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Lesson 4: Teacher-led Activity (1)

Hero’s Journey

Updated over 2 months ago

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:

      1. The Call to Adventure – A challenge they recently faced or an obstacle they overcame.

      2. Superpower(s) – Their strengths and how these helped them face the challenge.

      3. The Lesson Learned – One key takeaway or growth moment they experienced.

      4. 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

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