Circle of Strength Reflection Worksheet

Take a few minutes to reflect on today’s session. Answer each prompt below and leave space for your thoughts.

1. Strengths and How I’ve Used Them

• Strength #1: ________________________________

How I have used this strength (give an example):

• Strength #2: ________________________________

How I have used this strength (give an example):

2. Coping Skills Reflection

Choose a scenario from Coping Skills Scenario Cards or recall a recent stressful moment. Describe the situation and a healthy coping strategy you can use:

3. Weekly Strength Goal

Which one of your personal strengths will you focus on this week? How will you apply it in a challenging moment?

4. My Coping Plan

If you feel stressed this week, what specific coping skill will you try? When and how will you practice it?

5. Peer Support Check-In

What is one way you can support a classmate using their strengths? Write down what you might say or do:

Strengths Gallery Walk

Objective: Promote peer feedback and reinforce each other’s identified strengths through a collaborative gallery walk.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials Needed:

• Chart papers displaying pairs’ strengths (from Strengths Identification Activity)
• Colored markers or sticky notes

Instructions:

1. Arrange Posters Around the Room
   • Ensure each chart paper with brainstormed strengths is hung at eye level around the room.
2. Walk the Gallery (2 min)
   • Students silently rotate in a circle, spending about 20–30 seconds at each poster.
   • Read peers’ listed strengths and examples.
3. Add Supportive Comments (2 min)
   • Write at least one positive comment, question, or encouragement next to three different peers’ strengths using a marker or a sticky note.
   • Focus on specific feedback (e.g., “I admire how you use your creativity when solving problems!”).
4. Group Debrief (1 min)
   • Reconvene in the circle.
   • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one supportive comment they received or wrote.
   • Reinforce the value of noticing and celebrating each other’s strengths.

Teacher Notes:

• Model how to write a supportive comment before students begin.
• Encourage respectful, specific feedback.
• Circulate to ensure students stay on task and contribute thoughtfully.
• Highlight a few examples out loud to amplify positive peer support.

Coping Skills Scenario Cards

Use these cards in small groups to discuss and practice healthy coping strategies. Read the scenario, talk through how you might respond, and note a specific coping skill you’d use below each one.

Card 1: Test Anxiety

You have a big exam tomorrow and feel overwhelmed and unprepared. Your heart is racing and you’re having trouble focusing on your notes.

My healthy coping response:

Card 2: Rumor at School

You heard that a friend has been spreading a false rumor about you. You feel hurt and angry when you see people whispering.

My healthy coping response:

Card 3: Heavy Workload

Multiple assignments and projects are due next week, and you don’t know where to start. You feel stressed and procrastinate instead of planning.

My healthy coping response:

Card 4: Social Exclusion

At lunchtime, you notice a group of classmates talking and laughing but not inviting you to join. You feel lonely and left out.

My healthy coping response:

Card 5: Family Pressure

Your parent keeps reminding you about your grades and chores. You feel pressured and upset every time they bring it up.

My healthy coping response:

Card 6: Forgotten Materials

You arrive to class without the textbook or notebook you needed. You feel frustrated and worry about falling behind.

My healthy coping response:

Card 7: Peer Pressure

A friend is pressuring you to do something you’re uncomfortable with (e.g., skip class, try vaping). You feel caught between fitting in and doing what’s right.

My healthy coping response:

Card 8: Overcommitment

You’re involved in several clubs, sports, and jobs. You feel overwhelmed and exhausted but worry about letting people down if you step back.

My healthy coping response:

Teacher Note: Encourage students to suggest one specific coping skill per scenario (e.g., deep breathing, setting a schedule, seeking support) and discuss how they could implement it this week.

Mood Check-In

Objective: Quickly gauge the group’s emotional state and build a safe space for sharing.

Time: 5 minutes

Materials Needed:

• None (optional: whiteboard or sticky notes)

Instructions

1. Form a Circle (1 min)
   • Have students stand or sit in a circle to promote inclusion and visibility.
2. One-Word Mood Check (2 min)
   • Going around the circle, each student names one word that describes how they’re feeling right now (e.g., “focused,” “tired,” “anxious,” “hopeful”).
   • No explanations are required—just the word.
3. Optional Brief Share (1 min)
   • Invite any student who wants to elaborate on their mood word to share a sentence or two about why they chose it.
4. Group Reflection (1 min)
   • Teacher briefly notes common themes (e.g., many feeling “stressed”) without judgment.
   • Reinforce that all feelings are valid and this helps the group support one another.

Teacher Notes

• Model vulnerability by sharing your own one-word mood first.
• Encourage respect and confidentiality: what’s shared in the circle stays in the circle.
• Watch for students who seem uncomfortable; offer a reminder that sharing is optional.
• Use the mood check-in to inform pacing or additional support needed in the session.

Circle of Strength Anchor Poster

Our Session Focus: Recognize • Cope • Connect

1. Recognize Your Strengths

• Resilience – I face challenges and keep going.

• Empathy – I tune into others’ feelings and offer support.

• Creativity – I find new ways to solve problems.

• Leadership – I encourage and guide others positively.

• Persistence – I stick with tasks until I succeed.
 
 

2. Practice Healthy Coping Skills

• Deep Breathing
Pause, inhale deeply for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale for 6.

• Grounding
Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear.

• Positive Self-Talk
Replace “I can’t” with “I will try” statements.

• Time Management
Break tasks into small steps; use a planner or timer.

• Seek Support
Talk with a friend, teacher, or trusted adult.
 
 

3. Strengthen Peer Support

• Notice & Celebrate
Use the Strengths Gallery Walk to leave encouraging comments.

• Active Listening
Give full attention, make eye contact, and reflect feelings.

• Offer Help
Ask: “How can I support you?” and follow through.
 
 

Connect Today’s Learning

• Practice one coping skill when you feel stress.
• Share your chosen strength on the Circle of Strength Reflection Worksheet.
• Review a scenario on the Coping Skills Scenario Cards and plan your response.
 
 

“Each one of us has a unique strength. Together, we build a circle of support.”
– Session Reminder