Entry Event:
The entry event will begin with a large class discussion on the topic: "What are your plans after graduating?"
Ask students to share their current thoughts on what they plan to do after graduating from high school. This can be done in person or through a discussion board in an online environment. This can also be used as an icebreaker activity in a new class.
The instructor will want to make some notes on the board or in personal notes with highlights of things students want to do after graduating. Pay close attention to any stories from students who have plans to travel somewhere, or perhaps attend an out of state/country university far from home
Next, ask the students if they will simply start fully engaging in their plans the day after gradation, or if they are in the process of planning, making preparations and setting goals for themselves. Ask how they are planning, taking some notes, highlight any mention of money saving, budgeting or financial planning if mentioned.
Go back to any student with travel plans or plans to go to a distant university and ask the student to stand up and start going to their final destination right now. When the student seems confused or start walking toward the door, ask the student a follow up question: "Will you walk out your door and start walking in hopes you'll reach your destination, or do you need to take time to plan your trip to make sure you can arrive at your final destination?
Students will come to a consensus that it is best to plan how to get to your destination before departing.
Introduce Claudia and share a wholistic picture of Claudia and her circumstances. Explain that they will work together in groups by making a special kind of map to help her reach her goals through financial planning and budgeting. As Claudia's individual circumstances are both challenging and relatable for many students as her family has financial challenges and Claudia has big dreams for her future, they may begin to mentally draw parallels between Claudia's circumstances and their own and relate to their future fictional client.
Next, students will be given their client contract that will explain expectations and deliverables with due dates for each milestone. Each student will sign the contract as an individual while also signing as part of their group. Groups should be between 2-6 students depending on class size and instructor preference.
Materials needed: virtual classroom or face to face classroom setting with ability to put students into groups or breakout rooms
Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard for taking notes as students come up with answers
Student computers or tablets or notepads and writing tools to take notes
Client Contract in paper or electronic format