Strengths Spotlight Lesson Plan Strengths Spotlight
Your Superpowers • Teacher Guide
11TH GRADE • 30 MIN
The "Why"
This lesson helps students identify their unique personal strengths, fostering self-efficacy and encouraging an asset-based approach to their capabilities. Recognizing and utilizing these 'superpowers' can boost confidence, improve academic engagement, and enhance overall well-being.
Learning Objective
Students will complete a brief strengths inventory and name three personal strengths with one specific plan to use a strength in class this week.
Preparation
Time: 15-20 minutes
Review all linked materials (Slides, Worksheet, Cards).
Prepare a 'Strengths Wall' on chart paper or whiteboard with sections (Creativity, Problem-Solving, Empathy, Leadership).
Print Worksheets, Interview Cards, and Exit Tickets.
Materials Required
Smartboard or Projector
Spot Your Superpowers Slides
Quick Strengths Inventory Worksheet
Partner Strengths Interview Cards
Exit Ticket Action Plan
Markers & Chart Paper
Lesson Procedure
1
Warm-Up: Circle Your Adjectives
5 MIN
Display Slide 2: "Do Now: Circle Your Adjectives"
Ask students to quietly reflect on the list of adjectives provided.
Instruct them to circle three adjectives that strongly describe them and one adjective they are actively working on building.
Briefly share your own example to model the activity and build rapport.
2
Assets vs. Deficits & Strengths
5 MIN
Display Slides 3-5
Introduce the concept of Asset-Based Thinking : focusing on what we have and what we can do, rather than what we lack (Deficit-Based).
Review "Strengths in Action" (Slide 4) to show how these look in real life.
(Optional Discussion, Slide 6): Facilitate a brief chat about why strengths matter in school and teamwork.
3
Individual Strengths Inventory
5 MIN
Display Slide 7. Distribute "Quick Strengths Inventory Worksheet."
Explain that this isn't a test; it's a tool to explore natural abilities.
Give 3-4 minutes to complete. Encourage honesty over overthinking.
Have students circle their top 3-5 strengths.
4
Partner Strengths Interviews
10 MIN
Display Slide 8. Distribute "Partner Strengths Interview Cards."
Pairs take turns interviewing each other using the card prompts.
Emphasize active listening and asking for specific examples (e.g., "When did you use that strength?").
Circulate to offer support.
5
Gallery Walk: Strengths Wall
5 MIN
Display Slide 9.
Students write their #1 strength on a sticky note.
Students place notes on the wall under the matching category.
Silent walk to observe the diverse "superpowers" in the room.
6
Exit Ticket Action Plan
5 MIN
Display Slide 10. Distribute "Exit Ticket Action Plan."
Students pick one strength and write one specific action to use it in class this week.
Collect as they leave as formative assessment.
Spot Your Superpowers Slides Self-Discovery Series
Strengths Spotlight
Discover your superpowers and learn how to use them to shine.
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Introduce the idea of uncovering personal strengths.
Do Now: Circle Your Adjectives
Confident
Creative
Curious
Brave
Kind
Resilient
Organized
Problem-Solver
Team Player
Determined
Empathetic
Leader
Listener
Motivated
Optimistic
Patient
Resourceful
Adaptable
Communicator
Focused
"Circle three that describe you well, and one you are actively building or improving!"
Assets vs. Deficits
Deficit-Based
Focuses on weaknesses, problems, and what's missing in a person or situation.
Asset-Based
Focuses on strengths, resources, and what is already working well.
Today, we focus on your ASSETS!
Strengths in Action
Problem-Solver
Enjoys figuring out tough puzzles or finding solutions to tricky situations.
Creative
Loves to come up with new ideas, draw, write stories, or design things.
Empathetic
Good at understanding how others are feeling and offering support.
Leader
Takes initiative, guides groups, or inspires others to work together.
Why Do Strengths Matter?
"How does knowing your strengths help you in school?"
"How can focusing on strengths improve teamwork?"
"What's the difference between confidence and arrogance?"
Quick Strengths Inventory
Take 5 minutes to complete your worksheet.
Circle your TOP 3-5 superpowers!
Start Reflecting!
Partner Interviews
01
Take turns asking questions from your cards.
02
Listen actively to your partner’s responses.
03
"Can you tell me about a time you used that strength?"
Strengths
Wall
My
1 Choose your
Quick Strengths Inventory Worksheet Quick Strengths Inventory
Discovering Your Superpowers
11th Grade • Self-Discovery
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Read through the list of strengths below. Check off any that you feel describe you well. Then, from your checks, circle your top 3-5 personal superpowers .
Potential Superpowers (Check all that apply)
Adaptable (adjusts easily) Adventurous (likes new experiences) Ambitious (driven to achieve) Artistic (creative in art/music) Brave (courageous, faces fears) Calm (composed under pressure) Caring (shows compassion) Communicator (expresses ideas) Confident (believes in self) Cooperative (works well in teams) Creative (original ideas) Curious (eager to explore) Determined (persists toward goals) Empathetic (shares feelings) Focused (able to concentrate) Generous (willing to share) Grateful (shows appreciation) Humorous (makes others laugh) Independent (prefers to do alone) Innovative (new ideas/methods)
Insightful (deep understanding) Kind (friendly/considerate) Leader (guides others) Listener (pays attention) Loyal (faithful/committed) Observant (notices details) Organized (systematic/efficient) Patient (tolerates delays) Problem-Solver (finds solutions) Punctual (always on time) Resilient (bounces back) Resourceful (finds clever ways) Responsible (reliable/accountable) Self-Aware (knows own character) Strategic (planning/foresight) Supportive (encouraging) Thoughtful (shows consideration) Persistent (doesn't give up) Team-Oriented (collaborative) Other: ____________________
My Top Superpowers:
1
2
3
Partner Strengths Interview Cards Partner Strengths Interviews
Cut along the dotted lines to create your interview cards.
How to Interview
1 Work with your assigned partner. Take turns being the interviewer and the interviewee .
2 Choose 3-4 questions from the cards below to ask your partner. Listen carefully.
3 As the interviewee, try to give specific examples of how you use your strengths.
Prompt 01
"From your inventory or your own ideas, what is one strength you are really proud of?"
Prompt 02
"Can you describe a time recently when you used this strength to help yourself or someone else?"
Prompt 03
"How did it feel when you successfully used this strength to overcome a challenge?"
Prompt 04
"If you had to pick one 'secret' strength that most people don't notice about you, what would it be?"
Prompt 05
"How can you use your top strength to make this class or our school better for others?"
Prompt 06
"What is one strength you see in ME (your partner) based on our conversation so far?"
Interviewer Notes: Gallery Walk Strengths Wall Activity Gallery Walk Guide
Create a visual representation of the diverse strengths within our class and celebrate our collective assets.
Student Instructions
01
Choose Your Top Superpower
Select the ONE strength from your inventory or interview that you feel most defines you today.
02
Write It Down
On a sticky note or card, write your strength clearly and boldly so others can read it from a distance.
03
Place Your Post
Find the category on the wall that best fits your strength. If no category fits, create a new one!
04
Gallery Walk
Silently walk around and notice the patterns. What strengths are most common? Which are unique?
Printable Wall Category Headers
Problem Solvers
Strategic • Analytical • Persistent
Creative Minds
Artistic • Innovative • Curious
Natural Leaders
Confident • Responsible • Brave
Empathetic Souls
Kind • Compassionate • Listeners
Teacher Tip: Use brightly colored sticky notes to make the "Strengths Wall" pop!
Exit Ticket Action Plan Cool Down Exit Ticket: Action Plan
Name
Date
01 My Chosen Superpower
Example: Curiosity, Leadership, Empathy...
02 My Action Plan
Describe one specific way you will use this strength in class this week (in a project, discussion, or interaction).
"I commit to using my superpower this week!"
Signature
Exit Ticket: Action Plan
Name
Date
01 My Chosen Superpower
Example: Curiosity, Leadership, Empathy...
02 My Action Plan
Describe one specific way you will use this strength in class this week.
"I commit to using my superpower this week!"
Signature
