Reflecting on character strengths can bring a little sunshine as the gray days of winter approach. Tweens and teens view a PowerPoint presentation, watch a short video about character strengths, and take a survey that helps them identify their top five attributes. After discussing with a partner how they might use these strengths, individuals create a poster that lists their picks.

Concepts

gratitude, self-awareness, casel, social-emotional learning, character building, character development, strengths

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• To prepare for the lesson, instructors should take the adult version of the VIA survey and be prepared to share their insights
• Download, enlarge, and post the VIA Strengths Poster
• Display individual's posters

Classroom Considerations

• Requires computers with internet access for each class member, poster paper, and markers
• Pupils must register on the website to take the survey and download their profile
• The link to the VIA Strengths Poster does not work; however, the poster can be accessed on the internet
• The first in a series of four lessons in a gratitude curriculum

Pros

• A complete teaching guide is linked in the Included Materials section of this review
• Supports SEL competencies by building self-awareness and identifying personal strengths

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 SL.6.1.c SL.7.1.c SL.8.1.c SL.9-10.1.d SL.11-12.1.d