Lesson Plan
Strengths Spotlights
Students will identify and articulate at least three of their unique character strengths and understand how these strengths contribute to their success and well-being, fostering increased self-esteem and a positive self-concept.
Understanding our strengths helps us feel good about ourselves, build confidence, and navigate challenges. By focusing on what we do well, we can grow and achieve our goals, both in school and in life.
Audience
3rd-5th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive card sorts, reflective activities, and peer recognition.
Materials
Strengths Spotlights Slide Deck, Character Strengths Card Sort Activity, My Strength Story Worksheet, and Strength Share Discussion Prompts
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Strengths Spotlights Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
* Print and cut out the 'Character Strengths Card Sort' cards for the Character Strengths Card Sort Activity (one set per 2-3 students).
* Make copies of the My Strength Story Worksheet (one per student).
* Prepare the classroom for small group work and a whole-class discussion.
* Review the Strength Share Discussion Prompts to guide the closing discussion.
Step 1
Introduction: What Makes You Shine?
10 minutes
- Begin with the 'What Makes You Shine?' slide from the Strengths Spotlights Slide Deck.
* Engage students in a brief discussion about what a 'strength' means to them. Ask questions like: 'What are you good at?' or 'What do you enjoy doing that comes easily to you?'
* Introduce the concept of character strengths – the positive parts of who we are that help us succeed and feel happy.
Step 2
Character Strengths Card Sort Activity
20 minutes
- Distribute the 'Character Strengths Card Sort' cards. Explain that each card has a different character strength.
* Instruct students, in small groups, to sort the cards into two piles: 'Me' (strengths they feel they have) and 'Not Me (right now)' (strengths they are still developing). Encourage them to discuss why they place cards in each pile.
* After sorting, ask each student to choose their top 3-5 strengths from their 'Me' pile. Facilitate discussion within groups about these chosen strengths.
Step 3
My Strength Story Worksheet
15 minutes
- Distribute the My Strength Story Worksheet.
* Instruct students to choose one of their top strengths and write or draw about a time they used that strength. Provide examples if needed (e.g., 'If your strength is kindness, you might write about a time you helped a friend.').
* Circulate and provide support as students work on their stories, encouraging them to think deeply about their experiences.
Step 4
Strength Share Discussion
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a Strength Share Discussion.
* Use the discussion prompts to encourage students to share their strength stories and listen to others. Emphasize that everyone has unique strengths and that recognizing them helps us understand ourselves and appreciate others.
* Conclude by reinforcing the idea that identifying and using their strengths can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Step 5
Cool Down: One Strength Word
5 minutes
- Use the 'Cool Down' prompt from the Strengths Spotlights Slide Deck or verbally ask students to share one word that represents a strength they learned about themselves or a classmate today.
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Slide Deck
What Makes You Shine?
What are you good at?
What comes easily to you?
Today, we're going to discover our character strengths – the special qualities that make us awesome!
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Ask students what they think a 'strength' is. Explain that today we'll be talking about special strengths inside all of us called 'character strengths'.
Discover Your Strengths!
You have many special qualities!
Activity: Character Strengths Card Sort
- Sort the cards into two piles:
- "Me!" (Strengths you have)
- "Not Me (Right Now)" (Strengths you're still growing)
- Choose your top 3-5 strengths!
Explain the Character Strengths Card Sort Activity. Divide students into small groups and distribute the Character Strengths Card Sort Activity cards. Explain the 'Me' and 'Not Me (right now)' piles. Encourage discussion.
My Strength Story
Pick one of your top strengths.
Think about a time you used that strength.
Write or draw your "Strength Story" on your worksheet!
Transition to the My Strength Story Worksheet. Distribute the My Strength Story Worksheet and explain the task. Circulate and support students as they work.
Sharing Our Shine
Let's share our stories!
- What strength did you write about?
- How did it help you or someone else?
- What strengths did you hear about from your classmates?
Facilitate the Strength Share Discussion using the Strength Share Discussion Prompts. Encourage students to share and listen respectfully. Emphasize the value of all strengths.
Cool Down: One Strength Word
What's one new strength you learned about today – either your own or a classmate's?
Share it in one word!
Use this slide as a cool-down. Ask students to share one word that represents a strength they learned about themselves or a classmate today.
Activity
Character Strengths Card Sort
Instructions: Cut out the cards below. Work with your group to sort the cards into two piles: "Me!" (strengths you feel you have) and "Not Me (Right Now)" (strengths you are still developing). Be ready to explain why you put cards in each pile.
After sorting, choose your top 3-5 strengths from your "Me!" pile.
Card 1: Kindness
Being nice and caring to others.
Card 2: Curiosity
Wanting to learn new things and explore.
Card 3: Perseverance
Sticking with it, even when things are hard.
Card 4: Creativity
Having new ideas and ways of doing things.
Card 5: Leadership
Helping guide a group and making good choices.
Card 6: Teamwork
Working well with others to achieve a goal.
Card 7: Honesty
Being truthful and fair.
Card 8: Bravery
Being courageous and trying new things.
Card 9: Gratitude
Being thankful for what you have.
Card 10: Self-Control
Being able to manage your feelings and actions.
Card 11: Humor
Making others laugh and enjoying fun.
Card 12: Zest
Having energy and excitement for life.
Card 13: Fairness
Treating everyone equally and justly.
Card 14: Love of Learning
Enjoying learning new things.
Card 15: Hope
Believing that good things will happen.
Worksheet
My Strength Story
Instructions: Choose one of your top character strengths. Think about a time you used that strength. Write or draw your story below! How did using this strength help you or someone else?
My chosen strength is:
My Strength Story:
How did this strength help me or others?
Discussion
Strength Share Discussion Prompts
Instructions: Use these prompts to guide a class discussion after students have completed their "My Strength Story" worksheets. Encourage respectful listening and sharing.
Opening the Discussion:
- Who would like to share one of their top strengths they identified today? Why did you choose that one?
- Was it easy or hard to pick your top strengths? Why?
Sharing Strength Stories:
- Who would like to share their "My Strength Story"? Remember to tell us which strength you used and what happened.
- What did you learn about yourself when you were thinking about your strength story?
- Did anyone realize they used a strength without even knowing it was a strength?
Connecting and Reflecting:
- What are some similarities or differences you noticed in your classmates' strengths?
- How can recognizing your own strengths help you at school? At home? With friends?
- How can knowing about other people's strengths help you be a better friend or classmate?
- Why is it important for us to appreciate all the different strengths people have?
Closing Questions:
- What is one thing you will remember about character strengths from today's lesson?
- How might you use one of your strengths this week?