Lesson Title: Lesson 4: The Power of Reflection
Starter Kit WHY + HOW to begin living the life you want + being the person you want to be.
Curriculum & Grade Level: Future Proof, 7th Grade
Objective: Students will create and share their own “hero’s journey” story, using self-reflection to identify their strengths and explore how these strengths can aid their personal growth and help them overcome future challenges.
Materials Needed:
Index cards (1 per student)
Blank paper and colored markers
Timer
Music (optional for ambiance)
Activity Steps
1. Warm-Up: “Strengths Brainstorm” (5 minutes)
Purpose: To encourage students to quickly identify their strengths.
Instructions: Give each student an index card and have them write down 2-3 personal strengths they feel proud of. Direct students to the skills library to explore skills options.
Prompt: "Think of this as discovering your ‘superpowers.’ What are some things that make you unique or strong?”
Share: After a minute of reflection, ask students to turn to the person next to them and share their strengths briefly, helping them feel comfortable talking about their skills.
2. Individual Work: “Hero’s Journey Map” (10 minutes)
Purpose: To help students creatively reflect on their personal journey and visualize how their strengths help them overcome challenges.
Instructions: Give each student a piece of blank paper and have them create their “Hero’s Journey Map” by drawing out their journey to becoming a “hero” using their strengths.
Key Sections to Include:
The Call to Adventure – A challenge they recently faced or an obstacle they overcame.
Superpower(s) – Their strengths and how these helped them face the challenge.
The Lesson Learned – One key takeaway or growth moment they experienced.
Future Mission – A goal or dream they want to achieve using these strengths.
Encourage Creativity: They can use symbols, stick figures, or words to illustrate each part.
3. Group Sharing & Discussion (10 minutes)
Purpose: To foster collaboration, empathy, and insight by sharing personal journeys.
Instructions: Group students into small teams (3-4 students per group) and have them briefly share their hero’s journey map with their group.
Discussion Prompts: As they listen to each other, ask them to consider these questions:
“What’s one strength you heard from someone else that inspired you?”
“How did hearing other people’s journeys make you think differently about your own strengths?”
“Did anyone’s ‘future mission’ inspire a new idea for your own goals?”
4. Whole-Class Reflection & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Purpose: To wrap up the activity and connect it to personal growth.
Reflection Questions: Lead a quick reflection with the class, asking:
"What did you learn about yourself from creating your hero’s journey?"
"How might your strengths help you in a future challenge or goal?"
"Why is it important to reflect on our past challenges and strengths?"
Final Takeaway Prompt: “Think of one small step you can take this week to start your ‘future mission’—whether that’s practicing a skill or taking on a new challenge.”
Rubric
Criteria | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
Creativity | The journey map is highly creative and visually engaging, using unique illustrations and symbols that enhance understanding. | The journey map is creative and visually appealing, using appropriate illustrations and symbols. | The journey map shows some creativity but lacks detail or originality in illustrations. | The journey map is minimal or lacks creativity and detail. |
Self-Reflection | Demonstrates deep self-reflection, clearly articulating strengths, challenges, and lessons learned with meaningful insights. | Demonstrates good self-reflection, articulating strengths and challenges with some insights. | Shows basic self-reflection but lacks depth or clarity in articulating strengths or lessons learned. | Minimal self-reflection with unclear or poorly articulated strengths and lessons learned. |
Collaboration | Actively engages with group members, encourages others, and contributes to a supportive team dynamic. | Works well with group members, participates in discussions, and contributes positively to the group. | Participates in group work but is sometimes passive or hesitant to share ideas. | Rarely engages with group members, does not contribute to discussions, or disrupts teamwork. |
Presentation | Presents the journey map confidently and clearly, engaging the audience with enthusiasm and eye contact. | Presents the journey map clearly, maintaining good eye contact and engaging the audience. | Presentation is somewhat clear but lacks confidence or engagement; minimal eye contact. | Struggles to present the journey map clearly; lacks engagement or confidence during presentation. |
Overall Effort | Shows exceptional effort in all aspects of the activity, going above and beyond expectations. | Shows consistent effort in most aspects of the activity, meeting expectations. | Shows basic effort but does not fully engage in all aspects of the activity. | Minimal effort demonstrated; does not meet expectations for participation or quality. |
Total Points: ____ / 20
Grading Scale:
17-20: Excellent
13-16: Proficient
9-12: Satisfactory
5-8: Needs Improvement