Teens are constantly challenged in making decisions. (Should they try out for a team? Join a club? See friends? Do homework?) We want them to make the best choice every time, because even little decisions may have unforeseen consequences. Developmentally speaking, children are not naturally thinking about the future, instead living in the moment. Setting goals is a great way to help them stay on track and think about the BIG picture. In this activity, students will visualize where they want to be in five years and ten years. This will provide them with big picture milestones that they can work toward while creating their ideal self!
For additional activities to further this exercise, check out our goal setting lesson plan.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Show your ideal self at two different times in your future life by creating a three-cell storyboard.
Grade Level 6-12
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal Self-Concept | The student was able to show two examples of a positive ideal self. Their creation of an ideal self was a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. | The student was able to show one example of a positive ideal self. Their creation of an ideal self was a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. | The student was unable to show an example of a positive ideal self. Their creation wasn't a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. |
| Structure of the Storyboard | There were three cells used with each cell having a title with a timeline and a description of what their ideal self is. The description is brief, providing adequate context for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. | The description does not provide enough information in one or more cells for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. | The description does not provide enough information in all cells for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. |
| Use of Conventions | The student uses ideal spelling and grammar with few to no mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content for the reader. |
