Students will be able to define what college is, identify at least two benefits of attending college, and recognize how their current habits in 6th grade contribute to their future academic and career paths.
Understanding the importance of college early helps students set long-term goals, make informed decisions about their education, and develop positive study habits that will benefit them throughout their academic journey.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual presentation, and reflective activities.
Distribute the Future Dreams Warm-Up or display the prompt on the screen. 2. Ask students to silently reflect and jot down their initial thoughts about their future aspirations. 3. Briefly invite a few volunteers to share one dream or idea they have for their future.
Step 2
Introduction to College: What & Why?
10 minutes
Present the first few slides of the Your Future, Your Choice! Slide Deck focusing on 'What is College?' and 'Why Go to College?' 2. Facilitate a brief discussion, asking students what they already know about college and what new ideas they learned. 3. Emphasize that college isn't just one type of school, but many options like universities, community colleges, and trade schools.
Step 3
Skills for Success NOW!
10 minutes
Continue with the Your Future, Your Choice! Slide Deck, discussing how skills developed in 6th grade (like reading, problem-solving, perseverance) are important for future success. 2. Engage students with questions about how they use these skills in their daily lives and in other subjects. 3. Encourage students to see the connection between their current efforts and their future goals.
Step 4
Cool-Down: My Future Snapshot
5 minutes
Distribute the My Future Snapshot Cool-Down or display the prompt on the screen. 2. Ask students to complete the cool-down, reflecting on one new thing they learned or one goal they have for their future. 3. Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.
Slide Deck
Your Future, Your Choice!
Dreams for tomorrow, decisions today!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of thinking about their future and how college can be a part of it. Use an enthusiastic tone to set a positive atmosphere.
What's Your Future Dream?
What do you imagine yourself doing when you're older?
What kind of amazing things do you want to learn or create?
This slide serves as the warm-up. Encourage students to think broadly about their aspirations, not just careers. Give them about 2 minutes to think or jot down ideas.
What is College, Anyway?
College is a place where people go after high school to continue learning and get special training for careers.
It could be:
A university (4-year degrees)
A community college (2-year degrees, certificates)
A trade school (specific job skills like welding or culinary arts)
It's all about learning more about what you love!
Explain that 'college' is a big term. It includes different types of schools. Provide simple, relatable examples (e.g., a place to learn to be a doctor, an artist, a mechanic, a computer scientist).
Get Ready for Cool Jobs! Many exciting careers require special training.
Meet New People! Make friends from all over and learn from different perspectives.
Become a Problem Solver! Develop critical thinking skills to tackle big challenges.
Grow as a Person! Become more independent and confident.
It helps you build the life you want!
Discuss the various benefits of higher education in an age-appropriate way. Focus on personal growth, new experiences, and the ability to pursue passions, alongside career benefits.
Skills for Success NOW!
Guess what? You're already building skills for your future!
In 6th Grade, you're learning to:
Read and understand: Super important for all learning!
Ask good questions: Shows curiosity and helps you learn.
Solve problems: Whether in math or with friends, it's a key skill.
Keep trying (Perseverance): Don't give up when things get tough!
Work with others: Group projects prepare you for teamwork.
These skills will help you succeed in middle school, high school, and yes, even college!
Emphasize that 'college readiness' starts now. Connect their current classroom efforts (reading, asking questions, completing homework, being a good friend) to the skills needed for future success. Make it empowering.
Your Journey Starts Now!
Every step you take, every new thing you learn, and every challenge you overcome is preparing you for an amazing future.
Keep dreaming big, working hard, and exploring what makes you curious!
What's ONE thing you can do TODAY to help your future self?
Conclude with an inspiring message. Reiterate that every day is a step towards their future. Encourage them to keep dreaming and working hard.
Warm Up
Future Dreams Warm-Up
Instructions: Take a few minutes to think about your future. There are no right or wrong answers! Just let your imagination run free.
What do you imagine yourself doing when you're older? (e.g., job, hobbies, travel, helping others)
What is one amazing thing you want to learn or create in the future?
What kind of person do you hope to become?
Cool Down
My Future Snapshot Cool-Down
Instructions: Before we wrap up, take a moment to reflect on today's discussion about your future and college.
What is one new thing you learned or thought about regarding your future or college today?
What is one small goal you can set for yourself this week that will help you prepare for your amazing future (e.g., read a book, ask a question in class, try your best on homework)?
