Exploring Character Strengths

Shaneira DaSilva

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Exploring Character Strengths

Identify and practice character strengths

Students will learn about different character strengths and how they manifest in daily life. They will participate in role-playing activities to practice these strengths. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize and develop positive traits that contribute to their personal growth and social interactions.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Identify and practice character strengths

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Character Strengths Worksheet, Role-Playing Scenarios, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Greet the students and briefly introduce the topic of character strengths.
Explain the importance of recognizing and developing character strengths in daily life.
Provide an overview of the activities planned for the lesson.

Step 2

Character Strengths Overview

10 mins

Present a list of common character strengths (e.g., kindness, honesty, perseverance) on the whiteboard.
Discuss each strength briefly, providing examples of how they can be demonstrated in daily life.
Encourage students to share any personal experiences related to these strengths.

Step 3

Role-Playing Activity

20 mins

Divide students into small groups and distribute the Character Strengths Worksheet and Role-Playing Scenarios.
Instruct each group to select a scenario and role-play it, focusing on demonstrating the assigned character strength.
After each role-play, have a brief discussion within the group about how the character strength was demonstrated and its impact.

Step 4

Group Discussion

7 mins

Reconvene the class and facilitate a group discussion using the provided Discussion Questions.
Encourage students to reflect on the role-playing activity and share their thoughts on the importance of character strengths.

Step 5

Closure

3 mins

Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
Encourage students to continue practicing and recognizing character strengths in their daily lives.
Thank the students for their participation and engagement.

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Worksheet

Character Strengths Worksheet

This worksheet will guide students through the role-playing activity, helping them identify and demonstrate different character strengths.

What character strength is being demonstrated in your scenario?

Refer to the list of character strengths discussed earlier.

How did the character in your scenario demonstrate this strength?

Describe the actions and behaviors that showed the character strength.

What impact did demonstrating this character strength have on others in the scenario?

Consider the reactions and outcomes for other characters involved.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions will guide the group discussion, helping students reflect on the role-playing activity and the importance of character strengths.

Which character strength did you find most challenging to demonstrate? Why?

Encourage students to think about the difficulties they faced and how they overcame them.

How can practicing character strengths benefit you in real life?

Discuss the personal and social benefits of developing strong character traits.

Can you think of a time when someone else's character strength positively impacted you?

Invite students to share personal stories and reflect on the positive influence of others' strengths.

Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios

These printable cards contain different scenarios for students to role-play, focusing on demonstrating specific character strengths.

Scenario 1: A friend is feeling sad because they didn't do well on a test. Demonstrate kindness by comforting them and offering to help them study for the next test.

Scenario 2: You found a wallet on the ground with money in it. Demonstrate honesty by finding the owner and returning the wallet.

Scenario 3: You are working on a group project, and one member is not contributing. Demonstrate perseverance by encouraging the group to keep working together and finding a way to involve everyone.

Scenario 4: A new student has joined your class and seems shy. Demonstrate empathy by introducing yourself and inviting them to join your group for lunch.

Scenario 5: You see someone being bullied in the hallway. Demonstrate bravery by standing up for them and seeking help from a teacher.

Scenario 6: You have a lot of homework and feel overwhelmed. Demonstrate self-discipline by creating a plan to manage your time and complete your assignments.