Big Picture Thinking

What Is Big Picture Thinking?

Lesson Title: "Skills for Life: Thinking Big and Staying Adaptable"

Grade Level: Middle School
Duration: 1 class
Tools Needed:

• Computers or Chromebooks

• Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Adobe Express

• Internet access for research

• Projector or smartboard for student presentations

🎯 Learning Objectives

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

1. Explain what big-picture thinking, career- and life-management skills, and continuous learning/adaptability mean.
   
   

2. Research and give real-world examples of how these skills apply to school, work, and life.
   
   

3. Create and present a short slide deck demonstrating their understanding of these three essential skills.
   
   

🧩 Lesson Overview

Students will work individually or in pairs to create a 3–6 slide presentation that explains and demonstrates three essential life and career skills. Each skill will have its own slide with examples, visuals, and explanations. Students will present their slides to the class or in small groups.

🪜 Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Slide Deck Instructions:
Students create a presentation titled “Skills for Life: Thinking Big and Staying Adaptable.”

Their slides should include:

• Slide 1: Title Slide – Include name(s), title, and a creative image.
  
  

• Slide 2: Big-Picture Thinking – Define it, explain why it’s important, and give an example.
  
  

• Slide 3: Career- and Life-Management Skills – Define and give examples (time management, goal setting, balancing school and hobbies).
  
  

• Slide 4: Continuous Learning and Adaptability – Define, explain, and give examples (learning new technology, trying new methods).
  
  

• Slide 5: Reflection – “Which skill do I use most? Which one do I want to improve?”