A Lesson Plan from Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program (Chapter Two)

NOTE:  Life Planning Education (LPE) is currently being revised. The printed/for-sale version includes an older version of this lesson plan. Please make sure you have looked at the PDF of Life Planning Education before purchasing - that is the version that is available to buy.  

Leader’s Resource for Introduction to Values.

1. Adolescents, even very young ones, may feel personal and family values strongly, and discussing these values can arouse strong emotions. Be sure that the ground rules are in effect at all times.
2. Emphasize that individual values differ and there are no wrong answers. Allow open discussion as long as it does not get out of hand. Allow participants to express, explain and defend their values. Encourage them to use “I” statements. Do not allow anyone to be disrespectful of another’s values.
3. Whenever a discussion centers on a value that is a foundation for Life Planning Education (for example, that exploiting or using another person is wrong), clarify the value and explain that this program supports that value. [If you haven’t already done so, read the introductory section of Life Planning Education now in order to understand the values upon which it is based.]
4. If an argument over a value-related issue erupts, call time out and ask each side to articulate its point of view. Reiterate that people’s values differ and that this is okay. Then move on to another topic.  [If participants are still confused or dissatisfied, consider scheduling a formal debate or an informal discussion of the issue at another time.]
5. Remember that while you are monitoring your participants to ensure that they behave and talk in a nonjudgmental way, you must be nonjudgmental as well. Be aware of your own personal values, especially when considering controversial topics, such as abortion, euthanasia, birth control, and premarital intercourse. Monitor your verbal comments and body language so as to avoid taking a particular position on any of these issues.
6. Support all the adolescents so they will not feel pressured to adopt or pretend to adopt the values and opinions of their peers. At the same time, make it clear that it is always okay to change one’s mind based on new information or a new way of looking at an issue.
7. Occasionally, one or two adolescents may express a particular value stance that is opposed by the rest of the group. At these times, it is your responsibility to support this minority viewpoint. Use verbal comments like “I’m proud of you for standing up for your values when most of your peers seem to disagree.” Or stand near these few adolescents to show your support. Be clear with everyone that you are supporting, not one position or another, but the courage of standing up for one’s values.
8. Whenever there is discussion about a topic and every participant takes the same position, it is your responsibility to remind the group convincingly of the opposing position. You can say “Many people might believe that …”   Give supportive reasons for that position. Remember that it is very important for adolescents to understand that values underlie both the widely held and the less widely held positions on any of the issues you may discuss.
9. You will be asked about your own values related to various topics. It may be appropriate to share a few of your personal values or to discuss the values that you learned from your family, such as those that helped you to make positive decisions about your career goals, and education. But, be wary of expressing your values frequently or at any time that may make the participants feel that they must adopt or appear to adopt your values. Do not share your personal values on controversial topics. You are an important figure in the lives of the adolescents in the program. It is important that you help them clarify their own values and how those values should influence their behavior. If asked about a topic like abortion, say something like “I’m more interested in what you believe right now. Knowing my position will not help you figure out your own.”

Life Planning Education, Advocates for Youth, Updated 2009.