Self-Management
Family Resources on Navigating Obstacles
Lesson Topic
Students follow two different paths to get to the same end-point in a maze and then use it as a metaphor for how to navigate obstacles in life.
Essential Question
How can you navigate obstacles and still meet your goals?
Navigating Obstacles – Ashley
If this lesson was used in the classroom: Students reflected on the obstacles that lead to making poor choices. In class students watched a video featuring Ashley, who describes the obstacles she must now overcome as a result of an accident. Students participated in discussions about obstacles who are the people who are supportive.
Getting Ready for the Conversation
Ashley made a mistake; she drove after drinking alcohol and was in an accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She and her mother share their story about her recovery and what others can learn from her.
Conversation Starters and Practice at Home
The first item is for follow-up after viewing the lesson video and participating in class activities.
Describe Ashley’s support system. Is it stronger now than before her accident? Why do you say as you do?
Why is it important to think about consequences before making a decision?
Why is alcohol only sold to adults?
Describe your support system? Do the people who are important to you do a good job of helping you make good decisions? Describe why and give some examples.
School to Home Resources on Navigating Obstacles
Lesson Plan
Interactive Reflection > Open/Download Complete PDF Lesson
Taking better care of herself
Ashley says, “I just regret that I didn’t take more care of myself”. Ashley is talking about the time before her accident. How could she have done a better job taking care of herself? Why is it important to take care of your emotional health as well as your physical health?
Ashley’s choices impacted many people
Ashley’s mother Tonya Rawie says, “this has not just impacted Ashley’s life obviously, but every one of the members of the family, close friends, boyfriends, faculty, it’s just a ripple”. Why does Mrs. Rawie say that so many people have been affected? If Ashley were your older sister, how would your life change after her accident?
Learning who true friends are
Ashley says, “you really find out who your true friends are”. Describe a true friend for Ashley. If something like this happened to someone you cared about, what kinds of things would you do to show how you cared? If you were Ashley’s friend, anytime you did something with her you probably would have to help her do something (push her in her wheelchair or help her get in or out of a car); is it fair that being her friend could mean you have to do more for her than she could do for you?
Planning safe parties
Take a look at the post “A Parent’s Guide to Teen Parties” from the Healthy Children website. Do you find the guidelines reasonable? Why is it important for parents to supervise teen parties? Why do you think teen parties sometimes become unsafe? What advice would you offer an adult for helping keep teen parties safe?
Additional Reflection Questions > Open/Download PDF
