Scavenger Hunt Instructions Lesson Plan Strength Scavenger
Teacher Lesson Plan • Tier 1 SEL
Grade 11
Estimated Time: 50 Minutes
Instructional Objective
Guide students in a collaborative scavenger hunt to identify examples of personal and interpersonal strengths in texts, media, and peers, reinforcing CASEL’s self-awareness competencies.
Why This Matters
By actively seeking and naming strengths, students build accurate self-perception, self-efficacy, and social awareness—core skills for personal growth and positive classroom culture.
Materials Needed
Spot the Strengths Slide Deck
Strengths Scavenger Hunt Activity Handouts
Pens or Highlighters
Timer or Clock
Prep Time: 10 Min
Review slides and discussion prompts.
Print scavenger hunt handouts (1 per group).
Set up media station for video clip.
The Approach 25 Minutes Activity + 25 Minutes Instruction/Reflection
05
Minutes
Set the Scene
Display Spot the Strengths Slides and briefly review CASEL’s Self-Awareness framework:
— Accurate self-perception
— Recognizing strengths
— Self-confidence and self-efficacy
Explain scavenger hunt objectives and rules: identify at least one example of a strength in three categories (literature, media, peer).
Form student groups of 3–4 and assign each group a starting station.
12
Minutes
Conduct Scavenger Hunt
Distribute Strengths Scavenger Hunt Handouts to each group.
Groups rotate through three stations (approx. 4 mins per station):
Text excerpts: Identify strengths in characters or narratives.Short media clip: Note demonstrated strengths.Peer huddle: Share and observe classmates’ strengths.
At each station, groups record the strength found, evidence (quote or observation), and which CASEL competency it reflects.
01 Minute
Transition to Share-Out
Signal groups to finish their final entry and return to their seats. Collect or have students hold on to their handouts.
02 Minutes
Quick Reflection
Ask students to individually jot down which newly discovered strength surprised them most and why—connecting others’ strengths to their own.
05
Minutes
Debrief & Connect
Invite each group to share one standout example from their hunt.
Discussion Prompts
"How does recognizing strengths in others help us understand our own abilities?"
"Which CASEL self-awareness skill did you practice today, and how might you apply it going forward?"
Spot the Strengths Slides SEL Tier 1 • Grade 11
Spot the Strengths
An interactive activity to identify strengths in literature, media, and peers
Teacher Notes: Welcome students! Today we’ll dive into CASEL’s Self-Awareness framework and practice spotting strengths in texts, media, and each other. Set expectations for participation and curiosity.
What is Self-Awareness?
The ability to accurately recognize your own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior.
Teacher Notes: Define self-awareness in your own words before showing the slide. Emphasize why understanding ourselves helps us recognize strengths in others.
CASEL Self-Awareness Competencies
1
Accurate self-perception
Understanding your strengths and areas for growth
2
Recognizing strengths
Identifying talents and skills in yourself and others
3
Self-confidence & self-efficacy
Belief in your ability to succeed
Teacher Notes: Walk through each competency and invite brief examples from students. Ask: “What’s one strength you’ve noticed in yourself?”
Example in Literature
"Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." —Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
Strength
Moral courage
Competency
Recognizing strengths
Teacher Notes: Read the quote aloud and ask: “What strength does Atticus Finch show here?” Link this to recognizing strengths in characters.
Example in Media
Embedded media
Teacher Notes: Play this short clip. Ask students to note one strength they observe. Pause at key moments if needed.
Scavenger Hunt Instructions
MISSION START
Identify one strength in each category:
1
Literature (Characters)
2
Media (Video Clip)
3
Peer (Classmates)
Record your findings on the Strengths Scavenger Hunt handout.
Provide specific evidence for each discovery.
Teacher Notes: Review each bullet. Emphasize that groups will rotate through stations and record evidence tied to CASEL skills.
Ready to Roll?
Form groups of 3–4
Grab a Handout & Highlighter
12 minutes per station
Strengths Scavenger Hunt Activity Handout Strengths Scavenger Hunt
Case Study & Observation Log
Group:
Date:
Instructions: Rotate through each station. At each location, read or observe the prompt, then record your group’s findings below. Focus on linking evidence to a specific CASEL self-awareness competency.
01
Station 1: Literature
Prompt: Identify a strength demonstrated by a character in the provided text excerpt.
Strength Observed
Evidence (Quote or Description)
CASEL Competency
Accurate self-perception
Recognizing strengths
Self-confidence & self-efficacy
02
Station 2: Media
Prompt: Watch the video clip and note one demonstrated strength.
Strength Observed
Evidence (Timestamp or Description)
CASEL Competency
Accurate self-perception
Recognizing strengths
Self-confidence & self-efficacy
03
Station 3: Peer
Prompt: Discuss with classmates and observe a peer’s strength during your huddle.
Peer Name
Strength Observed
Evidence (What you observed)
CASEL Competency
Accurate self-perception
Recognizing strengths
Self-confidence & self-efficacy
Findings Share-Out Discussion Guide Findings Share-Out
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Purpose
This whole-class discussion allows each group to showcase their discoveries, deepen understanding of CASEL self-awareness competencies, and reflect on how recognizing strengths builds both personal and social insight.
Participation Norms
Listen actively and respectfully to each group’s example.
Keep comments concise (30–60 seconds per share-out).
Connect responses to the specific CASEL competencies practiced.
Build on others’ ideas using phrases like “I noticed...” or “That reminds me of...”
The "Share-Out" Formula
Invite each group to state the following for one standout discovery:
01 The Station (Lit, Media, or Peer)
02 The Strength Identified
03 The Evidence Used
04 The CASEL Competency
Facilitation Prompts
Deepening Understanding
Which example resonated most with you, and why?
How did the evidence you found help clarify the character’s or peer’s strength?
What made you choose that particular competency over others?
Connecting to Self
How does spotting a strength in someone else help you recognize a similar strength in yourself?
Was there a strength you hadn’t noticed in yourself before today? How might you develop it?
Real-World Application
In what other settings (e.g., team projects, sports) can you practice spotting strengths?
How can this skill of recognizing strengths support your goals this semester?
Advanced Follow-Up Prompts
“What challenges might keep us from noticing strengths, and how can we overcome them?”
“How might recognizing strengths change the way we give feedback to peers during a project?”
Closing Reflection
Ask students to jot down one action they will take this week to notice or build on a strength—either their own or someone else’s. Reinforce that today’s activity strengthens both self-awareness and our capacity to support one another.
Group Insight Reflection Exit Ticket Insight Reflection
Strength Scavenger Exit Ticket
Student Name
Date
01
What is one new insight you gained today about recognizing strengths in literature, media, or peers?
02
How does noticing strengths in others help you understand your own abilities?
03
What is one action you will take this week to apply the skill of spotting strengths—either in yourself or someone else?
Self-Awareness • Strength Scavenger • Grade 11
