Objective(s):

Students will…

Materials & Resources:

Physical Space:

The classroom setup should be left to the teacher's discretion, providing ample space for easy movement while monitoring student progress. A designated area should be established for one-on-one time between the teacher and students to connect and reflect on the lesson.

Part 1: Intro to Content (1 Minute)

Say: "Welcome, everyone, to The Funnel! Today, we’re going to look at the future in a whole new way. Instead of just asking, 'What job do you want when you grow up?' we’re going to start with a big-picture question: 'What kind of life do you want?' This will help us build a strong foundation for your future."

Explain: "We’ll explore three main ideas today. First, you’ll imagine your ideal lifestyle. Then, we’ll think about what makes you awesome—your unique strengths. Finally, we’ll connect different career paths to your strengths and dreams."

Part 2: Group Discussion (1 Minute)

Ask: "Let’s start with a quick question to get us thinking about what makes each of you unique. Who can share one thing they’re really good at or something they love doing?"

Wait for a few responses (encourage sharing briefly to create an open atmosphere).

Acknowledge: "Thank you for sharing! Each of you has something unique that’s worth celebrating. Remember, those strengths can shape the kind of life you want to build, not just in a career but in how you live day to day."

Part 3: Prompt to Start the Lesson (1 Minute)

Transition: "Now that we’ve started thinking about your unique strengths, let’s begin our journey through The Funnel!"

Prompt: "Imagine your ideal life—beyond jobs or titles. Think about the type of place you want to live, the people you want to have around you, and how you want to spend your days. We’ll start with 'Lifestyle First' to create a vision of the life that makes you happiest."

Encourage Engagement: "Grab your notebooks and jot down a few words or ideas as we dive into creating your vision. Let’s begin!"

2. Student Learning / Independent Learning (14 minutes):

Students will complete and earn the first two badges in the "The Funnel" lesson:

3. Teacher-led Activity - Lifestyle & Strength Spotlight

(30 minutes):

Students will envision their ideal future by imagining the lifestyle that brings them the most happiness. This lesson goes beyond choosing a career—it encourages students to think about the bigger picture: the kind of place they want to live, the people they want around them, and how they want to spend their days. They'll also identify some of their unique strengths and explore how these qualities can support and shape the life they aspire to build.

*See teacher materials*

4. Student Learning / Independent Learning (19 minutes):

Students will complete and earn the first two badges in the "The Funnel" lesson:

5. Teacher-led Activity - A Flexible Journey

(40 minutes):

Students will use the Find Your Grind Library to explore career options that align with various lifestyle preferences, learning that career paths are flexible and can adapt to support different life visions.

*See teacher materials*

6. Student-led Activity: The Journey (30 minutes):

You will explore the concept of focusing on life's journey. You’ll reflect on a personal goal and analyze the importance of the process and the steps you take to achieve it. This exercise encourages you to see value in the journey, and appreciating the progress you make along the way.

7. Reinforce Learning – Closure (4 minutes):

Student Learning Needs:

Learning Preferences:

Evaluate Student Understanding:

Real-World Connections:

Current Event

Scholarly Article

Podcast

Video

Skill Development & Higher-Order Thinking:

Critical Thinking:

Self-Reflection

Goal Setting

Creative Problem Solving

Decision-Making

Collaboration

Adaptability

Strategic Planning

Empathy

Communication

Explore Library

Skills to check out:

Badge Title: Lifestyle First

Students will learn to envision their ideal lives by considering aspects beyond career aspirations, including their desired living environment, social connections, and daily activities. This exploration helps them identify what brings them joy and fulfillment, forming a strong foundation for their personal goals.

Badge Title: Strength Spotlight

Students will discover their unique strengths and talents—skills they excel at and enjoy. They will reflect on how these strengths can empower them to shape their desired lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and staying true to themselves for long-term satisfaction and success.

Badge Title: Dream Big: Careers

Students will explore various career fields and paths that align with their lifestyles and strengths. They will learn to view career options more broadly, understanding that their professional journeys can be dynamic and adaptable. This insight highlights the value of flexibility in making future choices.

Badge Title: The Power of the Journey

Students will understand the importance of valuing the journey as much as the destination. They will learn to appreciate the steps taken toward their goals, fostering a sense of curiosity and a proactive attitude towards personal growth and exploration as they remain open to new experiences.

The Funnel

A model that emphasizes focusing on who you want to be and the lifestyle you envision, guiding your journey of self-discovery before considering career paths.

Lifestyle

The way you live, including where you live, who you're with, and how you spend your time.

Strengths

Your special skills or talents that you enjoy and do well.

Career

A long-term job or profession that relates to your strengths and interests.

Journey

The process of discovering who you are and what you want in life.

Goal

A specific thing you want to achieve.

Exploration

The act of seeking out new experiences and interests.

Authenticity

Being true to yourself and your values.

Flexibility

The ability to adapt to new situations and changes.

What went well?

What were the areas of opportunity or challenges? (e.g., difficulties with vocabulary, pacing, etc)

What evidence did I observe that students were able to connect their personal strengths and values to their vision of an ideal lifestyle, and how might I adjust this lesson to strengthen that connection?