Strength Spark Facilitation Guide
My Strength Spark Journal
Teacher Facilitation Guide • Tier 3 Intervention
15 Minutes / Session
Weekly (10 Weeks)
Objective
Students will identify and reflect on their personal strengths and practice self-advocacy skills to build self-esteem and navigate academic and social environments more effectively.
Why This Matters
Developing an understanding of personal strengths and learning to advocate for oneself are crucial for students on the autism spectrum. This structured journal provides a safe space to build these vital life skills and foster a positive self-identity.
Prep & Materials
- Review the 10-week Strength Spark Journal to familiarize yourself with the specific weekly themes.
- Ensure the student has their physical journal and a comfortable writing/drawing utensil.
- Time set-up: 5 minutes of prep before the session.
Delivery Approach
SESSION 1: INTRODUCTION 5-10 Minutes
Explain "Strength": Define a strength as something you are good at, enjoy doing, or something that feels "easy" or "natural" to you.
Set the Goal: Explain that this journal is a weekly "spark" to help them discover their unique abilities and learn how to use those powers to speak up for what they need.
Walkthrough: Look at the Week 1 prompts together. Model an example from your own life to build rapport.
Weekly Routine (Weeks 2-10) 10-15 Minutes
1. Review & Reflect
Briefly look back at the previous week. Acknowledge growth or positive moments mentioned.
2. Guided Entry
Introduce the current week's theme. Allow the student to write or draw their responses independently.
3. Facilitated Discussion
Discuss their responses. Emphasize there are no "wrong" answers—this is about their personal perspective.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Highlight the specific strengths they mention. Use "I noticed..." statements to validate their self-perception.
Connecting to Self-Advocacy Ongoing Focus
"Knowing your strength is the first step to telling people what you need."
- Model Phrases: Practice phrases like: "I am good at focusing when it's quiet, so I'm going to use my headphones now."
- Role-Play: Use the Week 3, 4, and 8 entries to role-play asking a teacher or friend for support based on their identified strengths.
My Strength Spark Journal
My Strength Spark
Student Journal
Name: _______________________
10 WEEKS OF
STRENGTH
A weekly space to celebrate what makes you awesome and learn to speak up for what you need.
WEEK 1
What Makes Me Shine?
Something I'm good at is...
How do I feel when I do this?
One thing I like about myself is...
WEEK 2
My Awesome Abilities
A time I felt proud was when...
What strength did I use then?
One way I help others is by...
WEEK 3
Speaking Up for Me
Knowing your strengths helps you tell others what you need. This is self-advocacy!
When might I need help or a change?
What strength can help me in this situation?
How can I politely ask for what I need?
Example: "I need a quiet space to focus."
WEEK 4
My Support Squad
It's okay to ask for help! Who supports you?
Who is one adult I trust?
Why are they a good person to talk to?
What would I say if I needed their help?
WEEK 5
Goals for Growing Stronger
One strength I want to grow is...
How will I use that strength this week?
One small way I will speak up for myself this week is...
WEEK 6
Strengths in Action
Where do I use my strengths? (e.g., at school, at home, with friends)
Describe a time you used a strength today or yesterday.
How did it feel to use that strength?
WEEK 7
Understanding My Feelings
Our feelings can tell us what we need.
What is a feeling I sometimes have?
What does that feeling tell me?
Who can I talk to when I have this feeling?
WEEK 8
My Unique Way of Learning
Everyone learns differently. What works best for you?
What helps me learn best in class?
e.g., quiet space, visual aids, taking notes
What makes learning hard for me sometimes?
How can I tell my teacher what helps me learn?
WEEK 9
Celebrating Small Wins
Notice your progress, big or small!
What is one small thing I did well this week?
How did I use a strength to do it?
How can I celebrate this small win?
WEEK 10
My Self-Advocacy Power
You are becoming a self-advocacy expert! Reflect on your 10-week journey below.