Blueprint Lesson Plan Blueprint for Change
Transitioning to College & Career
Teacher Resource
Expectation D1.4
Learning Goal
Students will identify and analyze the three stages of transition—Ending, Interim/Neutral, and New Beginning—as they relate to post-secondary life.
Timing
60 MINS
1
The Hook: Life Blueprints (10 mins)
Introduce the concept of life as a series of construction projects. Show the Transition Blueprint Slides .
Discussion: "What happens to an old building before a new one can be built?" (Demolition, clearing the site, digging foundations).CRRP Connection: Acknowledge that transitions look different across cultures (ceremonies, community roles, family expectations).
2
The Three Pillars (10 mins)
Define the stages using the slide deck:
1. Ending: Letting go of the current routine (e.g., high school schedule).
2. Interim: The "messy middle" or waiting period (e.g., the summer before college).
3. New Beginning: Embracing the new role (e.g., first day at a new job).
3
The Bridge Building (25 mins)
Hands-on application using multiple modalities.
Card Sort (Group Work):
Students use Phase Shifters Cards to categorize specific post-secondary scenarios into the three stages.
Visual Mapping (Individual):
Students complete the Bridge Builder Timeline to visualize their own upcoming transition.
4
Launch Practice (15 mins)
For Verbal/Social Learners:
Scripted Shifts Cards
Practice role-playing conversations with a professor or boss during a transition period.
For Non-Verbal/Anxious Learners:
Final Inspection Checklist
Focus on an interactive, step-by-step logistics checklist for moving from school to work/college.
Support Blueprint
Selective Mutism
Use the "Scripted Shifts" as "Comic Strips"—students can write or draw responses instead of speaking.
Focus on the Visual Mapping and Checklist activities.
Offer a digital version or a physical communication card for the "Interim" stage questions.
Autism & LD
Highly structured visual timeline reduces cognitive load.
Predictable layout on all materials (consistent icons and colors).
Chunking: Card sort breaks complex ideas into manageable bits.
Explicit definitions for abstract concepts like "Interim."
Grade Level/CRRP
Scenarios include diverse settings (trades, community college, university, local retail).
Reflect on cultural "Rites of Passage" in the Ending stage.
High-interest topics (finances, independence) to drive engagement.
Preparation Checklist
Transition Blueprint Slides
Phase Shifters Cards
Bridge Builder Timeline
Final Inspection Checklist
Scripted Shifts Cards
Transition Blueprint Slides v2 Blueprint Change
Transitioning Beyond High School
Project Objective
Mastering the Stages of Transition
Today, we will identify and analyze the three stages of our next construction project: Ending, Interim, and New Beginning.
Minds On: The Foundation
"What happens to an old building before a new one can be built?"
Cultural Perspectives
"How do transitions look different across cultures?"
Are there specific ceremonies, community roles, or family expectations that come with some transitions?
1 The Transition Process
The Ending
Letting go of the old ways and routines.
The Interim
The "messy middle." You aren't there yet.
New Beginning
Accepting the new role and moving on.
The Ending
"Clearing the Site"
What it looks like:
Saying goodbye to teachers and friends.
Cleaning out your locker or desk.
Completing final school projects.
You can't start a new building until you clear the lot.
The Interim
"The Neutral Zone"
Everything is under construction.
It feels messy, confusing, and exciting all at once.
What it looks like:
Waiting for your schedule to arrive.
Feeling nervous about the unknown.
Practicing your new route to work.
New Beginning
"Moving In"
What it looks like:
First day of your new job or college.
Meeting new colleagues or peers.
Setting up your new workspace.
The project is finished! Time to thrive in your new space.
Activity: Phase Shifters
Work in your groups to sort real-world scenarios into Ending, Interim, or New Beginning.
Check your "Phase Shifter" Cards!
Activity: Bridge Builder
Map out your own path. What are YOU letting go? What are you nervous about? What is your destination?
Check your Timeline Sheet!
Foundation Check
Assessment: Blueprint Verification
Part 1: Match Phases
Demonstrate your knowledge by matching definitions to the three stages.
Worth: 3 Points
Phase Shifters Cards v2 Phase Shifters
Transition Phase Activities
Student Handout
Activity Overview
Learning Goal
Categorize real-world transition scenarios into the three stages: Ending, Interim, and New Beginning.
1
Cut out the scenario cards found on the next two pages.
2
Place each card onto the correct area of the "Phase Sorting Mat" on the final page.
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
Scenario Cards: Set A
Attending your high school graduation ceremony.
Practicing taking the bus to your new office before your first day.
Wearing your new employee ID badge for the first time.
Sitting in the first lecture of "Psychology 101" at college.
Packing up your old school supplies to store away.
Waiting for an email to confirm your college orientation.
Saying "Thank you" and goodbye to your favorite teacher.
Buying a new laptop specifically for your college courses.
Starting your first 15-minute break at your new job.
Submitting your very last high school assignment.
Walking around campus to find where your rooms are.
Signing your first employment contract or lease.
Scenario Cards: Set B
Handing in your office keys on your final day of work.
Attending a "Meet the Professor" night at your new college.
Receiving your very first paycheck from your new employer.
Unpacking boxes in your new college dormitory room.
Researching the dress code for your new workplace online.
Create Your Own:
Create Your Own:
Phase Sorting Mat
1
The Ending
Place Ending Cards Here
2
The Interim
Place Interim Cards Here
3
The New Beginning
Place Beginning Cards Here
Bridge Builder Timeline Architect Name
Date
Bridge Builder Timeline
Map out your path from high school to your next destination.
1
Ending
2
Interim / Neutral Zone
3
New Beginning
What am I letting go?
Write or draw things you will miss or stop doing.
The "Under Construction" phase
What are you nervous about? What are you practicing?
My new destination
What will your new life look like? What is one goal?
Final Blueprint Reflection
"Transition is not just a change of address. It is a change of identity. I am becoming _________________________________________________________________."
Final Inspection Checklist Final Inspection
Post-Secondary Readiness Checklist
Before the "New Beginning" can truly start, we need to handle the logistics. Check off the items you have completed or are working on during your Interim phase.
Route A: College
Accepted my offer of admission.
Login/Password stored safely.
Registered for my classes.
Found classroom locations on map.
Route B: Career
Resume/Cover Letter ready.
SIN or ID accessible.
Professional clothes ready.
Planned my transportation.
Personal Inventory
I have a plan for handling stress.
I know who my support system is.
Note to Self / Action Steps
Name: ____________________________________
Date: ____________________
Scripted Shifts Cards v2 Scripted Shifts
Communication Support Cards
Learning Goal
Students will demonstrate effective communication during transitions.
Instructions: Cut along the dashed lines. Fill in the [blanks] before practicing.
Ending
Scenario: Farewell
Saying goodbye to a teacher or employer.
"Thank you for everything. I'm excited for my next step."
Interim
Scenario: Advisor Help
Asking about your missing schedule.
"I'm a new student. I haven't received my schedule yet. Can you help?"
Beginning
Scenario: First Day
Meeting your new manager.
"Hi! I'm [Name]. I'm the new [Job Title]. Happy to be here!"
Beginning
Scenario: Team Intro
Meeting a coworker in the breakroom.
"Hi, I'm [Name]. I just started today. What team do you work on?"
Interim
Scenario: ID Card
Asking where to get your Student ID.
"Excuse me, where do I go for my ID card?"
Ending
Scenario: Last Day
Saying goodbye on your last day of work.
"It's been great working here. Bye everyone!"
My Custom Script 1
Scenario: ______________________
Phase:
End
Interim
New Beg
My Custom Script 2
Scenario: ______________________
Phase:
End
Interim
New Beg
Practice Check
Rate your confidence using these scripts (1-10) and identify a peer to practice with today.
Peer Name:
Master Blueprint Key Master Blueprint Key
Expanded Card Sort Answer Key
REFERENCE
1. Ending
Graduation ceremony.
Packing old supplies.
Saying goodbye to teacher.
Submitting last assignment.
Handing in office keys.
Retirement party colleague.
2. Interim
Practicing bus route.
Waiting for email.
Buying new laptop.
Campus room finding.
"Meet Professor" night.
Researching dress code.
3. Beginning
Wearing ID badge.
First psych lecture.
First 15-min job break.
Signing contract/lease.
Receiving first paycheck.
Unpacking dorm boxes.
Misconception Alerts
"Interim is just a vacation."
Clarify: This is where the identity shift happens. It is the peak time for anxiety because routines are gone.
"Beginning happens instantly."
Explain: The Beginning stage lasts until the person feels they truly belong (can take weeks/months).
Discussion Starters
"Which stage feels most difficult? Why?"
"How does your culture celebrate 'Endings'?"
"What tool helps you stay calm in the Interim?"
"Who is your 'Site Foreman' (mentor) in the Beginning?"
Culturally Responsive Framework
Ensure you validate that for some students, community/family obligations might happen during high school 'Endings'. Stage durations vary by culture and individual resilience.
Foundation Check Assessment Student Name
Foundation Check
Total Points: 9 | Score: ____
Blueprint Check
Understanding the Three Stages of Transition
1
The Three Phases
(3 Points)
Write the letter of the correct stage (A, B, or C) in the boxes.
The "messy middle" where you practice new routines.
Letting go of your old routine and saying goodbye.
Embracing your new role and feeling like you belong.
A. The Ending
B. The Interim
C. The New Beginning
2
Scenario Inspection
(2 Points)
Circle the correct stage for each scenario (0.25 pts each).
Sitting in your first official training for a new job.
End
Int
Beg
Cleaning out your backpack on the last day of school.
End
Int
Beg
Feeling nervous and practicing your new commute.
End
Int
Beg
Handing in your office keys on your final day of work.
End
Int
Beg
Receiving your very first paycheck from a new boss.
End
Int
Beg
Buying a new bus pass for your college campus.
End
Int
Beg
Saying goodbye to your old room before a dorm move.
End
Int
Beg
Completing your first full week at an internship.
End
Int
Beg
3
Site Reflection
(4 Points)
Why is the "Interim" stage called the "Messy Middle"? Give one emotion someone might feel during this time.
Ending
Interim
New Beginning
Foundation Check Key Foundation Key
Assessment Answer Key & Rubric (9 Points)
Teacher Only
Section 1: The Three Phases (3 pts)
B
Interim
A
The Ending
C
The New Beginning
1 point each
Section 2: Scenarios (2 pts)
1. Retail Training: Beg
2. Locker Cleaning: End
3. Commute Practice: Int
4. Office Keys: End
5. First Paycheck: Beg
6. Bus Pass Purchase: Int
7. Say Goodbye Room: End
8. Internship Week: Beg
0.25 points each
Section 3: Site Reflection (4 Points)
Points Criteria Sample Response 4 Clear explanation of "Messy Middle" (uncertainty/routine change) + valid emotion. "It's messy because your old routine is gone but the new one isn't set yet. You might feel anxious." 2-3 Identifies emotion clearly + vague reason OR identifies vague emotion + clear reason. "Nervous because you don't know your boss yet." 1 Identifies emotion only OR identifies stage only. "Anxious because things are new."
DI / UDL Grading Note
Accept visual sketches or bullet points for Section 3. Ensure grading focus is on concept mastery (identifying the three stages) rather than written literacy. Total points: 9.
