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This is a lesson on mindfulness, based upon a TED Talk (20:12), that addresses the socio-emotional need of recognizing our physiological responses to stress and offers strategies to address them. This lesson series is appropriate for students with whom you have an opportunity to teach and connect over authentic issues that affect our life and leadership! I love the conversation that these kinds of talks inspire with my students. All lessons have a teen-friendly TED Talk, a two-page print and GO!

This is a lesson based upon a highly engaging and empowering TED Talk by Amy Cuddy (21:02), a social psychologist at Harvard University. Cuddy examines our body language and how it influences not only how others view us—but also how we perceive ourselves. She presents her research and explains the science behind our nonverbal communication. She also offers practical suggestions that we can all implement to increase our presence and grow our influence. Objective:Students will be able to understa

This is a lesson on finding joy and gratitude in the face of adversity. It is based upon an inspiring, teen-friendly TED Talk (12:45) given by Sam Berns, who had progeria, a rare genetic condition that causes a person to age prematurely. He was 17 and a junior in high school when he gave the talk. He passed shortly thereafter, but not before inspiring so many (this talk has been viewed by over 31 million people). Bottom line: if this young man can live a life of happiness and gratitude, all of u

This lesson is based upon a TED Talk (18:32) given by a social-media-savvy college student who went on a social media “fast” as part of her research. She addresses the ways in which social media can create a false sense of perfection as well as the dangers of seeking validation from online sources. She also talks about positive ways to use social media for “self-branding” and networking. They are appropriate for students in your ASB, study skills, homeroom, or health classes--students with whom

This is a lesson on friendship, based upon a TED Talk (16:23), that addresses how to nurture friendships and connections. It makes a great Valentine's Day lesson--without being gushy, but is relevant to any conversation about meaningful friendships. It is appropriate for students in your ASB, study skills, homeroom, or health classes--students with whom you have an opportunity to teach and connect over authentic issues that affect our life and leadership! I use them as a "Monday Motivator," and

This is a lesson on how we can create “luck,” based upon a TED Talk (11:39), that addresses the behaviors we can adopt to increase the opportunities that, in turn, lead to “luck.” It works for Saint Patrick's Day if you're feeling "thematic," but I chose this talk because it is straightforward, it incorporates a great metaphor regarding how we can build a "sail" to capture the "winds of luck," and it debunks the idea that some people are "just lucky." This lesson series is appropriate for stude

This is a lesson based upon a highly engaging TED Talk by Mariana Atencio (17:46), a journalist with NBC. Without using the words “prejudice” or “racism,” she talks about how we respond to difference in others. She speaks of her experiences as a Venezuelan who came to the United States for summer camp and later made this country her home. Her message speaks to the fact that our differences are what make us special—are what make us human. Atencio uses the power of storytelling to challenge her li