Compass Quest Lesson Plan Compass Quest
Teacher Lesson Plan • Grades K-8
Focus Area
Self-Awareness
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Objective
Identify core personal values and apply them to decision-making.
Materials
Slides, Value Map Worksheet, Heart Horizon Journal, scissors, glue.
Essential Questions
1
What are values, and why do they matter in our daily lives?
2
How can our "Inner Compass" help us when we face difficult choices?
3
What are the core values that define who I am?
Adaptive Navigation (K-8)
Lower Elementary (K-2)
Focus on "Helping Words" vs. "Hurting Words." Use simple value cards with images. Emphasize KINDNESS and FAIRNESS.
Upper Elementary/Middle (3-8)
Encourage nuance (e.g., distinguishing between "Honesty" and "Tact"). Use complex scenarios where values might conflict.
Expedition Vocabulary
Values
The ideas and beliefs that are most important to you.
Integrity
Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Compass
A tool that shows direction; our "inner compass" helps us choose a path.
Alignment
When your actions match your values.
The Voyage: Step-by-Step
Step 1
The Lost Ship Hook (10 mins)
Ask students: "If you were lost at sea in a heavy fog, what would you need most?" Lead them toward the idea of a compass or a North Star.
Explain that life is like an ocean. Sometimes it's clear, and sometimes it's "foggy" (confusing). Our values are our compass—they tell us which way is "North" even when we feel lost.
Step 2
Exploring the Map (15 mins)
Use the **Inner Compass Slides**. Discuss different values: Respect, Kindness, Honesty, Perseverance, Courage.
Discussion Prompt:
"Is Kindness more important than Honesty? Is it possible for two good people to have different top values?"
Step 3
Value Scout Activity (20 mins)
Hand out the **Value Map Worksheet**. Students will cut out (or circle) the values that resonate most with them.
Challenge them to pick their "Top 4" to place on their personal compass. Remind them: "There are no wrong answers, only your true answers."
Step 4
Journal Reflection (15 mins)
Students use the **Heart Horizon Journal** to reflect on a time they used their compass or how they plan to use it this week.
Closure: Ask a few volunteers to share their "North Star" (their #1 most important value).
Compass Check Scenarios
Scenario A:
You see a friend teasing someone. Your values are "Kindness" and "Loyalty." What do you do?
Scenario B:
You find a $10 bill on the playground. Your values are "Honesty" and "Fun." What do you do?
Inner Compass Slides The Navigator's Journey
Inner Compass
Discovering the values that guide your life.
SET SAIL FOR SELF-AWARENESS
Caught in the Fog?
Imagine you are captain of a ship. Suddenly, a thick fog rolls in. You can't see the stars or the shore.
What tool helps you stay on track?
Discuss: How do you know which way is North?
What are Values?
Beliefs
The big ideas you feel deep in your heart.
Priorities
What you think is most important in life.
Actions
How you choose to act, even when it's hard.
Values = Your Personal North Star
Example Values
Kindness
Helping and being nice to others.
Honesty
Always telling the truth.
Respect
Treating others with value.
Courage
Doing the right thing despite fear.
Perseverance
Never giving up when it's tough.
Responsibility
Owning your actions.
How it Works
Problem Happens
Consult Compass
Right Action
"When your values are clear, your decisions are easy."
Compass Challenge #1
The Homework Huddle
"Your teacher forgets to collect the homework. You didn't do yours, but your best friend did. If your best friend tells, everyone has to turn it in tomorrow."
What value helps you decide?
Honesty
Loyalty
Fairness
Courage
Compass Challenge #2
The Lonely Lunch
"You see a new student sitting alone at lunch. Your friends are all laughing and having a great time together. You want to stay with them, but the new kid looks sad."
Which way does your needle point?
Kindness
Inclusion
Belonging
Empathy
Compass Challenge #3
The Scoreboard Slip
"You're playing a game and the referee makes a mistake that gives your team an extra point. Nobody else noticed. If you say something, your team might lose."
What is the "True North" choice?
Integrity
Honesty
Fairness
Sportship
Compass Challenge #4
Value Scout Activity Value Scout Activity
Navigator Name: __________________________
Date: ________________
Your Mission
Read through the "Value Tokens" below. Circle or color the ones that feel most like YOU . Then, choose your Top 4 most important values and write them into your personal Inner Compass at the bottom of the page.
Kindness
Honesty
Respect
Courage
Perseverance
Love
Fairness
Learning
Humor
Loyalty
Creativity
Patience
Integrity
Gratitude
Peace
Ambition
MY INNER COMPASS
NORTH
SOUTH
WEST
EAST
North Star Value
"This compass always points to who I truly am."
True North Journal Pages True North Journal
Daily Reflection for Discovery
Date of Voyage
Current Mood / Sea State
1 Think of a time you had to make a hard choice. What did you decide to do?
2 Looking back, which "Compass Value" did you use to make that choice?
Write the value here...
3 How did it feel AFTER you made a choice that aligned with your values?
STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF
Navigator's Log v1.0
The Compass in Action
Draw or write about a situation where you might need your compass this week.
Illustrate the scenario here
My Compass Plan:
If this happens...
Then I will use my value of...
Because...
"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
