Strength Spotlight Warm-Up

Time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Think: Take a moment to think about one thing you are really good at, or one positive quality you have. This could be anything – a skill, a hobby, a personality trait, or something you do to help others.

   Example: "I am a good listener."
   
   Example: "I am really good at drawing."
   
   Example: "I am always curious."

2. Share (Optional): We will go around the room and share one strength. You can share aloud if you feel comfortable, or you can simply think of it in your head. No pressure!

My strength is: _________________________________________________________________

An example of when I used this strength: ___________________________________________

Strengths Exploration Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Instructions: Everyone has unique strengths! Take some time to think about your own. List at least 5 of your personal strengths in the first column. Then, in the second column, describe a specific time or situation when you used that strength.

Reflection Question:

Which strength on your list are you most proud of, and why?

My Strength Shield: Activity Guide

Time: 25 minutes

Materials:

• Paper (cardstock or construction paper works well)
• Colored pencils, markers, crayons
• Optional: glitter, stickers, magazines for collaging, scissors, glue sticks

Instructions:

Today, you are going to create your very own Strength Shield! Just like ancient warriors used shields for protection, your shield will be a visual representation of your inner strengths and what makes you uniquely powerful.

1. Brainstorm Your Strengths: Look back at your Strengths Exploration Worksheet or think about additional strengths you possess. Choose your top 3-5 strengths that you want to highlight.

2. Design Your Shield:

   • On your paper, draw the outline of a shield. It can be any shape you like!
   • Divide your shield into sections, or use the entire space, to represent your chosen strengths.
   • Get Creative! How can you show your strengths visually?
     • Symbols: Draw images that represent your strengths (e.g., a lightbulb for creativity, a heart for kindness, a book for intelligence, gears for problem-solving).
     • Colors: Use colors that you associate with your strengths or that make you feel powerful.
     • Words/Phrases: Write key words or short phrases that describe your strengths.
     • Collage: If you have magazines, cut out images and words that resonate with your strengths and glue them onto your shield.

3. Decorate and Personalize: Make your shield truly reflect you. This is your chance to celebrate your unique qualities!

4. Optional Sharing: If time allows, be prepared to share your shield with a partner or the class and explain the strengths you chose to represent.

Class Discussion Questions: Celebrating Our Collective Strengths

Time: 15 minutes

Instructions: Let's come together to discuss our discoveries about strengths. Remember to listen respectfully to your classmates and share your thoughts openly.

1. How did it feel to spend time focusing on your strengths today? Was it a new experience?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Was it easy or challenging for you to identify your personal strengths? What made it easy or hard?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Can you think of a time recently when you used one of your strengths, even if you didn't realize it at the moment? What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How do you think recognizing your own strengths can help you when you face challenges or difficulties?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. How can knowing the strengths of your classmates (or people in your community) help our classroom become a stronger, more supportive place?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one way you can use your strengths to help others or contribute positively to our school community?

Cool-Down Ticket: Embracing Strengths

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on today's lesson. This is your exit ticket!

1. What is one new strength you either discovered about yourself today or recognized you possess?
   
   
   
   

2. Why do you think it is important for you to know and appreciate your own strengths?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How can celebrating strengths (both yours and others) make our classroom a better place?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is one way you will try to use or remember your strengths this week?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Embrace Your Strengths: Teacher Script

I. Warm-Up: Strength Spotlight (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome. Before we dive into today's lesson, let's start with a quick 'Strength Spotlight' warm-up. I want each of you to take a moment and think about one thing you are really good at, or one positive quality you possess. This isn't just about sports or academics; it could be anything! Maybe you're a great listener, a creative thinker, super organized, or really kind to your friends."

(Pause for students to think.)

Teacher: "To model, I'll go first. One of my strengths is [Teacher's Example, e.g., 'being a good planner']. I use this strength when I organize our class projects and make sure we have all our materials ready."

Teacher: "Now, if you feel comfortable, we'll do a quick whip-around. You can share your strength aloud, or you can just keep it in your head if you prefer. No pressure at all, just a chance to acknowledge something positive about yourself."

(Facilitate the whip-around, ensuring a positive and supportive environment. Keep it moving quickly.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for sharing, or for thinking about your strengths. That was a great start! Today, we're going to dive deeper into recognizing and celebrating these amazing qualities within yourselves and each other. It's so important for us to know what makes us shine!"

II. Introduction: What Are Strengths? (15 minutes)

(Display Embrace Your Strengths Slide Deck - Slide 2: "What Exactly is a Strength?")

Teacher: "So, we just shared some things we're good at. But what exactly is a strength? When you hear the word 'strength,' what comes to mind?"

(Allow students to share ideas – prompt if needed: physical strength, mental strength, etc.)

Teacher: "Great ideas! As you can see on the slide, a strength is more than just being physically strong. It can be:

• Skills: Things you are good at doing, like playing an instrument, solving math problems, or coding.
• Talents: Natural abilities, maybe you're naturally artistic, or you have a knack for leadership.
• Character Traits: These are positive qualities that describe your personality, like being kind, honest, persistent, or creative. These are often called 'character strengths' or 'virtues.'"

Teacher: "Can anyone give an example of a strength that falls into one of these categories? Perhaps a character trait you admire in someone?"

(Encourage a few examples, guiding them to understand the broader definition.)

(Display Embrace Your Strengths Slide Deck - Slide 3: "Why Focus on Strengths?")

Teacher: "Now, why do you think it's important to even think about our strengths? Why not just focus on things we need to improve?"

(Listen to student responses, affirming positive contributions.)

Teacher: "Exactly! Knowing your strengths helps you in so many ways. It boosts your confidence, helps you understand what makes you unique, improves teamwork, and even helps you overcome challenges because you know what resources you have inside you. It also helps you appreciate the strengths of others, making our community stronger."

III. Activity: Strengths Exploration Worksheet (20 minutes)

Teacher: "To help you dig deeper into your own strengths, I'm going to hand out the Strengths Exploration Worksheet."

(Distribute the Strengths Exploration Worksheet.)

Teacher: "On this worksheet, I want you to list at least 5 of your personal strengths in the first column. Then, in the second column, think of a specific time or situation when you used that strength. Give an example! This helps you see your strengths in action."

Teacher: "Take your time, really think about it. If you're stuck, think about what people compliment you on, what comes easily to you, or what you enjoy doing. I'll be walking around if you need a little help brainstorming."

(Circulate, offer assistance, and encourage students. After 15 minutes, bring the class back.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's pause there. You've done some great thinking. Now, I'd like you to turn to a partner or a small group nearby. Share just one strength you identified on your worksheet and the example of when you used it. Listen to your partner's strength too!"

(Allow 5 minutes for partner sharing.)

IV. Activity: My Strength Shield (25 minutes)

(Display Embrace Your Strengths Slide Deck - Slide 4: "My Strength Shield")

Teacher: "Fantastic work everyone! Now, we're going to get creative. We're going to create something called a 'Strength Shield.' Think about a knight's shield from long ago. A shield was used for protection, but it also had symbols that represented the knight's family, values, or strengths."

Teacher: "Today, you'll design your own personal shield that visually represents your top 3-5 strengths. These are the strengths that make you, you! You can draw symbols, use colors that represent your strengths, write words, or even create a mini-collage if you have materials for that. There are no right or wrong answers here – this is about your unique expression."

(Distribute paper and art supplies. Refer students to the My Strength Shield Activity Materials for detailed instructions.)

Teacher: "I'll put on some quiet instrumental music while you work. Really let your creativity flow and think about how you can represent your inner power on your shield."

(Circulate, offer encouragement, and provide support. Monitor time. After about 20 minutes, give a 5-minute warning.)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, start bringing your shields to a good stopping point. You've created some amazing representations of your strengths! We won't have time for everyone to share, but does anyone want to quickly show their shield and tell us one strength they chose to represent?"

(Allow 2-3 volunteers to share briefly if time permits.)

V. Discussion: Celebrating Our Collective Strengths (15 minutes)

(Display Embrace Your Strengths Slide Deck - Slide 5: "Let's Discuss: Our Collective Strengths")

Teacher: "Now that we've explored our individual strengths, let's discuss how this all fits together. We're going to use the Class Discussion Questions to guide us. Remember our classroom norms for discussions: active listening, respectful disagreement, and everyone gets a chance to speak."

(Lead the discussion using the prompts from the slide or the Class Discussion Questions material. Encourage thoughtful responses and facilitate a safe space for sharing.)

Teacher: "Excellent points, everyone. It's clear that recognizing our strengths, and the strengths of others, is really powerful for building a positive and supportive community."

VI. Cool-Down: Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

(Display Embrace Your Strengths Slide Deck - Slide 6: "Remember Your Power!")

Teacher: "To wrap up today's lesson, I have a short Cool-Down Ticket for you. Please answer these few questions as a way to reflect on what you learned today. This will be your exit ticket."

(Distribute the Cool-Down Ticket.)

Teacher: "Take a few minutes to complete this quietly. As you finish, you can hand it to me on your way out the door."

(Collect cool-down tickets as students leave.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for your engagement today. Remember, every single one of you has incredible strengths that make you special and valuable. Embrace them, use them, and celebrate them—both in yourself and in others! Have a great rest of your day!"