About This Lesson
It's essential to create a classroom culture that values the individuality of each student. The "Shine a Light on Your Strengths" activity invites students to explore their unique Signature Strengths, fostering self-awareness and appreciation. By guiding students to reflect on their top strengths, we cultivate an environment where differences are celebrated, and every voice is heard. This resource encourages students to connect with one another, reinforcing a sense of community and belonging.
Before getting started, have students take the VIA Character Survey to discover their unique set of strengths. Then, students can use this guided reflection worksheet to reflect on their Signature Strengths. This is a great way to get students to start thinking about what is RIGHT with them, how their strengths show up in their lives, and how to put their strengths into action.
Here’s what you’ll get
- Printable worksheet
- Teacher worksheet instructions
- Guidance on implementing Character Strengths in the classroom
- Access to Character Strengths lesson plans and a unit study
Why you’ll love this activity
- The activity is easy to read and implement.
- You can use this resource as a standalone activity or as part of a comprehensive, science-based unit study.
- The associated free unit study for Character Strengths comes with activities, downloadable worksheets, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism
Ways to use
- Incorporate into SEL curriculum
- Use as a brain break to help with transitions
- Integrate into small groups and/or individual counseling sessions
- Families can use these at home, too!
What are Character Strengths?
Positive Psychology researchers Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson created the Values in Action Survey, or The VIA. This 96-item VIA survey identifies your capacity to exhibit each of 24 Character Strengths. These 24 strengths were identified as being valued by humans across many cultures and holding value throughout history.
The skill of identifying character strengths centers on the question of “What is RIGHT with me?” and “Who am I at my BEST?” The science of character strengths is clear — focusing on what is right about ourselves and others has a tremendous impact on our wellbeing, relationships, and engagement. This is true of everyone, including students with autism. Employing Signature Character Strengths can help empower students in all aspects of their lives. Let’s shine a light on what is RIGHT with us and those around us so we might all flourish together.
Science of Character Strengths
The evidence is clear — knowing and using your strengths positively impacts your life. If you keep your strengths top of mind and live them each day, you're significantly more likely to thrive. Research indicates a three-pronged approach to character strengths is best — become aware, begin to explore, and continually find new ways to apply your strengths in order to thrive!
Knowing and using your character strengths can:
- Improve mental, physical, and social health
- Boost greater happiness and overall wellbeing
- Increase work satisfaction and positive association with work
- Improve your relationships
- Buffer against the onset of mental health challenges
- Build psychological resilience
Learn more about the science of Character Strengths.
Looking for more Character Strengths Resources?
Explore the free Character Strengths Unit Study which comes with teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!
Resource Link 3 (original link): Signature Strengths Scavenger Hunt
UPDATED TITLE:
Strengths Scavenger Hunt Activity | Fostering Community | SEL Resource
UPDATED DESCRIPTION
Building connections within the classroom is key to fostering a sense of belonging. The Strengths Scavenger Hunt activity encourages students to identify and celebrate the diverse strengths of their classmates and teachers. By engaging in this collaborative exploration, students learn to appreciate the unique qualities that each person contributes to the community, enhancing empathy and understanding. This resource not only promotes acceptance but also strengthens the bonds between students.
Here’s what you’ll get
- Free Printable “Signature Strengths Scavenger Hunt” worksheet
- Google Slides Activity to introduce the Scavenger Hunt Activity
- Access to a full unit study on Character Strengths
Why you’ll love this activity
- The activity is ready-to-go and easy to implement.
- You can use this resource as a standalone activity or as part of a comprehensive, science-based unit study.
- The associated free unit study for Character Strengths comes with activities, downloadable worksheets, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism
Ways to use
- Incorporate into SEL curriculum
- Integrate into small groups and/or individual counseling sessions
- Families can use this at home, too!
What are Character Strengths?
Positive Psychology researchers Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson created the Values in Action Survey, or The VIA. This 96-item VIA survey identifies your capacity to exhibit each of 24 Character Strengths. These 24 strengths were identified as being valued by humans across many cultures and holding value throughout history.
The skill of identifying character strengths centers on the question of “What is RIGHT with me?” and “Who am I at my BEST?” The science of character strengths is clear — a focus on what is right about ourselves and others has a tremendous impact on our wellbeing, relationships, and engagement. This is true of everyone, including students with autism. Employing Signature Character Strengths can help empower students in all aspects of their lives. Let’s shine a light on what is RIGHT with us and those around us so we might all flourish together.
Science of Character Strengths:
The evidence is clear — knowing and using your strengths positively impacts your life. If you keep your strengths top of mind and live them each day, you're significantly more likely to thrive. Research indicates a three-pronged approach to character strengths is best — become aware, begin to explore, and continually find new ways to apply your strengths in order to thrive! Knowing and using your character strengths can:
- Improve mental, physical, and social health
- Boost greater happiness and overall wellbeing
- Increase work satisfaction and positive association with work
- Improve your relationships
- Buffer against the onset of mental health challenges
- Build psychological resilience
Learn more about the science of Character Strengths.
Looking for more Character Strengths Resources?
Explore the free Character Strengths Unit Study which comes with teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!
