Think Future Teaching Resources s1

Think Future Year 8 materials
Lesson plan 5: Developing a ‘can do’ attitude

Lesson plan 5: Developing a ‘can do’ attitude

Name of lesson / Developing a ‘can do’ attitude
Overview / This lesson will help learners to develop a ‘can do’ attitude and learn how to ‘fail well’. It might be tempting for them to give up when things do not go to plan, for example, not getting picked for a school sports team or getting a lower grade than they expected. Developing a ‘can do’ attitude is critical to building their resilience. Learning not to give up and being prepared to move beyond their comfort zone are essential life skills.
Learning outcomes / The overarching learning outcome covered by this lesson is:
● LO4: Be aware of their own skills, attributes and interests and how that contributes to good career choices
Lesson objectives / By the end of this lesson, learners should:
● understand that it is essential to develop a ‘can do’ attitude
● consider their own ‘mindset’ and whether it may prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Icebreaker / Show the class an inspirational video such as:
● Nike advert featuring US wheelchair basketball player Matt Scott: www.youtube.com/watch?v=obdd31Q9PqA
● Samsung advert featuring Paralympians in training: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5whWXxGHUA#
● injured service personnel competing in Ironman triathlons: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGzpDzlA6sg
Ask the class the following questions:
● What is the message of each video?
● Why do they think they have been shown each film clip?
You want to inspire every learner to develop a ‘can do’ attitude and to avoid giving up or taking the easy option through school. Whatever their abilities, they should always do their best!
Information / Share information with learners using the PowerPoint presentation. This will help them to understand the benefits of working outside their comfort zone.
Verification / Check that learners have understood the information by completing the activities contained in the PowerPoint presentation with them.
● Learners are asked to provide an example of a situation in which they stepped outside their comfort zone.
● Learners are asked to give an example of a time when they procrastinated, and given an opportunity to discuss why it is better to get things done sooner rather than later.
● Learners are shown a case study and asked how a ‘can do’ attitude can help a learner with her exams, and how a negative attitude could prevent her from achieving her goals.
Learners will need to understand new terms such as ‘procrastination’ and ‘comfort zone’. The activities will also introduce practical strategies to change the way learners think.
Activity / Ask learners to complete Activity 5.1: A ‘can do’ attitude. Learners are asked to consider people who inspire them and whether or not these people have stepped out of their comfort zone. Learners should also identify ways in which they could develop the same approach.
Differentiation: stretch and support / You could reinforce the ideas in this lesson by showing an inspirational film. Two possible films to show are listed below.
Extra time available? / Consider watching an inspirational film to highlight the point further:
● In Pursuit of Happyness (rated 12A) is the real-life story of a man’s struggle to get what he wants
● Katie: My Beautiful Face (Channel 4) is a documentary about Katie Piper, a model whose face was burned
with acid
Remind the learners that bad things do happen: it is the way you deal with these things that matters.
Summary / We all have setbacks and we all fail at times. What matters is the way we deal with these experiences. It is vital to develop a ‘can do’ attitude and to move beyond our comfort zone at times.
Resources required / ● Activity 5.1: A ‘can do’ attitude (one copy per learner)
● PowerPoint for Lesson 5: Developing a ‘can do’ attitude
● Smartboard or whiteboard with projector
● Front-of-class internet access