Unleashing Your Inner Superpowers

Gianna Akerberg

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Session 1: Discovering Your Strengths

Introduce students to the concept of character strengths and help them identify their unique qualities in order to empower self-awareness and positive social interactions.

This lesson is crucial for building self-esteem and interpersonal skills, setting the foundation for further exploration of personal strengths in a supportive group environment.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and reflective activities.

Materials

Session 1: Discovering Your Strengths

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review the SEL objectives and the activities outlined in Session 1: Discovering Your Strengths.
Familiarize yourself with key discussion points on character strengths.
Prepare any additional reflection prompts to encourage student sharing.

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Begin with a brief explanation of what character strengths are and why they matter.
Ask students to name a few personal traits they value and discuss how these can be seen as strengths.
Encourage open sharing in a safe, supportive environment.

Step 2

Activity - Strengths Inventory (15 minutes)

15 minutes

Distribute a strengths inventory worksheet (or guide an interactive verbal session).
Have students reflect individually on their own strengths.
Ask volunteers to share one or two strengths and discuss real-life examples of how these can be applied.

Step 3

Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Summarize key points discussed during the session.
Guide a short reflection on why recognizing personal strengths is important for personal growth and social interactions.
Set the stage for upcoming sessions by hinting at deeper exploration of these strengths.

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Slide Deck

Session 1: Discovering Your Strengths

Welcome! Today we will explore what makes each of us unique by identifying our personal strengths.

Introduce the session by welcoming students and giving them an overview of today's lesson. Highlight that the session will help them discover and celebrate their unique character strengths.

What Are Character Strengths?

Character strengths are personal qualities such as kindness, creativity, and perseverance. They help us overcome challenges and build positive relationships.

Provide a brief definition of character strengths. Emphasize that these qualities help us interact positively with others and support our personal growth.

Interactive Discussion

Think about one quality you are proud of. How does this strength help you in school, at home, or with friends? Share your thoughts with the class.

This slide is for initiating an interactive discussion with the students. Ask them to think about a personal trait they value and how it helps them in everyday situations.

Activity: Strengths Inventory

Reflect individually on your personal strengths.
Write down a few qualities that make you unique.
Volunteers can share examples of how these strengths come to life in everyday situations.

Explain the Strengths Inventory activity. Provide clear instructions and prompt students to think individually before sharing with the class. Remind them this is a safe space for sharing.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Today we discovered our unique strengths. Reflect on why these qualities make you special and how you can use them to navigate daily challenges. Get ready to explore more in future sessions!

Wrap up the session by summarizing the key points. Remind students why understanding and recognizing their strengths is important. Set the stage for deeper exploration in upcoming sessions.

Worksheet

Strengths Inventory Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on and identify your unique character strengths. Take your time to think about the qualities that make you special, and feel free to write as much as you need in each section.

1. List Your Personal Strengths

Think of at least three personal qualities that you believe are your strengths. These can include traits like kindness, creativity, perseverance, or any other quality you value about yourself.

___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

Additional strengths (if any):

________________________________________

________________________________________

2. How Do You Use These Strengths?

For each strength you listed, describe a real-life example of when you used this strength. How did it help you overcome a challenge or be successful in a situation?

Strength 1: ___________________________

Example:

Strength 2: ___________________________

Example:

Strength 3: ___________________________

Example:

3. Reflect on Your Strengths

Answer the following questions to think more deeply about how your strengths help you:

a) Why do you think these strengths are important in your daily life?

b) How can you further develop these strengths to overcome challenges in the future?

c) How might sharing your strengths with others help create a positive environment at school?

4. Your Personal Declaration

Write a short declaration or motto that captures the essence of your personal strengths and how you plan to use them to make a positive impact on your life and the lives of others.

Declaration:

Lesson Plan

Session 2: Applying Strengths in Real Life

Help students understand how to apply their identified strengths in daily scenarios to improve problem-solving and social interactions.

Empowering students to use their strengths in real life fosters resilience and builds a positive self-image for better social interactions.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive role-play and scenario-based activities.

Materials

Session 1: Discovering Your Strengths, and Strengths Inventory Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review the lesson objectives and materials from Session 1: Discovering Your Strengths and Strengths Inventory Worksheet.
Prepare a set of real-life scenarios where different strengths can be applied.
Outline role-play instructions to guide student interactions.

Step 1

Scenario Introduction (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Introduce different real-life scenarios (e.g., group project challenges, conflicts with peers, or personal obstacles).
Ask students to share which of their strengths (identified earlier) could help in each scenario.
Facilitate a brief class discussion on the potential impact of using these strengths.

Step 2

Role-Play Activity (15 minutes)

15 minutes

Organize students into small groups and assign each group a scenario.
Instruct each group to role-play the scenario, showcasing how specific strengths can be applied to resolve the challenge.
Encourage supportive feedback and observe how effectively students apply their strengths in conversation.

Step 3

Group Reflection (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Gather the class and ask for volunteers to share their role-play experiences.
Discuss what worked well and what could be improved when applying personal strengths.
Summarize the session by reinforcing the importance of using one’s unique qualities in real-life situations.

Slide Deck

Session 2: Applying Strengths in Real Life

Welcome! Today we will explore how the character strengths we discovered can help us navigate real-life challenges.

Introduce the session by welcoming students and giving an overview of how they will use their strengths in real-life situations. Emphasize the connection to the previous session and relate it to everyday scenarios.

Using Your Strengths

Your strengths are tools that can help you tackle challenges and build stronger relationships. Think about how traits like kindness, creativity, or perseverance can make a difference in everyday situations.

Present a brief introduction to the concept of applying strengths. Explain that strengths aren't just words, but tools that can help in various real-life scenarios such as solving problems, resolving conflicts, and working in teams.

Real-Life Scenarios

Imagine scenarios like group project challenges, conflicts with peers, or personal setbacks. Which of your strengths can help? Reflect on how your unique qualities can make a positive impact.

Introduce several real-life scenarios. Ask the students to think about which of their personal strengths could be applied in each scenario. Encourage them to consider how these strengths can lead to positive outcomes.

Role-Play Activity

Break into small groups and choose a scenario.
Role-play how you would use your strengths to overcome the challenge.
Listen, observe, and share supportive feedback with your peers.

Explain the role-play activity. Divide the class into small groups, assign a scenario to each group, and provide instructions on how to act out the scenario by applying the identified strengths. Highlight the importance of supportive feedback.

Group Reflection

Let’s reflect on our role-play activities:

What did you learn about using your strengths?
How did your strengths help in the scenario?
Share your insights with the class.

End the session with a group reflection. Invite volunteers to share their role-play experiences, discuss learning points, and how applying strengths made a difference.

Activity

Role-Play Scenarios

This activity provides several structured role-play scenarios to help you practice applying your unique character strengths in real-life situations. Follow the instructions carefully, act out the scenarios in your group, and reflect on how your strengths can guide you through challenges.

Instructions:

Divide into Small Groups: Your teacher will assign you into groups of 3-4. Each group will receive a scenario card with a brief description of a real-ish situation you might encounter.
Read the Scenario: As a group, read the scenario carefully. Make sure everyone understands the context.
Identify Relevant Strengths: Discuss as a group which of your identified character strengths (from the Strengths Inventory Worksheet) could be useful in addressing the scenario. Write your ideas down:

Strengths to consider: ___________________________

Plan Your Role-Play: Decide on roles for each group member. Plan a short role-play (approximately 3-5 minutes) where you show how your chosen strengths can be applied to resolve the challenge in the scenario.

Role-Play Script Outline:

Introduction of the scenario
How each member’s strength plays a role
Resolution or learning moment

Perform the Role-Play: Present your role-play to the class.
Provide and Receive Feedback: After each role-play, the class will give supportive feedback. Use these questions for reflection:

What strengths were used effectively?
How did the role-play demonstrate problem-solving or conflict resolution?
What could be improved in handling the situation in a real-life setting?

Reflection and Follow-Up:

After all groups have performed, take a few minutes to answer the following questions individually in your notebook:

Which of your personal strengths did you feel most confident using today? Why?
In what ways can practicing these role-plays help you in real-life situations at school or home?
What did you learn from your peers about different ways to apply strengths when facing challenges?

Remember, this is a safe space to try out different strategies and learn from one another. Your unique strengths make you valuable in every situation!

Great job, and have fun exploring your inner superpowers!

Lesson Plan

Session 3: Strengths in Teamwork

Help students understand how their individual strengths contribute to effective teamwork and learn strategies to collaborate using these strengths.

Leveraging personal strengths within a team not only boosts self-confidence but also fosters mutual respect and cooperation, essential for both academic and personal growth.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Group discussions, cooperative activities, and reflective sharing.

Materials

Role-Play Scenarios

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review the session objectives and prepare discussion points on teamwork and individual strengths.
Revisit the Role-Play Scenarios as potential team activities.
Set up any necessary materials or space arrangements for group collaboration.

Step 1

Team Discussion (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Initiate a discussion on what makes a team effective.
Ask students to share examples where teamwork led to success and identify the strengths each member brought to the table.
Highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse strengths within a team.

Step 2

Group Activity - Team Challenge (15 minutes)

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups and assign them a team challenge (e.g., building a structure with limited resources or problem-solving a scenario).
Encourage each group to identify individual strengths and assign roles accordingly.
Ask groups to work together to complete the challenge, ensuring each member's strength is utilized.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Bring the class back together and ask each group to share how individual strengths contributed to their success.
Facilitate a brief reflection on what they learned about teamwork and the value of diverse strengths.
Summarize key takeaways and set the stage for the next session.

Slide Deck

Session 3: Strengths in Teamwork

Welcome! Today we're learning how our unique strengths can power a successful team. Let's explore how we work together!

Welcome the students and introduce the session. Explain that today we'll explore how individual strengths contribute to effective teamwork and how working together can strengthen everyone.

What Makes a Team Effective?

Think about a time when teamwork led to success. What role did each person's strengths play? Let's share our thoughts.

Start the discussion by asking students what makes a team effective. Encourage them to mention examples from their own experiences.

Team Challenge Activity

In your small groups, complete your team challenge. Identify individual strengths and decide roles. Use your strengths to solve the challenge together!

Introduce a group activity by presenting a team challenge. Explain that each student should identify their strength and how it can be applied to the challenge.

Reflect & Share

Discuss in your group: How did each person’s strength contribute? What did you learn about teamwork? Be ready to share your insights.

Provide a reflection prompt where groups think back on the activity. Ask them to consider how their contributions helped the team reach a solution.

Wrap-Up & Takeaways

Today, we learned that every strength matters in a team! Reflect on how your unique qualities contribute to group success and think about ways to apply this every day.

Summarize the session's learning. Recap the importance of applying individual strengths in teamwork and encourage students to use these insights in future group work.

Activity

Team Challenge Activity

In this activity, you will work with your teammates to complete a challenge that requires everyone to use their unique strengths. This exercise is designed to reinforce how your individual talents contribute to a successful team.

Instructions:

Divide into Small Groups: Your teacher will divide you into small groups of 3-4 members.
Receive Your Challenge: Each group will be given a challenge card. The challenge might be something like building a small structure using limited materials or coming up with a plan to solve a fictional problem.
Identify Your Strengths: Before starting the challenge, discuss among your group what personal strengths each member has (refer to your Strengths Inventory Worksheet if needed). Write down each person’s strength on a piece of paper:
Plan Your Strategy: As a group, decide how to use each of your strengths to complete the challenge. Assign roles if necessary, ensuring that everyone’s talent is put to good use.
Complete the Challenge: Work together to complete the team challenge. Remember, collaboration is key!
Share Your Experience: Once the challenge is complete, each group will share how they used their strengths and what worked well. Discuss any obstacles you encountered and how you overcame them.

Reflection Questions:

Which of your personal strengths was most helpful in this team challenge? Why?
How did your team decide on the roles based on your strengths?
What did you learn about teamwork and applying your strengths in a group setting?

Great job, team! Your unique strengths make you powerful together. Keep exploring how you can use your talents to overcome challenges both in school and in life!

Lesson Plan

Session 4: Reflecting and Setting Goals

Guide students in reflecting on the lessons learned about character strengths and empower them to set personal goals for future growth.

Reflection solidifies learning and helps students understand how to apply their strengths beyond the classroom, fostering ongoing personal development.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection and goal-setting discussion.

Materials

Strengths Inventory Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review key reflections and goals from previous sessions.
Prepare discussion prompts and examples of goal-setting linked to personal strengths.
Make sure to have copies or digital access to the Strengths Inventory Worksheet for student reference.

Step 1

Introduction & Reflection (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Begin by revisiting the key themes from the previous sessions on character strengths and teamwork.
Ask students to reflect on the most important strength they discovered and how it has helped them so far.
Prompt them to share personal stories or insights regarding their journey.

Step 2

Goal-Setting Activity (15 minutes)

15 minutes

Instruct students to think about a specific area in their life (school, home, or social) where they want to apply their strengths.
Guide them to set one personal goal related to using their strengths for overcoming a challenge or improving an area of their lives.
Have them write down their goal and a few actionable steps to achieve it on a piece of paper or digitally.
Encourage peers to share their goals in small groups and provide supportive feedback.

Step 3

Wrap-Up & Sharing (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections and personal goals with the class.
Summarize the session by emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and continuous personal growth.
Encourage students to revisit their goals over time and adjust as needed.

Slide Deck

Session 4: Reflecting and Setting Goals

Welcome! Today we're taking time to reflect on our character strengths journey and set personal goals for the future.

Welcome the students and provide an overview of the session. Remind them that this is a time to think back on what they've learned and start planning how to use these learnings in the future.

Reflecting on Your Strengths

Think back to the sessions where you discovered and practiced your strengths. What is one strength that really helped you? Why is it important?

Prompt students to think about the key strengths they discovered during the previous sessions. Encourage them to recall moments when their strengths made a difference.

Setting Personal Goals

Now, consider an area in your life (school, home, or social) where you want to improve. Think about a realistic goal you can set that uses one of your strengths.

Introduce the goal-setting portion by explaining that setting clear, personal goals can help them apply their strengths in everyday situations.

Example: Goal & Action Steps

Example:
Goal: Improve teamwork skills during group projects.
Steps:

Recognize your strength in communication.
Volunteer for small roles in group discussions.
Ask for feedback from peers.

Provide an example of goal-setting. Walk through a sample goal, including specific steps on how to achieve it. Encourage students to think similarly for their own goals.

Wrap-Up & Sharing

Share your reflections and personal goals with the class. Remember, these goals are steps toward a better you. Keep reflecting and growing!

Wrap up the session by inviting volunteers to share their reflections and goals. Emphasize the importance of revisiting and adjusting these goals over time.

Journal

Reflection and Goal-Setting Journal

Welcome to your Reflection and Goal-Setting Journal! This is your personal space to think deeply about the character strengths you have discovered, how you have used them, and how you plan to continue growing. Take your time to answer each prompt thoughtfully.

Session Reflections

What is the one character strength you discovered in these sessions that makes you feel most proud? Explain why this strength stands out to you.
Reflect on a time during this class when you used one of your strengths in a challenging situation (at school, with friends, or at home). What happened, and how did your strength help you overcome the challenge?

Teamwork and Collaboration

Think about the group activities and role-plays. How did working with others help you see the value of your individual strengths? Describe one instance where teamwork made a difference.
In what ways can you support your teammates or friends by sharing your strengths? Provide a specific example of how you might do this in the future.

Goal Setting

Identify one personal goal that you want to achieve using your strengths. It could be related to your academic life, relationships, or personal growth. What is your goal, and why is it important to you?
List three actionable steps you can take to reach this goal. Consider how your strengths can contribute to each step.

Looking Ahead

Reflect on how setting goals and recognizing your strengths can influence your future decisions. How do you envision these skills helping you in upcoming challenges at school or in your personal life?

Take a moment at the end to write any additional thoughts, insights, or words of encouragement for yourself as you continue on your journey of growth and self-discovery.

Remember: Your strengths are your superpowers. Keep reflecting, keep growing, and use these insights to create a positive impact on your life and the lives of others.