Overview

Estimated Time: 1 Class Period (50 minutes)
Unit: High School In Focus
Lesson: 4.7
Theme: Attendance and the Importance of Being There

Students explore the importance of consistent attendance as a habit that supports success in both school and the workplace. Through an engaging activity, attendance calculations, and personal reflection, students examine how attendance impacts learning, develop an understanding of workplace attendance expectations, and identify positive habits that promote consistent participation. Students conclude the lesson by writing a letter to their future high school selves, encouraging the development of habits that support long-term academic and career success.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Explain the relationship between consistent attendance and academic and career success.
Calculate attendance percentages and interpret their significance.
Identify positive habits that support strong attendance and personal responsibility.
Develop a personal plan for maintaining positive attendance habits during high school.

Indiana Standards

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.2 – Develop and maintain a personal career portfolio.

PCC-7.2 – Demonstrate professionalism through communication, collaboration, and personal responsibility.

PCC-7.3 – Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication appropriate for career and workplace settings.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
"A Letter to Me" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)
Student attendance information (or teacher-provided attendance totals)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "A Letter to Me" sheet.
Prepare the "Washing the Elephant" introductory activity and gather any materials needed to facilitate the demonstration.
Determine how students will access their current attendance information, either through the school's student information system or by providing each student with their attendance totals in advance.
Review the attendance expectations outlined in your school's student handbook and be prepared to explain how attendance habits in school connect to workplace expectations.
Prepare examples of positive habits that support consistent attendance, such as establishing routines, getting adequate sleep, planning ahead, and communicating responsibly when absences are unavoidable.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Washing the Elephant)
Mini Lesson: Why Attendance Matters
Calculating Attendance Percentages
Writing "A Letter to Me"
Reflection and Class Discussion

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"A Letter to Me" sheet
Attendance percentage calculations
Reflection on positive attendance habits

External Resources

School student handbook
Student information system (if available)

Teacher Tips

Approach attendance as a skill that can be developed rather than a measure of character. Recognize that students may face circumstances outside of their control that affect attendance, and encourage them to focus on the habits and choices they can influence moving forward. Emphasize that the goal is to build routines that support learning, responsibility, and long-term success in both school and future careers, while reinforcing that improvement is always possible.

Lesson 4.7 - Attendance and the Importance of Being There