Overview
In this lesson students will identify their passions, interests, and future aspirations. Students will be encouraged to participate in class and small group discussions to share their interests and passions.
NB Curricular Connections
English Language Arts (Grades 6-8)
- Strand: Interactions – Big Idea: Expression
- Strand: Representations – Big Idea: Process
- Strand: Interactions – Big Idea: Reception
Entrepreneurship 110
- Strand: Entrepreneurial Individuals – Big Idea: Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Strand: Entrepreneurial Individuals – Big Idea: Entrepreneurial in the Marketplace
Career Design Pathway 10
- Strand: Exploring Potential Career Pathways – Big Idea: Employment Readiness
- Strand: Experiencing Potential Career Pathways – Big Idea: Reinforcing Career Pathways
Personal Wellness (Grade 6-8)
- Strand: Career Connected Learning – Big Idea: Thinking About Potential Career Pathways
What You’ll need
- Student Handout “Idea Generator 3.10” (attached)
- Paper copies of worksheet
- White board
- Internet access
- Projector
- Speakers
- Pencils for students
Instructions
- Begin class by showing students the Ted Talk video ‘Why some of us don’t have one true calling’ by Emilie Wapnick. (Link in the student handout)
- In this activity students will come up with a list of things that they love/like in life. This can be facilitated through a Think-Pair-Share activity. Give students a few minutes to work independently and tell them to come up with at least five things the like/love.
- When students are done have them share with their partner or table groups. After they have had time to discuss with their peers, open the conversation up to the whole class. Encourage students that during the class conversation to add to their lists if someone says something they really like.
- Next, students will complete another list. They will do this by asking themselves ten questions. Go over these questions with students and have them answer. This can be employed also by ‘Think-Pair-Share’ or done individually.
- After students have created their two lists, it is time for them to write out future aspirations. Tell students that no goal is too big. They will write out future goals for 3 months from now, 1 year from now, 3 years from now, and lifetime goals.
- The last activity will allow students to draw comparisons from the three lists they have created and write out the top three or five that are similar. They are to picture doing these things and making a life/career out of it and will write down one goal to achieve doing these things as a career.
Reflection Activity
Please see the attached PDF for several choices on how you and your learners can reflect on today’s activity.
