| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Health |
| What age group | Year or Grade 9 |
| What topic | Letter to future me |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Students will reflect on their current health knowledge and habits, and envision their future selves in relation to health and wellness.
Start the class with a brief discussion to engage students’ thoughts on health and personal goals. Ask the following questions:
What does "health" mean to you?
Encourage a few students to share their thoughts. Write key words on the board, such as “fitness,” “nutrition,” “mental health,” and “well-being.”
Why is it important to plan for our health?
Discuss the importance of establishing healthy habits early, and how choices made today can impact the future.
Introduce the idea of writing a letter to their future selves as a way to reflect on their current health knowledge, goals, and aspirations. Explain that their letters will serve as a time capsule, offering insight into their thoughts and ideas today.
Prompt:
“You have discovered a time capsule from your past. Inside is a piece of paper that holds a letter from your 9th-grade self to your future self. What would you want to say?”
Guide the students through the process of writing their letters by explaining the following key points:
Start with a greeting to your future self:
Encourage them to think about when they envision reading this letter (e.g., at age 18, 25, etc.).
Reflect on Current Health Habits:
Ask students to write about their current health practices, favorite activities, and any unhealthy habits they wish to change.
Set Future Health Goals:
Have them think about where they want to be physically, mentally, and emotionally in the future. Encourage them to set specific health-related goals.
Include Encouragement:
Remind students to offer words of motivation and encouragement to their future selves, emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience.
Conclude this introductory segment by encouraging students to take out resources from their Health textbooks or any notes they may have. They can reference important topics related to general wellness, nutrition, and mental health as they write their letters.
By beginning the lesson in this engaging and reflective manner, students will not only actively participate but will also connect personally with the subject of health and wellness, setting a positive tone for the rest of the lesson.