Core Compass Slides
Social-Emotional Learning Series
Grades 5–6
Core Compass Kickoff
Navigating life, learning, and relationships using our four core values: Persist, Respect, Engage, and Progress.
Value Voyagers
Unit 1: Connecting the Dots
Find your direction
What is a Core Value?
Session 1.1
Our "Internal GPS"
Values aren't just rules written on a wall. They are the beliefs and qualities that guide how you act, speak, and make choices every day.
"A physical compass shows you where North is. A core value compass shows you who you want to be."
Turn & Talk
What is one choice you made today that showed what is important to you?
The Power of Values
When a whole school shares the same values, it creates a safe and supportive community.
Core Compass Overview Slide 2 of 7
Introducing PREP
Session 1.1
P – Persist
Effort Over Obstacles
Continuing to show energy and grit when things get difficult, frustrating, or completely new.
"Keep Pushing"
R – Respect
Care in Action
Speaking and acting with genuine care towards yourself, your peers, teachers, and environment.
"Lift Others"
E – Engage
Active Focus
Showing great interest, focus, and self-discipline in all classes, activities, and sports.
"Be All In"
P – Progress
Constant Growth
Taking steps daily to build skills, learn from errors, and create better outcomes for all.
"Keep Growing"
Core Compass Overview Slide 3 of 7
Under the Microscope: Persist & Respect
Session 1.1
PERSIST
The Coding Glitch
Maya is working on a block coding project in STEM class. The code keeps breaking on Step 4. She has deleted and rewritten it three times, and feels like crying.
Discuss with your partner:
- What does giving up look like here?
- What is one actionable step Maya can take to Persist?
RESPECT
The Group Stumble
During a Social Studies presentation, Ethan's group member mixes up their slides and stammers. Some students in the back row start laughing and whispering.
Discuss with your partner:
- How can Ethan show Respect to his teammate right then?
- How can Ethan show respect to the learning space?
Core Compass Overview Slide 4 of 7
Under the Microscope: Engage & Progress
Session 1.1
ENGAGE
The "Boring" Lab
The class is doing a lab on soil composition. Leo thinks dirt is boring, starts doodling on his desk, and lets his group partner do all the physical sorting.
Discuss with your partner:
- What is the difference between passive sitting and active engagement?
- How does Leo's lack of engagement affect his team?
PROGRESS
The Math Hurdle
Zoe got a C- on her first fraction quiz. She wants an A, but she knows she isn't there yet. She's not sure how to bridge the gap and is starting to feel defeated.
Discuss with your partner:
- Is progress about getting an overnight A?
- What is a micro-step of progress Zoe can make by tomorrow?
Core Compass Overview Slide 5 of 7
The Ultimate Compass Challenge
Session 1.1
Real-Life Integration Challenge
We encounter situations every single day where our compass is tested. In school, at home, in sports, or online. When we connect all four values, we become unstoppable.
1
Pick Your Value
On your worksheet, choose the one value (P, R, E, or P) you feel you need the most today.
2
Draw or Write It
Create a concrete, actionable personal goal of how you will show this value this week.
Core Compass Overview Slide 6 of 7
Daily Compass Check
Session 1.1
"Your character is built one direction at a time."
Let's work together to make our school community a place where we Persist, Respect, Engage, and Progress every single day.
Developed for Middle School SEL Ready to Navigate
Core Compass Worksheet
Student Navigation Log
Core Compass Reflection
Discovering and mapping your personal direction.
Unit 1.1
Student Name
Date
Class Period
1 The PREP Code: Define Your Values
Match each core value to its core meaning by drawing a line, then fill in the missing focus words in the blank spaces.
Persist
Respect
Engage
Progress
Show focus, discipline, and high interest in all active classes.
Take daily steps to build skills and create better outcomes.
Speak and act with genuine care towards yourself and others.
Keep showing effort and energy when things get frustrating.
2 Scenario Solver: Values in Action
Read the scenarios below and put yourself in the characters' shoes. What does a healthy response look like?
Maya's STEM Hurdle
Maya is building a coding project. Her work keeps breaking on Step 4. She's rewritten it three times and feels like giving up.
Write one specific action Maya can take to show PERSIST:
The Group Stumble
During a presentation, a classmate mixes up their slides and begins stammering. Students in the back row start snickering.
How can you show RESPECT to your classmate in this moment?
Core Compass Series Page 1 of 2
Personal Navigation Map
Mapping your strengths and setting goals.
Session 1.1
3 My Compass Audit: Self-Reflection
Read each statement. Rate how often you demonstrate this value by bubbling in the compass points (1 = Rarely, 5 = Always).
PERSISTENT
I keep trying my best on school assignments even when they are confusing or long.
Rarely
1 2 3 4 5
Always
RESPECTFUL
I listen actively when my teacher or classmate is speaking, without interrupting.
Rarely
1 2 3 4 5
Always
ENGAGED
I participate fully in classroom activities and focus my energy on learning.
Rarely
1 2 3 4 5
Always
PROGRESSING
I look at mistakes as a way to grow, and try to improve my grades and behavior over time.
Rarely
1 2 3 4 5
Always
4 The Weekly Expedition: My Goal Plan
Choose ONE specific core value that you want to work on boosting the most this week. Plan your expedition below!
Core Compass Facilitator Guide
Educator & Social Work Blueprint
Core Compass Facilitator Guide
Facilitating the transition, alignment, and internal integration of school-wide core values.
Session 1.1
Target Audience Grades 5-6 (SEL Transition)
Duration 45-60 Minutes (Flexible)
Primary Modality Group Therapy / SEL Circle
Key Concepts Self-Regulation, Grit, Care
Clinical and SEL Objectives
1. Encourage cognitive restructuring in the face of struggle (Persist) by re-labeling friction as "navigation adaptation."
2. Cultivate prosocial awareness (Respect) and relational safety across transitional grades.
3. Establish a positive behavioral reinforcement loop by modeling intrinsic goal ownership.
1 Phase 1: Compass Activation (10 mins)
Intro Hook
Facilitator Script: "Imagine trying to navigate an unfamiliar dense forest in a thick fog without any trail, map, or cell service. How would that feel? In middle school, you will experience social, academic, and physical shifts that feel like that dense forest. Today we are introducing our 'Core Compass'—the PREP values—to help us find our bearings when we get lost."
Action Steps: project Slide 2. Allow 2 minutes of quiet reflection, then initiate "Turn & Talk" with neighbors.
Therapeutic Insight
Grades 5-6 represent a rapid developmental leap. Providing the metaphor of an "Internal GPS" normalizes their anxiety about increased academic and peer friction.
2 Phase 2: The PREP Code Breakdown (15 mins)
Skill Instruction
Facilitator Action: Walk through Slide 3, pausing to define each term. Instruct students to complete Section 1 of their worksheets.
- P - Persist: Frame as "stretching the brain" rather than natural speed.
- R - Respect: Distinguish from mere obedience; define as mutual safety and active care.
- E - Engage: Contrast with passive behavior; emphasize focus and discipline.
- P - Progress: Re-anchor as "relative growth," not comparing oneself to others.
Therapeutic Insight
By separating respect from "doing what you're told" and placing it as "caring for yourself and peers," you establish an intrinsic drive rather than external behavioral compliance.
Core Compass Series Page 1 of 2
Therapeutic Processing & Integration
Deconstructing challenges, emotional regulation, and intentional goal-setting.
