Lesson Plan
Your ACT Toolkit for Life
Students will be able to create a personal plan that integrates at least three ACT skills to navigate a future challenge.
Understanding how ACT skills translate beyond test scores empowers students to tackle real-world obstacles with confidence and a strategic mindset.
Audience
9th-11th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive review, personalized planning, and peer sharing.
Materials
Your ACT Toolkit Slides, My ACT Journey Review Sheet, and Commitment to Practice Project
Prep
Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan, Your ACT Toolkit Slides, My ACT Journey Review Sheet, and Commitment to Practice Project.
- Ensure projector/screen is set up for slides.
- Make copies of the My ACT Journey Review Sheet for each student.
- Prepare a space for a gallery walk, if possible, or an alternative for sharing projects virtually.
Step 1
Review the 6 Processes
10 minutes
- Begin with the Your ACT Toolkit Slides to review the 6 core processes.
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "Which of these processes do you already use in your daily life? How?"
Step 2
Personal ACT Plan Creation
10 minutes
- Distribute the My ACT Journey Review Sheet.
- Guide students through identifying a future challenge and brainstorming how at least three ACT skills can help them navigate it.
- Encourage students to think practically and creatively.
Step 3
Gallery Walk & Celebration
5 minutes
- Have students display their completed My ACT Journey Review Sheet or briefly share their plans with a partner.
- If time permits, allow a few volunteers to share their plans with the whole class.
Step 4
Peer Appreciations
3 minutes
- Ask students to provide one positive comment or idea to a peer regarding their ACT plan.
- Emphasize constructive and supportive feedback.
Step 5
Moving Forward Pledge
2 minutes
- Introduce the Commitment to Practice Project as an optional extension.
- Encourage students to think about how they can continue to apply these skills.
- Conclude by emphasizing that their ACT toolkit is a valuable asset for life.
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Slide Deck
Your ACT Toolkit for Life
More than just a test... a set of skills for YOUR life!
Welcome students and introduce the idea of ACT skills being useful beyond the test. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear 'ACT'. Transition to the idea of a 'toolkit for life'.
The 6 Core Processes: A Quick Review
- Acceptance: Acknowledging thoughts/feelings without judgment.
- Cognitive Defusion: Stepping back from thoughts.
- Being Present: Focusing on the here and now.
- Self as Context: Observing thoughts/feelings from a detached perspective.
- Values: What truly matters to you.
- Committed Action: Taking steps aligned with your values.
Review each of the 6 core processes. Ask students to give a quick thumbs up if they've heard of or used this skill before. Encourage brief examples.
Crafting Your Personal ACT Plan
How can ACT skills help you with your real-life challenges?
- Identify a future challenge.
- Choose at least three ACT skills.
- Develop a plan to use them.
Explain that students will now apply these concepts. Introduce the My ACT Journey Review Sheet and explain the task of creating a personal plan.
Share Your Journey
Walk around, see your classmates' plans, and share your own!
- What challenge did they choose?
- Which ACT skills did they incorporate?
- What's one positive takeaway or idea you have for them?
Explain the 'gallery walk' concept (or partner sharing). Emphasize positive and constructive feedback. Encourage students to look for creative applications of ACT skills.
Your ACT Toolkit: For Life!
These skills aren't just for tests – they're for your life, your challenges, and your growth.
Keep practicing! What's your pledge?
Conclude by reiterating the value of these skills and introduce the optional Commitment to Practice Project.
Worksheet
My ACT Journey Review Sheet
Name: _____________________________
Part 1: Your Future Challenge
Think about a challenge you might face in the future (e.g., a difficult project, a big decision, a stressful event, a personal goal). Describe it below.
Part 2: Your ACT Toolkit Plan
Now, let's build your ACT Toolkit for this challenge! Choose at least three of the 6 Core ACT Processes we reviewed and explain how you would use each skill to navigate your chosen challenge.
ACT Skill 1: _____________________________
How will you use this skill?
ACT Skill 2: _____________________________
How will you use this skill?
ACT Skill 3: _____________________________
How will you use this skill?
Part 3: Reflection
What is one new insight you gained about using ACT skills in your daily life?
Project Guide
Commitment to Practice Project
Objective
To actively apply and reflect on the use of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) skills in a real-life situation outside of the classroom.
Project Overview
Choose one of the ACT skills we discussed (Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Being Present, Self as Context, Values, or Committed Action) and intentionally practice it in your daily life over the next week. Document your experience and reflect on its impact.
Deliverables
1. Skill Selection & Initial Plan
- Choose one ACT skill you want to focus on practicing.
- Briefly explain why you chose this skill and how you plan to incorporate it into your week.
2. Practice Log (Journal Entries)
- Over the course of the week, make at least three journal entries documenting your practice.
- For each entry, describe:
- When and where you practiced the skill.
- What happened (the situation or challenge you faced).
- How you applied the ACT skill.
- What you noticed or learned from the experience.
- Any challenges you faced or insights you gained.
Journal Entry 1:
Journal Entry 2:
Journal Entry 3:
3. Final Reflection
- After a week of practice, write a short reflection (1-2 paragraphs) summarizing your overall experience.
- Address the following questions:
- Was it easier or harder than you expected to practice this skill?
- How did using the ACT skill impact your experience or your response to the challenge?
- Do you plan to continue using this skill? Why or why not?
- What is one piece of advice you would give to someone else trying to practice this ACT skill?
Submission
This project is an opportunity for personal growth and is not formally graded. However, sharing your experience (optional) with a small group or the class can further deepen your understanding and inspire others.
Due Date
Optional: One week from today.