Compass Discovery Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Internal Compass Discovery
40 Minutes
Grades 9-12
Tier 1 SEL
Rationale
This lesson guides students to identify and articulate their core values. By engaging in self-reflection and group discussion, students deepen their self-awareness and learn to make decisions that align with their authentic beliefs, fostering personal growth and critical thinking.
Learning Objectives
Define "personal values" and explain their role in decision-making.
Identify 3–5 core values through guided reflection on peak experiences.
Articulate how personal values influence daily actions and future choices.
Materials Needed
Internal Compass Presentation Slides
Values Discovery Worksheet (1 per student)
Discussion Prompt Cards (1 set per group)
Post-it notes and pens
Teaching Approach
This session follows a "Me-We-Us" framework: starting with individual internal reflection, moving to small-group vulnerability, and concluding with a whole-class collective understanding.
Prep Task
Pre-cut the Discussion Prompt Cards and ensure every student has a clean writing space for the worksheet.
Key Terminology
Values: Principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.
Lesson Timeline
1
Setting the Course
5 MIN
Begin with the definition of personal values. Use the "Internal Compass" metaphor: values are the invisible magnetic field that guides our needle when we are lost.
Share examples of common values: Integrity, Curiosity, Community, Boldness.
Teacher Script: "Today isn't about choosing 'good' values; it's about uncovering YOUR values—the ones that already exist inside you."
2
Guided Self-Reflection
15 MIN
Distribute the Values Discovery Worksheet . Guide students through the "Peak Experience" exercise.
Ask students to close their eyes and recall a moment they felt truly proud or "at home" in themselves.
Have them identify the specific qualities (values) that made that moment special.
Encourage them to narrow their list to the 3 values they would "take with them into the wilderness."
3
Group Navigations
15 MIN
Organize students into groups of 3–4. Distribute Discussion Prompt Cards .
Groups rotate roles: Speaker, Active Listener, and Timekeeper.
Focus the discussion on how values influence real-world decisions (e.g., social media usage, choice of friends, future careers).
Circulate the room to listen for moments where students connect their values to specific actions.
4
Closing Alignment
5 MIN
Bring the class back together for a final reflection.
Exit Prompt: Write one value you want to lean into tomorrow on a Post-it and stick it to the door/board on your way out.Remind students that values can evolve, but the practice of checking in with their "compass" should be lifelong.
Differentiation
For students who struggle to name values, provide a "Values Word Bank" (included on the worksheet) to circle options instead of writing from scratch.
Extension Activity
"The Value Conflict": Ask students to imagine a situation where two of their values clash (e.g., Honesty vs. Kindness). How would they decide?
Values Discovery Worksheet Internal Compass Activity
Values Discovery
Name:
Date:
1
Mapping Your Peaks
Think of three moments in your life when you felt most proud, fulfilled, or "at home" in yourself. These are "peak experiences." Briefly describe them below and identify the values that were present (e.g., courage, kindness, honesty, creativity).
Moment #01
Core Value(s):
Moment #02
Core Value(s):
Moment #03
Core Value(s):
2
Defining the Compass
Why are these values important to you? What do they say about who you want to be?
Setting Your Course: How can you incorporate these values into your daily life and decisions?
Values Word Bank
Accountability Adventure Authenticity Balance Boldness Compassion Community Creativity Curiosity Determination Fairness Faith Friendship Growth Honesty Humility Influence Justice Kindness Knowledge Leadership Loyalty Optimism Peace Respect Security Stability Trust
Navigation Discussion Cards Group Activity
Navigation Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these prompts to guide your group discussion on personal values.
Prompt 01
What are some values that are important to you?
Discussion Tips:
Share specific values and explain why they matter to you personally.
If you used the word bank, explain why those specific words resonated.
Prompt 02
How do your values influence your decisions?
Discussion Tips:
Discuss how values guide choices in various situations (friends, school, social media).
Talk about a time a value made a "hard" decision easier.
Prompt 03
Can you think of a time when you acted in alignment with your values?
Discussion Tips:
Share personal stories and reflect on the outcomes.
How did it feel physically and emotionally to act on your beliefs?
Internal Compass Slides Internal Compass
Internal Compass Discovery
Uncovering the core values that guide your life, decisions, and future.
Definition
What are values?
Values are the principles or standards of behavior; they are your personal judgment of what is important in life.
"Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work."
Integrity
Being honest and having strong moral principles.
Kindness
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Responsibility
The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.
Why do they matter?
1 The Anchor
When life gets chaotic or peer pressure mounts, values keep you grounded in who you really are.
2 The Compass
Values provide a "True North" when you face difficult choices, helping you decide which path to take.
Activity: Mapping Peaks
Individual Reflection
Step 1: Recall
Think of moments you felt proud or fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with?
Step 2: Identify
What values were present? Look at the word bank on your worksheet if you get stuck.
Step 3: Reflect
Why do these specific values stand out? How do they make you "you"?
Group Navigations
In your small groups, use the discussion cards to explore how your values show up in the real world.
Be Brave
Share your true thoughts.
Be Present
Listen actively to others.
Be Kind
Respect different paths.
Your North Star
"It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are."
Exit Ticket
Write one value you want to lead with tomorrow on a Post-it note and place it on the board.
