Teacher Script: What Matters Most?

Warm-Up: Value Chain Reaction (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To start our lesson today, we're going to play a game called 'Value Chain Reaction.' I'm going to hand each of you a card. Some cards have a question, and others have an answer or statement. Your job is to find the person whose card connects to yours. If you have a question, find the answer. If you have a statement, find the question it answers or the card it relates to. Once you find your match, link up and continue finding connections until we form a long chain or circle!"

(Distribute Warm-Up: Value Chain Reaction cards. Circulate and assist students as they connect. Once the chain is formed, bring students back to their seats.)

Teacher: "Great job everyone! That was a fun way to start thinking about different ideas and qualities. What did you notice about how these ideas connected?"

Introduction to Personal Values (10 minutes)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 1: What Matters Most?)

Teacher: "Today, we're going to talk about something really important: what matters most to you. Have you ever had to make a tough decision? Or wondered why some things feel more important to you than others?"

(Pause for brief student responses if time permits.)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 2: Your Inner Compass 🧭)

Teacher: "Imagine you have a compass inside you. Not a compass that points North, but one that points to what is truly important to you. What do you think that inner compass would point to? What helps you decide what is right or wrong? What guides your actions and choices?"

(Allow students to think, then ask for a few volunteers to share their initial thoughts.)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 3: What Are Personal Values?)

Teacher: "That inner compass is pointing to your personal values. Simply put, personal values are the things that are most important to you. They are your beliefs about what is good, right, and worthwhile in life. They are like your guiding stars, helping you decide how to live and the choices you make.

For example, if honesty is a value, you believe telling the truth is very important. If kindness is a value, you believe being nice to others is essential. Other examples could be family, learning, or adventure."

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 4: Why Do Values Matter?)

Teacher: "Why do you think these values matter? They help us understand ourselves better, build stronger friendships, make good decisions, and stay true to who we are, even when things get tough. They give us a sense of purpose."

Reading & Reflection: Discovering Your Inner Compass (15 minutes)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 5: Discovering Your Inner Compass)

Teacher: "Now, we're going to read a short text called 'Reading: Discovering Your Inner Compass.' This reading will help us think more deeply about how values guide us.

I will hand out the reading now. You can read it quietly to yourselves, or if you prefer, you can read it with a partner. As you read, think about what an 'inner compass' means to you and how values can help you navigate your life."

(Distribute Reading: Discovering Your Inner Compass. Allow 10-12 minutes for reading.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's discuss! What did you find interesting or surprising in the reading? How does the idea of an 'inner compass' connect to our discussion about values?"

(Use prompts from Personal Values Discussion Guide to facilitate the discussion.)

Identifying My Values: Worksheet Activity (15 minutes)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 6: My Values Worksheet)

Teacher: "Now it's your turn to identify your own personal values. I'm going to give you a worksheet called 'My Values Worksheet.' On this worksheet, you'll see a list of different values. Your task is to look through the list, circle the values that are most important to you, and then choose your top three. You'll also have a chance to explain why those values are important.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. These are your values. Think about what truly matters to you, what drives your actions, and what kind of person you want to be. I'll be walking around to help if you have any questions."

(Distribute My Values Worksheet. Circulate and provide support. Allow 10-12 minutes for completion.)

Teacher: "Who would like to share one value they identified as important to them and why?"

(Call on a few volunteers.)

Values in Action: Charades Activity (10 minutes)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 7: Values in Action: Charades!)

Teacher: "Now, let's put our understanding of values into action with a fun game of 'Values Charades!' I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get a set of Values Charades Activity Cards.

Here's how to play:

1. In your group, one person will pick a card with a value on it.
2. That person will then act out the value without speaking. Think about how someone shows this value.
3. Your group will guess what value you are acting out.
4. Once guessed, take a moment to discuss: How do people show this value in real life? What does it look like?

Let's see how well you can express these important ideas!"

(Divide students into groups and distribute Values Charades Activity Cards. Monitor groups and encourage discussion.)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. What was challenging about that activity? What was easy? Did acting out the values help you understand them better?"

(Briefly discuss.)

Cool-Down: One Word Wonder (5 minutes)

(Display Personal Values Slide Deck - Slide 8: Cool-Down: One Word Wonder)

Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson on personal values today, I want everyone to think about one word. Just one word that represents something you learned, something you felt, or something that stuck with you from today's discussion about personal values.

You can write it down on a piece of paper, or if you feel comfortable, share it quickly with the person next to you, or with the whole class as an exit ticket."

(Allow students time to think and share. Collect papers if using as an exit ticket.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for an insightful discussion about what truly matters. Remember, your values are your inner compass, guiding you through life!"

My Values Worksheet: What Matters Most To Me?

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Exploring Values

Read through the list of values below. Circle any values that you think are important to you. You can circle as many as you like!

• Adventure (trying new things, excitement)
• Ambition (wanting to achieve goals, be successful)
• Caring (being kind, showing concern for others)
• Community (feeling connected to a group, helping others)
• Courage (being brave, facing fears)
• Creativity (imagining and making new things)
• Curiosity (wanting to learn and explore)
• Fairness (treating everyone equally, justice)
• Family (loving and supporting relatives)
• Friendship (having close friends, loyalty)
• Generosity (sharing, giving to others)
• Gratitude (being thankful)
• Happiness (feeling joy, contentment)
• Health (taking care of your body and mind)
• Honesty (telling the truth, being truthful)
• Humor (finding things funny, making others laugh)
• Independence (doing things by yourself, being self-reliant)
• Integrity (being honest and having strong moral principles)
• Kindness (being friendly, considerate)
• Learning (gaining knowledge, understanding)
• Loyalty (being faithful to friends, family, or beliefs)
• Nature (spending time outdoors, caring for the environment)
• Perseverance (never giving up, working hard)
• Respect (treating others and yourself with high regard)
• Responsibility (being accountable for your actions)
• Safety (feeling secure, being protected)
• Self-Control (managing your emotions and actions)
• Service (helping others, contributing)
• Spirituality (connecting to something bigger than yourself)
• Teamwork (working well with others)
• Trustworthiness (being reliable, honest)
• Wisdom (gaining insight, good judgment)

Part 2: My Top 3 Values

From the values you circled, choose the TOP 3 that are MOST important to you right now. Write them in the boxes below.

1. My Top Value: ____________________________

   Why is this value important to you? How does it show up in your life?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. My Second Top Value: ____________________________

   Why is this value important to you? How does it show up in your life?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. My Third Top Value: ____________________________

   Why is this value important to you? How does it show up in your life?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Reflect and Connect

Think about a time when one of your top values helped you make a decision or act in a certain way. Describe what happened.

Discovering Your Inner Compass

Imagine you are on a long journey, maybe exploring a new city or hiking in a big forest. What would be one of the most important tools you could have with you? A map, maybe? Or a compass to show you which way to go? A compass helps you find your direction and stay on the right path.

Well, just like a traveler needs a compass, you have an inner compass that helps guide you through life! This inner compass isn't made of metal and glass; it's made up of something called personal values.

What Are Personal Values?

Personal values are the beliefs and ideas that are most important to you. They are the things you care deeply about, the principles that you live by. Think of them as special rules that you set for yourself. For example, if you believe that being honest is super important, then honesty is one of your values. If you always try to be fair to everyone, then fairness is a value.

Some common values include:

• Kindness: Being nice and thoughtful to others.
• Honesty: Telling the truth, even when it's hard.
• Respect: Treating others and yourself with consideration and honor.
• Responsibility: Doing what you say you will do and taking care of your duties.
• Courage: Being brave and standing up for what is right.
• Learning: Always wanting to know more and grow.
• Friendship: Being a good friend and valuing your relationships.

How Your Inner Compass Works

Your personal values act like your inner compass in many ways:

1. They Guide Your Decisions: When you have to choose between two things, your values help you pick the one that feels right. For example, if you value fairness, and you see someone being treated unfairly, your inner compass might tell you to speak up or help.

2. They Shape Your Actions: The way you behave often comes from your values. If you value kindness, you'll probably try to be helpful and gentle with others. If you value responsibility, you'll make sure to finish your homework or chores.

3. They Help You Understand Yourself: Knowing your values helps you understand why you feel certain ways about things. It helps you know what makes you happy, what makes you upset, and what is truly important for your happiness and well-being.

4. They Build Your Character: Living by your values helps you become the best version of yourself. It helps you develop a strong character that people can trust and admire.

Just like a real compass, your inner compass needs you to pay attention to it. The more you think about and understand your personal values, the better you will be able to navigate your life's journey, making choices that are true to who you are.

Personal Values Discussion Guide

Use these prompts to facilitate a class or small group discussion about personal values. Encourage students to listen respectfully and share their thoughts openly.

After the Warm-Up: Value Chain Reaction

• What did you notice about how the cards connected? Were there any surprises?
• How did it feel to work together to create the chain?
• Do you think any of the words on the cards represent something important that guides people?

After the Reading: Discovering Your Inner Compass

• What does the phrase "inner compass" mean to you?
• Can you think of a time when your "inner compass" helped you make a decision?
• The reading mentioned that values shape our actions. Can you give an example from your own life or from a story you know where someone's actions were clearly guided by a value?
• How does knowing your own values help you understand yourself better?
• The reading listed some common values like kindness, honesty, and respect. Are there any other values you think are important that weren't mentioned?

After the My Values Worksheet Activity

• Was it easy or hard to choose your top three values? Why?
• Did you discover any values you hadn't thought about much before?
• How might knowing your top values help you when you have to make a difficult choice?
• Do you think your values might change as you get older? Why or why not?
• How can you show your values to others through your actions?

After the Values in Action: Charades Activity

• What was challenging about acting out a value without speaking?
• What was easy? Which values were simpler to demonstrate?
• Did acting out the values help you understand them in a new way?
• Can you think of a time you saw someone else acting out a value (like showing courage or kindness) in real life?

General Discussion Prompts

• Why is it important for people to have personal values?
• How might a group of friends or a family share some values, but also have different individual values?
• If someone has a value like "adventure," what kind of activities might they enjoy?
• If someone has a value like "peace," how might they act in a disagreement?
• What's one thing you will remember about personal values from today's lesson?

Values Charades Activity Cards

Instructions: Print and cut out these cards. Students will pick a card and act out the value without speaking for their group to guess.

Card 1

HONESTY

(Think: telling the truth, confessing to something, being transparent)

Card 2

KINDNESS

(Think: helping someone, sharing, comforting a friend)

Card 3

COURAGE

(Think: standing up to a bully, trying something scary, admitting a mistake)

Card 4

RESPONSIBILITY

(Think: doing chores, completing homework, taking care of a pet)

Card 5

RESPECT

(Think: listening to someone, helping an elder, treating property well)

Card 6

GENEROSITY

(Think: sharing a snack, giving a gift, donating items)

Card 7

PERSEVERANCE

(Think: trying again after failing, practicing a skill, working hard on a puzzle)

Card 8

CREATIVITY

(Think: drawing, building, inventing, telling a story)

Card 9

TEAMWORK

(Think: working together on a project, helping teammates, cooperating)

Card 10

PATIENCE

(Think: waiting quietly, taking turns, not interrupting)

Card 11

JOY/HAPPINESS

(Think: celebrating, laughing, dancing with excitement)

Card 12

EMPATHY

(Think: comforting someone who is sad, trying to understand someone else's feelings)

Card 13

ADVENTURE

(Think: exploring, hiking, discovering something new)

Card 14

CALM

(Think: meditating, deep breathing, finding peace in a stressful situation)

Card 15

CURIOSITY

(Think: asking questions, investigating, looking closely at something interesting)

Card 16

DETERMINATION

(Think: focusing on a goal, pushing through difficulty, not giving up)

Card 17

FAIRNESS

(Think: sharing equally, making sure rules apply to everyone, settling a disagreement justly)

Card 18

SELF-CONTROL

(Think: resisting temptation, staying focused, managing anger)

Card 19

GRATITUDE

(Think: saying thank you, writing a thank-you note, appreciating something)

Card 20

COOPERATION

(Think: working together, sharing tasks, compromising)

Warm-Up: Value Chain Reaction

Instructions: Print and cut out these cards. Distribute one card to each student or pair. Students find the person whose card either answers their question or is answered by their statement to form a chain.

Card 1

Question: What do you do when you want to learn something new?

Card 2

Answer: I show CURIOSITY and explore!

Card 3

Question: What guides your choices when you want to be a good friend?

Card 4

Answer: LOYALTY and KINDNESS are important to me.

Card 5

Question: How do you act when you finish your homework or chores?

Card 6

Answer: I show RESPONSIBILITY by completing my tasks.

Card 7

Question: What helps you keep trying even when something is difficult?

Card 8

Answer: PERSEVERANCE helps me never give up.

Card 9

Question: How do you make sure everyone gets a turn in a game?

Card 10

Answer: I value FAIRNESS and make sure everyone has a chance.

Card 11

Question: What do you do if you accidentally break something?

Card 12

Answer: I show HONESTY and tell the truth.

Card 13

Question: What does it mean to be a supportive family member?

Card 14

Answer: I show FAMILY values by loving and helping my relatives.

Card 15

Question: How do you treat people who are different from you?

Card 16

Answer: I show RESPECT for everyone.

Card 17

Question: What is important when you are trying to invent something new?

Card 18

Answer: CREATIVITY helps me think of new ideas.

Card 19

Question: What do you feel when you receive help from someone?

Card 20

Answer: I feel GRATITUDE for their support.

Values in Action Project Rubric

Student Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

This rubric will be used to evaluate your "Values in Action" project. Pay close attention to each category to ensure your project demonstrates your chosen value effectively.

Total Score: ______ / 20

Teacher Comments:

Values in Action Project Guide: Show What Matters!

Goal: To creatively demonstrate one of your core personal values and explain its importance to you.

Project Options:

Choose ONE of the following options to showcase your chosen value. Be creative and think about how you can show your value, not just tell about it.

1. "My Value, My Story" Narrative:

   • Write a short story (fiction or non-fiction) about a character (it can be you!) who demonstrates your chosen value through their actions and decisions.
   • Your story should be at least 1-2 pages long.
   • Include details about how the character faced a challenge and used their value to guide them.

2. "Value Vision Board/Poster":

   • Create a visual board or poster that represents your chosen value. You can use drawings, magazine cutouts, printed images, words, and symbols.
   • Your board should clearly communicate the meaning of your value and why it is important to you.
   • Include at least 5 different images/symbols and descriptive words.

3. "Value in Song/Poem":

   • Write and perform a short song or poem about your chosen value.
   • The lyrics/words should explain what the value means, why it is important, and how you (or others) can demonstrate it.
   • If performing, you can do it live or record a short video.

4. "Public Service Announcement (PSA)":

   • Create a short script for a Public Service Announcement (PSA) (1-2 minutes long) that encourages others to adopt or practice your chosen value.
   • You can create a storyboard with images, or record the audio/video if you have the resources.
   • Explain why this value is important for everyone.

Project Steps:

1. Choose Your Value: Review your My Values Worksheet and choose one personal value that you want to highlight for this project.

2. Select Your Project Option: Decide which of the project options above best suits your skills and creativity.

3. Plan Your Project: Brainstorm ideas! How can you show your value? What images, words, stories, or actions best represent it? Create a rough outline or sketch.

4. Create Your Project: Work diligently on your chosen project. Make sure it is clear, creative, and clearly demonstrates your value.

5. Write a Reflection: On a separate piece of paper (or at the end of your story/script), write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) reflecting on your project. Answer these questions:

   • What value did you choose and why is it important to you?
   • How did you try to show this value in your project?
   • What did you learn about your value or yourself while working on this project?

Due Date: [Insert Due Date Here]

Assessment:

Your project will be graded using the Values in Action Project Rubric. Make sure to review the rubric to understand the expectations for each category!

Personal Values Quiz Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct responses and explanations for the Personal Values Quiz.

Questions and Answers:

1. Question: What are personal values?

   • Correct Answer: A) The things that are most important to you and guide your actions.
   • Explanation: Personal values are core beliefs that influence a person's priorities and behavior.

2. Question: Which of the following is an example of a personal value?

   • Correct Answer: C) Honesty
   • Explanation: Honesty is a widely recognized personal value, while homework, TV shows, and video games are activities or objects, not core beliefs.

3. Question: Why is it important to know your personal values? (Open Response)

   • Example Correct Answer: It helps you make good decisions, understand yourself better, and build stronger relationships. It also helps you stay true to who you are.
   • Explanation: Understanding values provides a moral compass for life choices and personal development.

4. Question: If Kindness is one of your top values, how might you act?

   • Correct Answer: B) You would help a friend who is struggling with their homework.
   • Explanation: Helping a friend demonstrates empathy and a desire to support others, which aligns with kindness.

5. Question: True or False: Your personal values can change as you grow and have new experiences.

   • Correct Answer: A) True
   • Explanation: While core values often remain stable, personal growth and life experiences can refine or introduce new values over time.

6. Question: List three personal values that you think are important for a good classroom environment.

   • Example Correct Answers: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Fairness, Cooperation.
   • Explanation: Values like respect (for teachers and classmates), responsibility (for learning and behavior), and kindness (creating a positive atmosphere) are essential for a productive and harmonious classroom.

7. Question: How does an "inner compass" relate to personal values?

   • Correct Answer: D) Your inner compass is made up of your personal values, guiding your decisions and actions.
   • Explanation: The metaphor of an "inner compass" visually represents how personal values provide direction and moral guidance in one's life.

8. Question: What is one way you can demonstrate your value of Responsibility at school?

   • Example Correct Answer: By completing all my assignments on time and taking care of classroom materials.
   • Explanation: Fulfilling duties and taking care of property are direct demonstrations of responsibility.

Value Sort Game Cards

Instructions: Print and cut out these cards. Divide students into small groups. Give each group a set of "Value Cards" and a set of "Action Cards." Students sort the "Action Cards" under the "Value Cards" they best represent.

Value Cards (Print multiple copies for groups)

Value: HONESTY

Value: KINDNESS

Value: RESPONSIBILITY

Value: RESPECT

Value: COURAGE

Value: FAIRNESS

Value: PERSEVERANCE

Value: TEAMWORK

Action Cards (Print multiple copies for groups)

Action: Telling the truth about a mistake you made.

Action: Sharing your lunch with a friend who forgot theirs.

Action: Finishing your homework before playing outside.

Action: Listening quietly while someone else is speaking.

Action: Trying a new sport even though you're nervous.

Action: Making sure everyone gets a turn in a game.

Action: Continuing to practice a difficult song on an instrument.

Action: Working with classmates to complete a group project.

Action: Apologizing when you hurt someone's feelings.

Action: Cleaning up a mess you made.

Action: Standing up for a classmate who is being teased.

Action: Treating animals gently and with care.

Action: Not giving up on a challenging puzzle.

Action: Helping a younger student open their locker.

Action: Following classroom rules.

Action: Waiting your turn in line without complaining.

Action: Speaking up when you see something unfair.

Action: Returning a lost item to its owner.

Action: Comforting a friend who is sad.

Action: Dividing tasks equally among group members.

Action: Practicing your reading every night.

Action: Being polite to adults and peers.

Action: Admitting you don't know the answer.

Action: Working together to build a fort.

Cool-Down: One Word Wonder

Instructions: Think about our lesson on personal values today. What is ONE word that stood out to you, represents something you learned, or describes how you feel about your own values? Write it down, or be ready to share it!

My One Word Wonder:

Optional: Briefly explain why you chose that word: