Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

guided imagery exercise

Objective: Students will be lead through a guided imagery activity and create a short list of things that make life meaningful.

Activity: As your students come into class begin creating the atmosphere of a funeral. Play soft music, dim the lights if possible and be somber. When they are all in and seated have them close their eyes and lead them trough a guided imagery exercise in which they imagine what people will say about them at their funeral. Tell them to imagine that they have lived a full life (to age 80 or so) and dies of natural causes. Guide them to thoughts about the qualities and accomplishments they would want people to mention.

Assessment:Students should be thinking hard and creating a mental list of things they want to accomplish and characteristics they want to exhibit throughout their lives.