| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Personal development |
| What topic | A LETTER TO MY FUTURE SELF |
| What length (min) | 40 |
| What age group | Adult courses |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 10 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
A LETTER TO MY FUTURE SELF
Adult courses (ages 18+)
Personal Development
20 students
40 minutes
This lesson aligns with the personal, social, and emotional development (PSED) framework, focusing on self-awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (mins) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 | Introduce the topic and objectives. Explain the concept of writing to one's future self. |
| 2 | Group Discussion | 10 | Divide the class into groups of 4-5. Each group discusses their thoughts on the future, aspirations, and fears. Encourage sharing within groups. |
| 3 | Printable Card Activity | 10 | Distribute printable cards. Instruct students to fill in their cards with their goals and dreams for the future while reflecting on the group discussion. |
| 4 | Individual Writing | 10 | Students use their filled cards to write a letter to their future self. Provide guidance using writing prompts. |
| 5 | Collection Activity | 5 | Collect the letters or conduct a random check on the completed cards to ensure participation without presentations. |
| 6 | Conclusion and Reflection | 5 | Wrap up the lesson by allowing students to share reflections on the process. Reiterate the importance of goal setting. Offer suggestions for staying motivated. |
Students will be asked to store their letter in a safe place and reflect on it every 6 months. They can write additional notes on how their aspirations may have changed or evolved.
Encourage a supportive environment throughout the lesson, reminding students that sharing is voluntary and personal reflections should be respected.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to explore a fascinating activity called 'A Letter to My Future Self.' The main objectives of our lesson are to encourage self-reflection and goal setting, help you articulate your aspirations and fears for the future, develop your writing skills, and foster a sense of community through sharing.
Now, let's think for a moment: How many of you have ever thought about where you see yourselves in five or ten years? As we move through the lesson, we will reflect on these questions and what they mean to each of us."
"Next, I would like to divide you into small groups of four to five people. You will have ten minutes to discuss your thoughts on the future.
Please share your aspirations—what dreams do you have for yourself? Also, consider any fears you might have about the future. Remember, the purpose of this discussion is to hear from each other and build a supportive environment. Don’t worry; you are not required to share anything you're uncomfortable with.
I'll walk around the room to listen in, so feel free to start your discussions!"
[Timer starts for 10 minutes.]
"Now that you've had some time to exchange your thoughts, I’d like to hand out some printable cards. Each of you will fill in your cards with your goals and dreams for the future based on what you discussed in your groups.
There is no right or wrong way to do this; just jot down what resonates with you most. You can also include any challenges you foresee and how you might overcome them.
Take about ten minutes to complete this task. I will be here to assist if you need help."
[Distribute cards and give students 10 minutes to fill them out.]
"Now that you have filled out your cards, it’s time to write your letter to your future self. In your letter, reflect on what you’ve written today: what your goals are, any fears you expressed, and what you hope to have achieved by then.
To guide you, I will distribute handouts with some writing prompts and examples. Feel free to use these if you need inspiration.
You have ten minutes to write your letter. Remember, this is a personal letter, so write authentically and openly!"
[Distribute handouts and give students 10 minutes to write.]
"Thank you for writing, everyone! For the next step, please place your letters in the provided envelopes and seal them. I will collect them shortly.
Alternatively, if you feel more comfortable, you can show me your completed cards. This is just to ensure everyone participated without needing to present your personal content publicly.
I will now come around to collect the letters and envelopes."
[Collect letters or check cards as students finish.]
"To wrap up the lesson, I want to thank each of you for being so open today. I encourage you to reflect on what you've written, not only now but also in the future.
Who would like to share their thoughts on this process? What did you find meaningful about writing to yourself?
Remember, setting goals is important, and I encourage you to revisit your letter every six months. Consider how your aspirations may change over time.
Thank you for your participation today! Let's create a positive environment for each other as we move forward."
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A classroom with students} | - Introduction to 'A Letter to My Future Self' |
| - Objectives: | ||
| - Self-reflection and goal setting | ||
| - Articulating aspirations and fears | ||
| - Developing writing skills | ||
| - Fostering sense of community | ||
| 2 | {Image: Students discussing in groups} | - Group Discussion Introduction |
| - Divide into small groups | ||
| - Discuss aspirations and fears | ||
| - Build a supportive environment | ||
| 3 | {Image: Printable cards and pens} | - Printable Card Activity Overview |
| - Fill out cards with goals and dreams | ||
| - Include any challenges and potential solutions | ||
| - Complete in ten minutes | ||
| 4 | {Image: Student writing a letter} | - Individual Writing Step |
| - Write a letter to your future self | ||
| - Reflect on goals, fears, and achievements | ||
| - Use handouts for prompts and inspiration | ||
| 5 | {Image: Sealed envelopes} | - Collection Activity Instructions |
| - Place letters in envelopes and seal | ||
| - Alternative to show completed cards | ||
| 6 | {Image: Students reflecting} | - Conclusion and Reflection |
| - Thank students for participation | ||
| - Encourage reflection on written content | ||
| - Invite sharing of thoughts | ||
| 7 | {Image: Calendar with reminders} | - Importance of goal-setting |
| - Revisit letters every six months | ||
| - Consider changing aspirations over time | ||
| 8 | {Image: Group of diverse students} | - Creating a Positive Environment |
| - Foster support among peers | ||
| - Be open and communicative | ||
| 9 | {Image: Thoughtful student looking ahead} | - Looking Forward |
| - Reflect on how goals and dreams evolve | ||
| - Continue to set new goals | ||
| 10 | {Image: Thank you note} | - Thank You for Participation! |
| - Encourage continuous reflection and growth | ||
| - End of the lesson |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are some aspirations you have for your future? | |
| What fears do you have about the future? | |
| How can setting goals help you in achieving your dreams? | |
| What challenges do you foresee in reaching your goals? | |
| How might you overcome the challenges you face? | |
| Why is it important to reflect on your aspirations and fears? | |
| How can sharing your thoughts with others create a supportive environment? | |
| What did you find meaningful about writing to your future self? | |
| How often should you revisit the letter to your future self? | |
| In what ways do you think your goals may change over time? |
If you could describe your future self in three words, what would they be and why?
What challenges do you think might arise as you pursue your goals, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Imagine you are ten years older and looking back at today. What advice would you give your present self?
How do you think your aspirations reflect who you are today? Do you believe they will change as you grow older?
If you could write a headline for the story of your life ten years from now, what would it say?