3 things you do well (your strengths).
  3. Write each item on its own line.
  4. Use the drawing area to illustrate one of your interests or strengths.

My Interests

(Write 2–3 things you enjoy doing)












My Strengths

(Write 2–3 things you are good at)












Draw It!

(Draw a picture that shows one of your interests or strengths)

















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