Values: Your Inner Compass - Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 1)

"Hello everyone! Welcome. Today, we're going to talk about something really important that helps guide us through life: our values. Think of them as your own personal compass.

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 2)

"To start, when you hear the word 'values,' what comes to mind? What do you think a value is? Don't worry, there's no wrong answer here. Just share what you honestly think."

(Facilitate a brief discussion, affirming student responses. Guide them towards concepts like 'what's important,' 'beliefs,' 'principles.')

What Are Values? (5 minutes)

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"Great ideas, everyone! You're on the right track. Simply put, values are your core beliefs and principles. They are the things that are most important to you in life. They're like the big ideas or feelings that you want to have in your life, or the way you want to act.

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"I like to think of values as your inner compass. Just like a compass helps a hiker find their way, your values help you find your way in life. They point you in the direction that feels right for you. They help you make choices, even when things are confusing, and help you stay true to yourself.

"For example, if one of your values is 'kindness,' how might that guide your actions?"

(Allow for a few student responses, e.g., 'I would help someone who fell,' 'I wouldn't spread rumors.')

"Exactly! If 'honesty' is a value, you'll likely try to be truthful. If 'adventure' is a value, you might seek out new experiences. See how they guide you?

Values Card Sort Activity (10 minutes)

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Now, it's your turn to discover your core values with our Values Card Sort activity. I'm going to hand out a set of cards to each of you, or to your small groups. Each card has a different value written on it.

(Distribute the Values Card Sort cards.)

"Here's what I want you to do:

1. First, just spread all the cards out and take a look at them. Read through all the different values.
2. Next, I want you to sort them into three piles: 'Very Important to Me,' 'Somewhat Important to Me,' and 'Not So Important to Me.' Take your time with this.
3. Once you have your three piles, I want you to focus only on the 'Very Important to Me' pile. From that pile, choose your top 3 to 5 values that truly resonate with you. These are the ones that really speak to who you are and how you want to live.

(Allow students time to sort the cards, circulating to offer assistance or encouragement.)

"Alright, does anyone want to share one or two of their top values and briefly explain why it's important to them? No pressure, but it can be really powerful to hear what others value."

(Facilitate a brief sharing session, ensuring everyone feels comfortable sharing or passing.)

Connecting Values to Life (5 minutes)

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Thank you for sharing, those were some great insights. So, now that you've identified some of your core values, how do these values actually help you in your daily life? How do they help you make decisions? How do they help you set goals? And how do they help you be true to yourself?

"Let's say one of your top values is 'friendship.' How might that value help you decide who to hang out with on the weekend? Or if someone asks you to do something that might hurt a friend, how does 'friendship' guide your response?"

(Allow for a few student responses.)

"Exactly! Your values are not just words on cards; they're active guides. They help you choose what feels right and what aligns with the kind of person you want to be. I'm going to hand out a quick worksheet, the My Values Exploration Worksheet."

(Distribute My Values Exploration Worksheet.)

"On this worksheet, I want you to briefly jot down one way your values can guide a decision or action. Think about something coming up this week, or a common challenge you face. How can your inner compass help you navigate it?"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to write.)

Cool Down & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

(Teacher displays Values: Your Inner Compass Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"Fantastic work today, everyone. To wrap up, I have a quick 'Cool Down' activity, the Values Reflection Cool Down, for you to complete. It's a chance to reflect on what we've discussed."

(Distribute Values Reflection Cool Down.)

"Please take a few moments to answer these questions honestly. You can turn them in as you leave, or if you feel comfortable, we can share one quick thought before we go."

(Allow students to complete the cool down. Collect them or facilitate brief sharing.)

"Thank you all so much for your thoughtful participation today. Remember, your values are your inner compass. The more you understand them, the better you can navigate your world and stay true to the amazing person you are. Have a great day!"

Values Card Sort

Instructions: Cut out each of the cards below. Then, sort them into three piles:

1. Very Important to Me
2. Somewhat Important to Me
3. Not So Important to Me

Finally, from your "Very Important to Me" pile, choose your top 3-5 core values.

My Values Exploration Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

My Top Values

Based on the card sort, list your top 3-5 core values:

1. ---

2. ---

3. ---

4. ____________________________ (Optional)
5. ____________________________ (Optional)

Values in Action

Think about one of your top values. How can this value guide you in a real-life situation this week?

My Value: ____________________________

Situation: (Describe a situation where you might need to make a decision or take action. For example: "Choosing who to sit with at lunch," "Deciding how to spend my free time," "Responding to a friend who is upset.")

How my value can guide me: (Explain how your chosen value would help you make a good decision or take a positive action in that situation.)

My Inner Compass

Why is it important to know your values?

Values Reflection Cool Down

Name: ____________________________

1. What is one new thing you learned or realized about your own values today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How will knowing your top values help you this week?