Lesson Plan
Hidden Self Roadmap
Guide 9th graders through introspective prompts to uncover authentic thoughts, define core values, and highlight personal strengths, culminating in a Two-Minute Takeaway to capture insights and next steps.
Developing self-awareness helps students understand their motivations, values, and strengths, providing a foundation for confident decision-making, resilience, and personal growth both in and out of school.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Individual guided journaling and card activities.
Materials
Private Reflections Slides, Mirror Thoughts Prompt Journal, Strengths Spotlight Cards, Two-Minute Takeaway Handout, and Writing Instrument (Pen/Pencil)
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print or upload Mirror Thoughts Prompt Journal, Strengths Spotlight Cards, and Two-Minute Takeaway Handout
- Queue up Private Reflections Slides for display
- Ensure each student has a writing instrument
- Review the flow of prompts in the Hidden Self Roadmap lesson-plan
Step 1
Introduction & Mindset Prep
3 minutes
- Welcome students to a quiet, distraction-free session
- Briefly introduce the goal: exploring authentic self when alone
- Display Private Reflections Slides and review today’s agenda
Step 2
Mirror Thoughts Reflection
7 minutes
- Distribute Mirror Thoughts Prompt Journal
- Instruct students to find a reflective surface (window, phone screen) and write immediate thoughts
- Use prompts: “What am I thinking about?” and “How do I feel when alone?”
- Encourage honesty and detail
Step 3
Core Values Discovery
7 minutes
- Guide students to list their top 3 core values
- Display prompts on Private Reflections Slides
- Ask: “Why is this value important to me?” and “When have I acted on this value?”
- Students record responses in their journal
Step 4
Strengths Spotlight Activity
8 minutes
- Hand out Strengths Spotlight Cards
- Students review cards and choose 2 strengths that resonate most
- For each strength, jot down a recent example when they demonstrated it
Step 5
Two-Minute Takeaway Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Distribute Two-Minute Takeaway Handout
- Students spend 2 minutes writing one key insight and one actionable next step
- Encourage them to keep this handout visible for ongoing reflection
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Who Am I When No One’s Watching?
A guided self-reflection journey to explore your true thoughts, values, and strengths when you’re alone.
Welcome students and set the tone for a calm, focused session. Remind them to silence devices and respect the quiet space.
Today’s Agenda
• Mirror Thoughts Reflection (7 min)
• Core Values Discovery (7 min)
• Strengths Spotlight Activity (8 min)
• Two-Minute Takeaway Cool-Down (5 min)
Briefly walk through each segment so students know what to expect.
Mirror Thoughts Reflection
- Take your Mirror Thoughts Prompt Journal.
- Find a reflective surface (window, phone screen).
- Write answers to:
• “What am I thinking about right now?”
• “How do I feel when I’m alone?”
Be honest and detailed.
Introduce the Mirror Thoughts prompt. Show a reflective surface if available.
Core Values Discovery
- List your top 3 core values (e.g., honesty, creativity).
- For each value, journal:
• Why is this important to me?
• When have I acted on this value?
Record your responses in your journal.
Guide students to pause and think about values before writing. Offer examples if they’re stuck.
Strengths Spotlight Activity
- Grab your Strengths Spotlight Cards.
- Review the list and choose 2 strengths that resonate.
- For each strength, jot down:
• A recent example you demonstrated it.
Reflect on how these strengths help you succeed.
Hand out the cards and circulate to support students choosing strengths.
Two-Minute Takeaway Cool-Down
- Take your Two-Minute Takeaway Handout.
- Spend 2 minutes writing:
• One key insight you discovered.
• One actionable next step.
Keep this somewhere you’ll see it daily.
Encourage quick but meaningful insights. Emphasize keeping this handout visible.
Keep Reflecting
• Revisit your journal regularly.
• Use your takeaway as a reminder to act.
• Remember: self-awareness grows with practice.
Close by reinforcing the value of ongoing self-reflection and resilience.
Journal
Mirror Thoughts Prompt Journal
Use this journal to capture your immediate thoughts when you look into a reflective surface. Be honest and detailed.
-
What am I thinking about right now?
-
How do I feel when I’m alone?
-
Is there something I wish I could tell others about my inner thoughts?
-
What thoughts surprise me when I’m by myself?
-
What is one thing I appreciate about my own company?
Activity
Strengths Spotlight Cards
Below are common strengths. Review the list and choose the two that resonate most with you. For each strength you select, write a brief definition in your own words and describe a recent example when you demonstrated it.
Common Strengths
- Adaptability
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Responsibility
- Perseverance
- Teamwork
- Critical Thinking
- Organization
- Self-Motivation
Strength #1: ______________________________
Definition in my own words:
Recent example when I demonstrated this strength:
Strength #2: ______________________________
Definition in my own words:
Recent example when I demonstrated this strength:
Cool Down
Two-Minute Takeaway Handout
Take the next two minutes to anchor your reflection and set a small, meaningful goal.
1. One Key Insight I Discovered Today:
2. One Actionable Next Step I Will Take:
Keep this handout somewhere you’ll see it each day to remind yourself of your strengths and continue your growth.