Lesson Plan

Self-Discovery Exploration

Guide the senior to identify personal strengths, interests, and core values through structured reflection activities, culminating in a clear set of insights and preliminary goals for post-high school planning.

Self-awareness forms the foundation for informed post-graduation choices. By articulating their strengths, interests, and values, students gain clarity and confidence in selecting suitable pathways.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Interest Inventory

7 minutes

Step 3

Strengths Assessment

7 minutes

Step 4

Values Clarification

5 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

6 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 1: Self-Discovery Exploration

Welcome the student, set a supportive tone, and explain that today’s session focuses on uncovering personal strengths, interests, and values.

Objectives

Point to each objective, ensuring the student understands why it matters.

Warm-Up Activity

Ask the icebreaker question and jot down the response. Use it later to connect to goal-setting.

Interest Inventory

Hand out the Interest Inventory Survey. Give 5–7 minutes for completion, then discuss.

Guided Questions: Interests

Use guiding questions to deepen the student’s insight into their interests.

Strengths Assessment

Provide the Strengths Assessment Chart. Encourage elaboration.

Values Clarification

Lay out the Values Clarification Cards. Ask the student to explain how each value guides decisions.

Reflection Worksheet

Use the Self-Discovery Reflection Worksheet to capture all insights and start drafting goals.

Visual Prompt: Future Self

Present a blank paper or digital canvas for the student to visualize their future.

Closing Reflection & Journaling

Summarize today’s breakthroughs and set the stage for Session 2.

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Exploring Pathways

Guide the senior to research and evaluate various post–high school pathways—college, trade programs, workforce, etc.—and align options with their strengths and interests, culminating in a comparative analysis for informed decision-making.

Understanding different pathways and matching them to personal insights empowers students to choose realistic, fulfilling next steps after graduation.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather and Prepare Research Resources

5 minutes

Step 1

Recap & Orientation

5 minutes

Step 2

Overview of Pathways

5 minutes

Step 3

Research Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Comparison & Alignment

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 2: Exploring Pathways

Welcome back! Quick recap of Session 1 self-discovery insights and set the tone for today’s exploration of real options.

Objectives

Walk through each objective so the student knows the session’s roadmap.

Recap & Orientation

Use the Pathways Exploration Worksheet to revisit their insights and goals.

Overview of Post-High School Pathways

Briefly introduce each pathway and highlight decision factors.

Research Activity

Guide the student to use the research template for systematic investigation.

Comparison & Alignment

Show how to transfer data into the comparison chart and discuss findings.

Reflection & Next Steps

Encourage reflection and planning for follow-up actions.

Preview: Session 3 – Your Transition Action Plan

Set expectations for Session 3 and get the student excited about actionable next steps.

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Transition Action Plan

Empower the senior to create a personalized, step-by-step transition action plan—with SMART goals, timelines, resources, and accountability measures—to confidently navigate post–high school next steps.

A concrete plan transforms insights and research into actionable steps, boosting student ownership, motivation, and likelihood of a successful transition after graduation.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials & Student Profile

5 minutes

Step 1

Recap & Session Goals

5 minutes

Step 2

Define SMART Goals

7 minutes

Step 3

Map Steps & Resources

8 minutes

Step 4

Establish Timeline

5 minutes

Step 5

Accountability & Next Steps

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 3: Your Transition Action Plan

Welcome back! Quickly revisit your journey so far and introduce today’s focus on turning your research into an actionable plan.

Objectives

Walk through each objective so the student knows the roadmap for today.

Recap: Insights & Pathways

Anchor today’s work in the insights and pathway research completed in Sessions 1 and 2.

Define SMART Goals

Introduce the SMART framework and guide the student to apply it.

Map Steps & Resources

Show how to deconstruct SMART goals into smaller steps and list supports.

Plot Your Timeline

Guide the student to visualize deadlines and pacing.

Set Accountability

Emphasize the importance of regular check-ins and accountability.

Next Steps & Encouragement

Wrap up and motivate the student to begin implementing their plan.