Making Smart Choices — MYCap Grade 8 Curriculum Page 2 of 2
3. Accountability Support
Who can support you, and how?
4. Success Progress Indicators
How will you know you're succeeding?
Cut Along Line to Turn In
EXIT TICKET
1. Key Strategy I will use:
2. Habit I am committed to:
3. Remaining question:
High School Success Habits — MYCap Grade 8 Curriculum Page 2 of 2
Marcus's High School Routine
Marcus joined the cross-country team, which practices until 5:30 PM. He gets home exhausted, plays video games for "just an hour," eats dinner, starts homework at 9:00 PM, and is too tired to focus on biology. He is sleeping past his alarm.
He wants to do well, but he is falling behind.
Act as "Habit Consultants"
Marcus needs practical "Habit Hacks" to fix his routine. Discuss with your group:
Time Hack: Where can he find extra study blocks?
Boundary Hack: How should he manage gaming distraction?
Sleep Hack: How can he avoid morning sleep-ins?
Group Debate
What is one specific change that would make the biggest impact for Marcus?
The Self-Advocacy Scriptbook
05 / PRACTICAL COMMUNICATION
SPOKEN SCRIPTS
In-Person Conversations
Talking to high school teachers can feel intimidating. Try these verbal scripts before or after class:
"Hi Mr./Ms. [Name], I'm struggling with [Topic]. Is there a good time I can visit for extra help?"
"I missed class yesterday due to [Reason]. What is the best way to make up the chemistry lab?"
EMAIL SCRIPT
Polite Email Template
Subject: Questions about history assignment - [Your Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Teacher's Last Name],
I am working on the project due on Friday and had a quick question about [Topic]. Could I drop by your room tomorrow during study hall to discuss it? Thank you!
Interactive Prompt
Have you ever sent an email to a teacher? Why is standard spelling & formatting important?
Success Skills Card Sort
06 / ACTIVE PRACTICE
Your Sorting Challenge
In your small groups, look at the behavior list on your worksheet and organize them into three distinct columns:
Essential: Absolute must-have daily behaviors
Important: Helpful skills supporting success
Nice to Have: Useful but not critical at first
Sort and Rank These Habits:
Time Management
Self-Advocacy
Study Habits
Daily Attendance
Adult Communication
Stress Management
Goal Persistence
Openness to New Things
Rank: Select your group's Top 5 and rank them. Share your #1 choice and reasoning!
Your High School SMART Goal
07 / INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION
How to make it SMART
Goals only succeed with precision:
Specific — Clear action
Measurable — Tracks progress
Achievable — Keep it realistic
Relevant — Ties to high school
Time-bound — 1-month timeline
Worksheet Prompts:
1. One decision-making strength I already possess is...
2. One high school success skill I want to improve is...
3. My specific goal for this month is...
Goal Examples:
"I will use a digital planner to track all project deadlines daily for the next four weeks."
"I will email or speak with at least one teacher weekly to ask constructive questions."
Partner Share: Turn and share your goal. Give your partner constructive feedback!
Exit Ticket & Commitments
08 / WRAP UP
PROMPT 1
The Habit
What is one high school success skill or routine you are fully committed to developing this semester?
PROMPT 2
The SMART Goal
How will you know that you are making progress on the specific goal you drafted on your worksheet today?
PROMPT 3
The Support
Who is one person (friend, parent, counselor, teacher) you will ask to support you in achieving this goal?
"Successful high school students are not born — they are built through consistent habits."
