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Epic Hero's Journey: Self-Discovery Maps

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Lesson Plan

Epic Hero's Journey: Self-Discovery Maps

Students will map out their personal heroic journeys, linking pivotal life moments and strengths to the classic Hero's Journey narrative.

This lesson fosters self-reflection and personal growth while connecting individual experiences to universal cultural narratives, strengthening personal identity and understanding.

Audience

High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive self-reflection via guided mapping activity.

Materials

Epic Hero's Journey: Self-Discovery Maps, Self-Reflection Slide Deck, and Hero Journey Mapping Activity

Prep

Preparation and Resource Review

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Framework Overview

10 minutes

  • Present an overview of the Hero's Journey framework using the slide deck.
  • Discuss the stages of the journey and highlight examples from cultural narratives.
  • Encourage students to think about their own life milestones.

Step 2

Self-Reflection Activity

20 minutes

  • Distribute the Hero Journey Mapping Activity sheets or digital links.
  • Instruct students to chart pivotal moments in their lives, marking challenges, turning points, and strengths.
  • Circulate the room offering guidance and prompting deeper reflection.

Step 3

Class Discussion and Sharing

15 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share segments of their maps and explain the significance of chosen moments.
  • Facilitate a discussion linking individual journeys to the universal narrative of heroes.
  • Emphasize shared human experiences and cultural connections.

Step 4

Wrap-Up and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Summarize key points from the lesson and reinforce the importance of self-awareness.
  • Suggest journaling or further reflective writing as an optional extension activity.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Your Heroic Journey

Explore the classic Hero's Journey framework. Reflect on your life's turning points and how they shape who you are.

Introduce the Hero's Journey framework. Explain that many cultures have similar narratives and that each student is the hero of their own story. Mention iconic examples like the myth of Hercules or modern narratives such as those in movies. Ask students to think of moments in their life that feel like turning points or challenges they've overcome.

The Hero's Journey Framework

Visualize your journey: From the Call to Adventure to Transformation. Which stage do you identify with most?

Show a visual diagram of the Hero's Journey stages (like Call to Adventure, Crisis, Transformation, Return). Pause for a minute to let students observe and ask if any stage resonates with their experience.

Stories of Heroes Across Cultures

From ancient myths to modern narratives, heroes have walked diverse paths. How do these stories mirror your own life experiences?

Present examples of heroes from global cultures. Encourage discussion on how these examples inspire personal reflections.

Reflect on Your Journey

Identify key moments: When have you experienced a 'call to adventure'? What challenges have you overcome? Write these down as starting points for your map.

Prompt students to start considering moments in their life narrative that align with the stages of the journey. Remind them that there are no right or wrong answers—just personal truth.

Connecting Your Story

Discuss your reflections with a partner or in a group. How do your individual stories connect to the universal narrative of the Hero's Journey?

Conclude with an invitation for students to discuss common themes and insights. Reiterate the value of reflection in personal growth.

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Activity

Hero Journey Mapping Activity

In this activity, you will create a visual map of your personal journey by highlighting important life events that mirror the stages of the classic Hero's Journey. This will help you reflect on your turning points, challenges, and strengths as you connect your story to a larger cultural narrative.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Materials


  2. Identify Key Life Events





    • Reflect on moments in your life that felt like a "call to adventure," where you encountered a challenge, or experienced a significant change.
    • Write down at least three major events. Think about times you felt challenged, moments of breakthrough, and times you overcame obstacles using your unique strengths.

  3. Map Your Journey










    • Create a timeline or a flowchart on a sheet of paper or digitally.
    • Label the stages similar to the Hero's Journey: Call to Adventure, Challenges, Turning Points, Transformation, and Return (or New Beginning).
    • Under each stage, add your identified life events. Include brief notes on why these moments were significant and how they changed you.

  4. Explore and Reflect











    • Reflect on the questions:
      • When did you first feel the call to change or explore new opportunities?
      • What challenges have shaped your character?
      • How did you overcome these obstacles and what strengths did you discover?

  5. Share and Discuss (Optional)











    • If you are comfortable, share parts of your journey with a partner or small group.
    • Discuss any common themes and insights you find, linking your experiences to the universal narrative of the Hero's Journey.

Reflection and Extension

  • After completing your map, take a few minutes to write a short reflective paragraph on what you learned about yourself during this process.


  • Consider journaling regularly to continue exploring your journey and identifying new 'heroic' moments as your life unfolds.

This activity is intended to be a personal exploration. There are no right or wrong answers—your map is as unique as your personal experiences.

Enjoy your creative journey of self-discovery!

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