Lesson Plan
Treasure Map Journey
By decoding treasure map clues and tackling station challenges, students will identify key workplace skills and reflect on personal strengths to build employability competencies.
Building essential workplace skills—like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—prepares students for future careers. This adventure-driven lesson engages learners in real-world scenarios to boost confidence and skills application.
Audience
8th Grade Small Group
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Adventure-driven clue decoding and hands-on station rotations
Materials
Prep
Materials Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and cut clue cards for each team from the Clue-by-Clue Skill Reveal slide deck
- Print and organize station packets from the Skill Station Challenges for 4 stations
- Make copies of the Map of My Strengths worksheet for each student
- Arrange station signage in different corners of the room
- Gather clipboards, markers, and timers
- Review challenge scenarios and Tier 2 supports (checklists, sentence stems)
Step 1
Warm-Up Hook
5 minutes
- Display the opening treasure map slide from the Clue-by-Clue Skill Reveal
- Pose the question: “What skills would you need to find hidden treasure in a real expedition?”
- Students share ideas with a partner (Tier 2 accommodation: provide sentence starters such as “I think communication is important because …”).
Step 2
Clue Decoding
10 minutes
- Distribute the first set of clue cards to teams
- Teams use critical-thinking skills to decode the workplace skill hidden in each clue
- After decoding, teams report their skill and one real-world example
- Tier 2 support: provide a decoding checklist and one-on-one guidance as needed
Step 3
Station Rotations
20 minutes
- Teams rotate through four stations, each focused on a different employability skill:
- Teamwork Challenge
- Problem-Solving Scenario
- Communication Role-Play
- Time-Management Puzzle
- At each station, students complete the task in their packet from Skill Station Challenges
- Set a 5-minute timer per station; use timers for pacing
- Tier 2 accommodation: pair students strategically and provide a visual checklist at each station
Step 4
Reflection & Mapping
10 minutes
- Distribute the Map of My Strengths
- Students reflect on which skills they excelled at during stations and map their personal strengths
- Prompt: “Which station challenged you the most? Which skill is your treasure?”
- Tier 2 support: offer sentence frames and allow sketch-based responses
Step 5
Closure & Takeaways
5 minutes
- Groups share one strength ‘treasure’ they discovered
- Teacher summarizes the four key workplace skills and real-world applications
- Assign a quick exit ticket: name one new skill you’ll practice this week and how
- Remind students of upcoming opportunities to apply these skills
use Lenny to create lessons.
Slide Deck
Clue-by-Clue Skill Reveal
Welcome, treasure hunters!
Over the next few minutes, you’ll decode four clues to uncover essential workplace skills.
Get your thinking caps on and ready to share your guesses!
Welcome students to the treasure map adventure! Explain that each clue will lead to an important workplace skill. Encourage curiosity and participation.
Clue 1
“I help you share your ideas clearly and pay attention when others speak.
Without me, messages get lost along the trail.”
What skill am I?
Read the clue aloud and invite teams to discuss: Which skill helps you share ideas and listen well? After 30 seconds, call on a group to answer.
Revealed: Communication
Definition: Exchanging information clearly through speaking, listening, and nonverbal cues.
Examples:
- Clearly explaining a plan to your team
- Listening actively in group discussions
- Using gestures or visuals to support your message
Reveal the answer: Communication. Highlight that effective communication includes speaking, listening, and body language. Ask students for real-world examples.
Clue 2
“I’m the glue that holds a crew together.
With me, everyone chips in, shares tasks, and celebrates success.”
What skill am I?
Present Clue 2 and let students decode. Prompt: Which skill helps groups succeed together?
Revealed: Teamwork
Definition: Working with others toward a common goal, sharing ideas, responsibilities, and credit.
Examples:
- Dividing tasks to build a project together
- Brainstorming as a group to solve a challenge
- Supporting teammates when they struggle
Reveal Teamwork. Emphasize collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility. Ask students to name a time they worked as a team.
Clue 3
“I’m the secret map to solutions when obstacles appear.
I help you break down puzzles and find new paths forward.”
What skill am I?
Display Clue 3 and encourage students to think of situations where they’ve tackled problems. Foster discussion.
Revealed: Problem-Solving
Definition: Identifying challenges, generating options, evaluating solutions, and taking action.
Examples:
- Troubleshooting a technical issue
- Designing a workaround when resources are limited
- Adapting plans when circumstances change
Reveal Problem-Solving. Discuss steps: identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, evaluate, and implement. Invite examples.
Clue 4
“I turn chaos into order by setting priorities.
With me, you meet deadlines and balance tasks like a pro.”
What skill am I?
Introduce Clue 4. Ask: Which skill keeps you on track through deadlines and goals?
Revealed: Time Management
Definition: Organizing and allocating time effectively to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
Examples:
- Creating a to-do list and ranking tasks
- Using a timer to stay focused
- Planning breaks to maintain energy
Reveal Time Management. Stress planning, prioritizing, and using tools like calendars or timers. Ask students for personal time-management tips.
Your Skills Treasure Chest
You’ve uncovered four essential workplace skills:
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
Keep these treasures in mind as you journey through our station challenges!
Summarize the four skills. Reinforce that these are the 'treasures' they’ll uncover at each station in the lesson. Transition to station activities.
Which Skill Is Your Treasure?
• Which of these skills feels like your greatest strength?
• Which skill would you like to sharpen on our expedition?
Share your choice with your group and explain why!
Prompt students to reflect on which skill resonates most with them. Use responses to form teams or support groups.
Activity
Skill Station Challenges
Overview:
Students will rotate through four 5-minute stations, each focused on a key workplace skill. At each station, teams read a scenario, follow step-by-step instructions, complete the challenge, and answer reflection questions. Tier 2 supports (checklists and sentence stems) are provided to scaffold learning.
Materials for Each Station:
- Station packet with scenario & instructions
- Timer (set to 5 minutes)
- Tier 2 checklist
- Sentence stem cards
Station 1: Teamwork Challenge
Skill: Teamwork
Time: 5 minutes
Scenario:
Your crew must build a freestanding tower at least 30 cm tall using only 10 sheets of paper and tape.
Instructions:
- Plan your tower design.
- Assign roles (e.g., designer, builder, tester).
- Build your tower.
- Test stability and refine.
Reflection Questions:
- How did you decide on roles?
- What strategy helped your team succeed?
Tier 2 Support:
Checklist:
- Identify roles quickly
- Share one idea each
- Listen when teammates speak
- Offer help when someone is stuck
Sentence Stems:
- “I suggested that we…”
- “My role was…”
- “I supported my teammate by…”
Station 2: Problem-Solving Scenario
Skill: Problem-Solving
Time: 5 minutes
Scenario:
At the school bake sale, price labels are wrong on almost every item, causing confusion and long lines.
Instructions:
- Identify the main problem.
- Brainstorm at least three possible solutions.
- Choose the best solution and write why it will work.
Reflection Questions:
- Which step was the hardest and why?
- Why did you choose your solution over the others?
Tier 2 Support:
Checklist:
- State the problem clearly
- List three solutions
- Compare pros and cons
- Pick one solution and explain
Sentence Stems:
- “The problem is…”
- “One possible solution is…”
- “I chose this solution because…”
Station 3: Communication Role-Play
Skill: Communication
Time: 5 minutes
Scenario:
Pair up. One student is a customer requesting a refund for a defective item; the other is a service representative resolving the issue.
Instructions:
- Customer explains the problem.
- Rep listens, asks clarifying questions.
- Rep proposes a solution.
- Close politely and confirm customer satisfaction.
Reflection Questions:
- How did you show active listening?
- Which question helped you understand the issue best?
Tier 2 Support:
Checklist:
- Greet politely
- Use “I” messages (e.g., “I understand…”)
- Ask at least two questions
- Summarize the customer’s concern
Sentence Stems:
- “I hear that…”
- “Can you tell me more about…”
- “Here’s what I can do…”
Station 4: Time-Management Puzzle
Skill: Time Management
Time: 5 minutes
Scenario:
You have 60 minutes free to:
- Complete homework (20 min)
- Walk the dog (15 min)
- Practice instrument (25 min)
Instructions:
- Use the timeline worksheet to block out each task.
- Include at least one short break (5 min).
- Make sure all tasks fit in 60 min.
Reflection Questions:
- Why did you schedule tasks in that order?
- How did you plan for your break?
Tier 2 Support:
Checklist:
- List tasks with durations
- Draw time blocks in order
- Add a break slot
- Check total equals 60 minutes
Sentence Stems:
- “I scheduled ___ first because…”
- “I added a break to…”
- “This plan works because…”
After all rotations, reconvene to share insights and complete the Map of My Strengths.
Worksheet
Map of My Strengths
Use this worksheet to chart the workplace skills you uncovered on our treasure hunt. Draw your own treasure map, label your skill “islands,” and reflect on your personal strengths and growth areas.
Part 1: Draw Your Skills Treasure Map
On the blank space below, draw an island map.
• Create at least four islands and label each with one of the skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Time Management.
• Use symbols or colors to show how strong you feel in each skill.
Part 2: Reflection Questions
-
Which island (skill) is your greatest strength? Explain why this skill is your treasure.
-
Which island (skill) do you want to strengthen further? Describe one action you will take this week to practice it.
-
Think about a future job, project, or group activity. How could each of these skills help you succeed?
When you finish, be prepared to share your map and reflections with your group. Then, keep this worksheet as a reminder of the strengths you’ve uncovered and the skills you’ll continue to develop!