My Authentic Self Lesson Plan My Authentic Self
Classroom Guidance • 8th Grade
50-60 Minutes
Tier 1 Instruction
Learning Objective
Students will identify and articulate their core personal values, understand how these values shape their choices and behavior, and recognize the importance of living authentically.
The "Why"
Understanding personal values is crucial for self-awareness and making decisions that align with one's true self. This lesson empowers students to live authentically and make choices that truly matter to them.
Approach
Through reflective activities and group discussions, students will identify and explore their core values using a "True North" metaphor.
Materials Checklist
Discovering Personal Values Slide Deck
My Values Exploration Worksheet
Values in Action Activity Cards
My Value Reflection Journal
Whiteboard & Markers
Prep Work
• Review lesson plan and script.
• Prepare whiteboard for brainstorm.
• Print 1 copy per student of worksheet and journal.
• Print 1 activity sheet per group of 3-4.
Instructional Sequence
10 min
Introduction: What Matters?
• Open with Slides 1-2.
• Hook Question: "What does it mean to you when something 'really matters'?" Facilitate brief class discussion.
• Introduce the concept of personal values as an internal compass using the teacher script.
15 min
Values Brainstorm & Exploration
• Define values using Slides 3-4.
• Distribute My Values Exploration Worksheet.
• Guide students through the individual brainstorming and identification phase.
• Partner Share: "Share one value you identified and why it's important to you."
15 min
Values in Action Activity
• Transition via Slide 5 to group work.
• Explain: Students read scenarios and discuss responses based on specific prioritized values.
• Small Group Work: Groups of 3-4 analyze the provided scenarios.
• Class Debrief: Emphasize how values guide real-world behavior and conflict resolution.
10 min
Reflection and Wrap-up
• Distribute My Value Reflection Journal.
• Students complete a quiet individual reflection on their top 3 values and a commitment for the week ahead.
• Closing Thought: Use Slides 6-7 to reinforce that living authentically is a lifelong journey.
Discovering Personal Values Slides What Truly Matters?
"What does it mean to you when something 'really matters'?"
Our Journey Today
Explore 'values'
Discover YOUR values
Guide our choices
Live authentically
Slide 1
Your Authentic Self
Today, we're going on an adventure to discover what makes you, YOU!
We'll explore the things that are most important to you, deep down inside. This is about understanding what truly drives your decisions.
The Goal
To become more self-aware and confident in who you are.
Slide 2
What Are Personal Values?
Your core beliefs and principles.
Things that are deeply important to you.
Qualities you believe are good and right .
They guide your decisions and actions.
Examples:
Honesty Kindness Creativity Courage Family Success Friendship Fairness Learning
Everyone's values are unique to them!
Slide 3
Finding Your True North
It's time to brainstorm! What are the things that resonate most with you?
What makes you happy?
What causes do you care about?
What person do you want to be?
Activity Time
Grab your "My Values Exploration Worksheet" and start brainstorming!
No overthinking! Just write.
Slide 4
Values in Action!
Group Activity
Our values aren't just words; they're the engine behind our actions!
Discussion Prompt
Read the scenarios in your group. Discuss how someone acting on a specific value might respond differently than someone else.
Decisions
Relationships
Integrity
Slide 5
Live Your Values
Now that you've identified your personal values, the real work begins!
"How can you actively live according to what truly matters to you?"
Reflection Journal
Set some intentions for the week ahead based on your core values.
Slide 6
Your Authentic Journey
Knowing your values is a powerful tool for navigating life.
Discovering Personal Values Script Teacher Script
Lesson: My Authentic Self
Classroom Guidance
8th Grade • 50-60 Min
01
Introduction: What Matters? (10 min)
SPEAKING:
"Good morning, everyone! I'm really excited about what we're going to explore today. Before we dive in, I want you to take a moment and think about this question: What does it mean to you when something REALLY matters? "
Give students about 30 seconds to think silently.
"Can anyone share their thoughts? What comes to mind when you hear 'really matters'?"
Allow 2-3 students to share. Guide discussion to abstract ideas beyond physical objects – feelings, relationships, principles.
"Great responses! Today, we're talking about personal values . These are the things that truly matter to each of us, deep down inside. They shape who we are and the choices we make. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a clearer idea of your own values and why they're so powerful."
02
Values Brainstorm & Exploration (15 min)
Refer to Slides 3-4
SPEAKING:
"Look at Slide 3. Personal values are your core beliefs. Think of them as your internal compass . Values can be things like honesty, kindness, or success. What resonates with one person might be different for another, and that's perfectly okay!"
"I'm handing out the Values Exploration Worksheet . Think about: What makes you happy? What kind of person do you want to be? Don't overthink it; just write down anything that comes to mind."
Allow 5-7 minutes for individual brainstorming. Then, facilitate a 3-minute partner share.
03
Values in Action Activity (15 min)
Refer to Slide 5
SPEAKING:
"Our values are the engine behind our actions . We're going to analyze scenarios in small groups. Discuss how someone acting on a specific value might respond. There's no single 'right' answer, but the goal is to see how values guide our choices."
Divide into groups, distribute activity, monitor for 7 mins, then debrief with the whole class.
04
Reflection and Wrap-up (10 min)
SPEAKING:
"Now, it's time to make it personal. Take your Value Reflection Journal . How do your values show up in your life now? How do you plan to incorporate them more actively this week? Think about what it means to live your 'authentic self.'"
Allow quiet writing time. Conclude with Slide 7.
"Your journey of discovering and living your authentic self is ongoing. Keep exploring, keep reflecting, and keep living by what truly matters to you! Thank you, everyone."
My Values Exploration Worksheet My Values Exploration
Discovering Your Authentic Self
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Brainstorming What Matters to You
Think about what is important in your life. Use the prompts below to help you brainstorm. Write down anything that comes to mind—don't filter yourself!
When do you feel most proud of yourself?
What makes you truly happy?
What causes or issues do you care about most?
What qualities do you admire in others?
What kind of friend do you want to be?
What do you stand up for?
Part 2: Identifying Your Core Values
Look at the list below. Circle any that resonate with you. You can also add your own at the bottom!
Achievement
Adventure
Authenticity
Bravery
Community
Compassion
Creativity
Curiosity
Determination
Fairness
Family
Freedom
Friendship
Generosity
Growth
Honesty
Humor
Kindness
Leadership
Love
Optimism
Peace
Respect
Responsibility
Security
Self-Control
Service
Trust
Well-being
Other: _________
Part 3: Your Top 5 Core Values
Choose your TOP 5 most important personal values. Write them below and briefly explain why they matter to you.
1
Value:
2
Value:
3
Value:
4
Value:
5
Value:
Values in Action Activity Values in Action
Group Discussion Scenarios
Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario below. Discuss how different personal values might lead to different choices. There are no wrong answers—just explore how our internal compass guides our behavior.
1. The Project Dilemma
Your group project is due soon. Alex, a good friend, hasn't contributed much, risking your grade. The rest of the group wants to tell the teacher.
Discuss:
If you value Friendship, what do you do?
If you value Responsibility, what do you do?
What's the hardest part of this choice?
2. The Online Rumor
You see a hurtful rumor about Maya being spread on social media. People are laughing. Maya is clearly upset but hasn't responded.
Discuss:
If you value Kindness, what is your first step?
If you value Justice, how do you handle the spread?
How does being online change the risk?
3. The Talent Show
You and your best friend Sam auditioned for the lead. You got it; Sam didn't. Sam says the auditions weren't fair and is really angry.
Discuss:
If you value Loyalty, how do you act?
If you value Achievement, how do you celebrate?
Can you balance both values here? How?
4. The Secret Spot
Your favorite creek spot is being trashed by others. You love the privacy there, but it's becoming a mess.
Discuss:
If you value Respect for nature, what do you do?
If you value Privacy, do you tell anyone?
What is the 'Authentic' thing to do?
"Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave them all over everything you do." — Elvis Presley
My Value Reflection Journal My Reflection Journal
Finding My Authentic Self
Name:
Date:
1 My Top 3 Core Values
Value A
Value B
Value C
2 The "Why" Behind the Value
Choose one value from above. Why is this particularly important to you right now? How do you already see it in your life?
3 Values in Action: Looking Forward
How can you intentionally live out one of your values this coming week? Describe a specific action you will take.
4 The Authentic You
In your own words, what does it mean to you to live an "authentic" life?