Empowering Choices Introduction

Lesson Overview

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Class Size: 8 students
• Age Group: 11-13 years (Key Stage 3)
• Unit: Empowering Choices in PSHE
• Objectives:
  • Understand the concept of empowerment.
  • Reflect on personal choices and experiences.
  • Encourage self-expression and group discussion.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define empowerment in their own words.
2. Share a personal experience where they felt empowered.
3. Identify the role of choice in their daily lives and its impact.

Curriculum Links

• PSHE Association - Programme of Study: This lesson aligns with the Personal Development Framework, particularly focusing on self-awareness, self-confidence, and decision-making.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes (8 per student)
• Pens or pencils
• Printed prompts for group discussion
• Timer
• Comfortable seating arrangement to encourage group discussion

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Icebreaker Activity:
  • Prompt: “What does empowerment mean to you?”
  • Have students write down one word on a sticky note that they associate with empowerment.
  • Ask students to stick their notes on a communal ‘Empowerment Wall’ (whiteboard).
• Objective: Introduce the concept and encourage initial thoughts.

Main Activity (15 minutes)

Discussion (10 minutes)

1. Guided Discussion:

   • Use the sticky notes on the wall to open a dialogue.
   • Ask students to elaborate on the words they chose, facilitating a discussion that helps students draw connections between their thoughts and the broader concept of empowerment.
   • Key Questions:
     • What does empowerment feel like?
     • Can you think of a time when you felt empowered?
     • How do choices link to feeling empowered?

2. Personal Reflection:

   • Ask students to take a moment to think about a personal experience where they felt they made a meaningful choice (e.g., standing up for a friend, trying out for a sport, etc.).
   • Encourage them to write a few sentences about this experience.

Group Sharing (5 minutes)

• Sharing Experiences:
  • Organise students into pairs or small groups and allow them to share their personal reflections.
  • Encourage active listening; after each person shares, the listener should summarise what they heard to reinforce understanding.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Wrap-Up Discussion:
  • Bring the class back together and ask each pair or small group to share a summary of what they discussed.
  • Highlight common themes and key takeaways about empowerment and choices.
• Exit Ticket:
  • Ask each student to write down one thing they will do to empower themselves this week and why it’s important to them. Collect these as they exit the classroom.

Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Monitor participation in discussions and reflections. Review exit tickets for understanding of the term 'empowerment' and personal commitment to making positive choices.

Reflection

• After the lesson, reflect on:
  • What worked well?
  • Which areas could be improved?
  • Were students engaged and understanding the content? Consider feedback from the students on what they enjoyed and what could be enhanced in future lessons.

By following this structured and engaging lesson plan, teachers can effectively introduce students to the concept of empowerment and encourage them to reflect on their own experiences, fostering a classroom environment of trust and self-expression.