Values Mapping Guide Lesson PlanValues Mapping Guide Tier 2 Small Group Toolkit 45 MIN Objective Identify and map personal core values, rank top five, and align behaviors with beliefs. Audience 8th Grade Small Group (Tier 2 SEL Intervention) Approach Guided mapping, ranking, discussion, and journaling. The Why Developing self-awareness helps students understand what drives their decisions and emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and healthier coping strategies when facing challenges. Teacher Preparation Review the Values Mapping Guide lesson plan Preview the Core Values Presentation slides and notes Print Values Ranking Chart and Discussion Prompts Prepare student Values in Action Journals Gather sticky notes and markers Lesson Roadmap 5m Introduction to Self-Awareness Welcome students and define "core value" with 2-3 examples. Use the first slide of the presentation to illustrate why values matter. 10m Values Brainstorm and Mapping Students write values on sticky notes. Organize notes into broad categories on a chart or wall to form overarching themes. 10m Values Ranking Activity Distribute the Values Ranking Chart. Students select and rank their top five values from the map, reflecting on their order. 10m Group Discussion: What Matters Most? Use the discussion prompts to explore alignment with values and reactions to challenges. Ensure every student contributes. 8m Values in Action Journals Students write one goal to live more in line with their top value and list specific steps to take when faced with obstacles. 2m Wrap-Up and Reflection Summarize takeaways. Remind students to use their journal entries as a compass during difficult situations.
Core Values Presentation SlidesSelf-Awareness Workshop Core Values Presentation Understanding what matters most to guide your decisions and actions. Teacher Notes Welcome students and introduce the purpose of today’s presentation: understanding what core values are and why they matter. Emphasize that this slide deck will guide them through defining, mapping, and reflecting on their personal values. What Are Core Values? Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide how we think, feel, and act. Common Examples: Honesty Respect Kindness Teacher Notes Define the term and provide simple everyday examples (e.g., honesty in friendships, responsibility in schoolwork). Why Values Matter Guide your decisions and actions every day. Influence how you respond to challenges. Build a strong sense of purpose and identity. Teacher Notes Explain each bullet with a quick story or question: “Think of a time you made a tough choice—what guided you?” Examples of Core Values Integrity Empathy Responsibility Fairness Perseverance Creativity Teamwork Courage Gratitude Teacher Notes Show a longer list of values on-screen for students to see the variety. Encourage them that no value is ‘wrong.’ The Value Mapping Process 1 Brainstorm a list of personal values 2 Place values into broad categories 3 Group similar values to form themes 4 Rank and reflect on your top five Teacher Notes Briefly walk through the four-step mapping process before doing it hands-on. Activity: Brainstorm Values Spend 5 minutes writing one value per sticky note. Think of anything important: family, hobbies, beliefs, etc. Write legibly so others can read your notes. Family Fun Justice Teacher Notes Give clear instructions: hand out sticky notes and markers. Circulate to encourage quieter students to list values. Categories of Values Common categories to help organize your notes: Personal Growth Relationships Achievement Community Health & Well-being Teacher Notes Show sample category headings (e.g., Personal, Social, Academic, Well-being) on the board or projector. Group Similar Values 1 Place your sticky notes under the category that fits best. 2 Discuss with neighbors if you’re unsure about where a value belongs. 3 Notice patterns or themes emerging in the groups. Teacher Notes Model grouping a few sample values into themes. Ask students to start clustering their notes under the projected headings. Next Steps: Ranking It's time to prioritize. Choose your top five values. Rank them using the Values Ranking Chart. Reflect: Why did you choose this order? 1. __________________ 2. __________________ 3. __________________ Teacher Notes Preview the Values Ranking Chart so students know what to expect next. Emphasize honest reflection over “right” choices. Reflection & Questions What surprised you about your value map? Which themes stood out the most to you? Prepare to discuss how your values guide your actions. Teacher Notes Encourage students to share one insight or question before they move on to the discussion phase.
Values Ranking Chart WorksheetValues Ranking Chart Self-Awareness Workshop Name: Date: Directions: From your mapped list of values, select your top five and fill in the chart below. Then answer the reflection questions about your #1 value. Top Five Values RankCore ValueReason for Ranking12345 Reflection on Your Top Value (Rank 1) 1. When have you demonstrated this value in the past? Describe the situation. 2. How did living this value make you feel or how did it impact others? 3. What challenges might you face in upholding this value in the future? 4. List two concrete steps you can take to live by this value when faced with a challenge. Tip: Keep this chart in your journal and revisit it whenever you need a reminder of what matters most to you.
What Matters Most Discussion PromptsWhat Matters Most? Facilitator's Discussion Guide 10 Minutes Purpose Explore how personal values shape reactions to challenges and support one another’s growth within the group. Discussion Guidelines "Listen respectfully and allow each person to finish before speaking." "Speak honestly and with kindness—there are no 'wrong' answers." "Build on others' ideas by asking follow-up questions or sharing similar experiences." Core Prompts 1. When have you felt most aligned with your top value? What happened and how did you act? How did living that value make you feel? Follow-up: What made that moment stand out? 2. How have your values influenced your choices when facing a challenge? Can you describe a specific situation? Follow-up: If you faced that challenge again, would you respond the same way? Why or why not? 3. Describe a time when your top value was tested. What made it difficult to uphold that value? Follow-up: What helped you stay true to it, or what might you do differently next time? 4. How can you use your top value to overcome obstacles at school or with friends? What concrete steps might you take? Follow-up: Who could support you in living out this value? 5. How might understanding each other’s values improve our group? In what ways can we show respect for someone else’s value? Follow-up: How can we hold each other accountable kindly when values are challenged? Closing & Integration Encourage students to jot key takeaways, insights, or action ideas in their Values in Action Journal. Remind them to revisit their notes when they face a tough decision or interaction during the coming week.
Values in Action Journal DocumentValues in Action Journal Reflecting and Building Character Name: Date: "Our values are the stars we navigate by. When we face storms, they keep us on our path." My Top Value What is your top-ranked core value? Why is this value important to you? Action Steps List two concrete steps you will take when you face a challenge related to this value: 1 2 Who can support you in living out this value? Reflecting on Challenges Describe a recent situation where this value was tested: How could you apply your value to guide your decisions? Goal for Next Week What is one measurable goal you can set? Pro Tip: Revisit this journal whenever you face a tough choice. It acts as your personal "moral compass" to help you stay true to yourself. Values Workshop Series
