My Roots, My Strengths: Exploring My Family's Power

Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________

Part 1: My Personal Strengths

Think about yourself. What are you good at? What positive qualities do you have? (Examples: kind, creative, problem-solver, curious, brave, patient, funny, determined, helpful)

1. List three personal strengths you possess:
   a. _________________________
   
   
   
   b. _________________________
   
   
   
   c. _________________________
   
   
   

2. Describe a time you used one of these strengths. What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Strengths in My Immediate Family

Think about the people in your immediate family (parents, guardians, siblings, close family members who live with you). What strengths do they have? What values are important in your home? (Examples: honesty, hard work, compassion, generosity, resilience, humor, loyalty, creativity)

1. List two strengths or values you see in your immediate family members:
   a. _________________________
   
   
   
   b. _________________________
   
   
   

2. Describe a family story or tradition that shows one of these strengths or values in action.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Connecting to Generations (Homework Helper!)

For homework, you will talk to an older family member (like a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or another respected elder). Ask them about their life, family history, or special stories. Here are some questions to get you started:

• What was life like when you were growing up?
• What challenges did our family face, and how did they overcome them? (This can help you find 'resilience' or 'determination' as strengths!)
• Are there any special traditions, sayings, or skills that have been passed down in our family?
• What values do you think are most important for our family to uphold?
• What is a strength you admire in an older family member?

Take notes here on what you learn. We will share some of these discoveries next class!

Family Tree of Strengths: Brainstorm & Sketch

Goal: To start planning your unique 'Family Tree of Strengths' project.

Step 1: Who is in Your Family Tree?

Remember, 'family' can be blood relatives, adoptive family, or even very close mentors and community members who have significantly shaped you. List the key people you want to include in your tree. You don't need to include everyone, just those who represent important strengths or stories.

• My name:
• Parents/Guardians:
• Grandparents:
• Other influential family members/elders:
  
  
  
  

Step 2: What are Their Strengths and Values?

For each person you listed in Step 1, identify a key strength or value they embody or have passed down. You can use insights from your My Roots, My Strengths Worksheet and your family interviews.

• Person 1: _________________________ Strength/Value: _________________________
  
  
  
• Person 2: _________________________ Strength/Value: _________________________
  
  
  
• Person 3: _________________________ Strength/Value: _________________________
  
  
  
• Person 4: _________________________ Strength/Value: _________________________
  
  
  
• Person 5: _________________________ Strength/Value: _________________________
  
  
  

Step 3: Design Your Tree!

How will you visually represent your family and their strengths? Think creatively!

• Type of Tree: Will it be a literal tree with branches, or something more symbolic (e.g., a constellation, a river with tributaries, a quilt)?
  
  
  
  
• Symbols/Images: What images, colors, or symbols will you use to represent different family members, strengths, or values? (e.g., a shield for protection, a book for wisdom, a heart for love)
  
  
  
  
• Keywords/Phrases: Will you write names and strengths directly on the tree, or use short quotes/stories?
  
  
  
  

Step 4: Sketch Your Idea

Use the space below to draw a rough sketch or outline of your 'Family Tree of Strengths.' Don't worry about perfection; this is just for planning!

Project Guide: My Family Tree of Strengths

Objective: To create a visual representation of your family's history, focusing on the unique strengths and values that have been passed down through generations and how they connect to you.

Project Goal

Your task is to design and create a 'Family Tree of Strengths' on a large piece of paper or poster board. This isn't just about listing names; it's about showcasing the positive qualities, traditions, and resilience that make your family unique and how they have shaped you.

Deliverables

1. A Visual 'Family Tree of Strengths': This will be your main project. It should:

   • Clearly represent at least three generations of your family (or significant 'family-like' figures if traditional family structures are not applicable).
   • Highlight at least five distinct strengths or values passed down through your family (e.g., resilience, creativity, kindness, strong work ethic, community involvement, generosity, perseverance).
   • Include the names of family members (optional, you can use initials or roles like 'Grandma').
   • Use creative elements like drawings, symbols, colors, or even small collage elements to represent strengths and connections.
   • Be neatly presented and visually engaging.

2. Short Explanation (Written or Oral): Be prepared to briefly explain:

   • Your chosen design and why you made those choices.
   • At least two specific family stories or examples that illustrate the strengths you included.
   • How these family strengths connect to your own personal strengths or character.

Suggested Steps

1. Review your My Roots, My Strengths Worksheet: Look at the strengths and stories you've already identified.
2. Interview a Family Member: If you haven't already, talk to an older family member. Ask about family history, challenges they overcame, important values, or special traditions.
3. Brainstorm & Sketch (Use Family Tree of Strengths Brainstorm): Decide on your visual concept. Will it be a traditional tree, or something more abstract like a river, a constellation, or a garden? How will you represent generations and strengths?
4. Gather Materials: Collect poster board, markers, colored pencils, old magazines (for pictures), glue, etc.
5. Create Your Tree: Draw, write, and decorate your 'Family Tree of Strengths.' Make sure the strengths are clearly visible and connected to family members or branches.
6. Prepare Your Explanation: Think about what you want to say when you share your project with the class.

Important Considerations

• Creativity is Key! There's no single 'right' way to make your tree. Be imaginative!
• Respect Privacy: You only need to share what you are comfortable with. It's okay to generalize or use pseudonyms if you prefer.
• All Families are Unique: Remember, every family structure is valid and important. Focus on the strengths your family has, however it is composed.

Rubric: My Family Tree of Strengths Project

Student Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________

Scoring Criteria

Total Score: ______ / 24