Values Voyage Teacher Guide Values Voyage
Charting Your Moral Compass
Audience 9th-12th Grade
Duration 50 Minutes
Approach Reflective & Social
Rationale
Understanding and aligning with personal values empowers students to make authentic choices, navigate challenges with integrity, and build stronger, more meaningful connections in their lives.
Learning Objective
Students will explore, identify, and articulate their core personal values and understand how these values influence their decisions, behaviors, and relationships.
Teacher Preparation
• Review the Values Voyage Slide Deck .
• Print copies of Values Clarification Activity (1 per student).
• Print copies of My Moral Compass Journal (1 per student).
• Set up projector for the slide deck.
Materials Needed
• Values Voyage Slide Deck
• Values Clarification Activity
• My Moral Compass Journal
• Pens/Pencils
Lesson Plan Page 1 of 2
Instructional Sequence
Min 10
Introduction: What Guides You?
Begin with Slides 1-3. Facilitate a brief discussion on what values are and why they matter.
Discussion Starters:
"What does 'values' mean to you?"
"Can you think of a time when your beliefs guided a choice you made?"
Min 15
Values Clarification Activity
Distribute the activity sheet. Guide students through Slides 4-6. Emphasize that there are no wrong answers; this is personal reflection time.
Teacher Tip: Provide a quiet environment. Circulate to answer questions but avoid influencing their choices.
Min 15
Group Discussion: Sharing Our Compasses
Refer to Slides 7-8. In small groups, have students share 1-2 values.
Emphasize respectful listening and diverse perspectives.
Monitor groups to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
Min 10
Journaling: My Moral Compass
Distribute the journal. Refer to Slides 9-10. This is the synthesis stage where students apply their values to real-life scenarios and future goals.
Conclude by reinforcing that values are a lifelong journey and their "compass" may evolve as they grow.
Lesson Plan Page 2 of 2
Values Voyage Slide Deck Values Voyage
Charting Your Moral Compass
Navigating life with purpose and integrity.
Lesson 1 Session Guide
What are Values?
Core beliefs or principles that guide our lives.
North Star
Your personal guide for decision-making.
Foundation
The core of who you are as a person.
Identity
What you stand for and represent.
Why Do Values Matter?
Help us make tough decisions
Guide our behavior and reactions
Build stronger relationships
Lead to a more authentic life
Purpose
Meaning
Activity Part 1
Exploration
Time to discover your core values!
01
Receive the Values List worksheet.
02
Read through the entire list of options.
03
Circle all values that resonate with you personally.
Activity Part 2
Refinement
Narrowing it down...
1
Top 10
From your circled list, pick ten.
2
Top 5
Cut that list in half to your core.
3
Top 3
The absolute essence of you.
How to Choose?
Which values make you feel most alive?
Which values would you defend fiercely?
Which values do you prioritize when it's difficult?
Listen to your gut—what feels truly right?
Sharing Our Compasses
In small groups, discuss:
01
Share 1-2 of your top values.
02
Explain why these matter to you.
03
How do they show up in your daily life?
Listen & Learn
Group Norms
Respect different perspectives.
Listen actively to your classmates.
There are no "wrong" values.
Reflection Journal
How will you live your values?
Connections
How do your values connect to your future goals?
Alignment
What steps can you take to align your actions?
Values Clarification Activity Values Clarification Activity
Charting Your Moral Compass
Name:
Date:
1
Part 1: Exploring Values
Below is a list of common values. Read through the entire list and circle any values that resonate with you, meaning they feel important or meaningful to you.
Achievement
Adventure
Authenticity
Autonomy
Balance
Beauty
Caring
Community
Creativity
Curiosity
Determination
Equality
Family
Freedom
Friendship
Growth
Happiness
Health
Honesty
Humor
Impact
Justice
Knowledge
Leadership
Love
Loyalty
Meaning
Mindfulness
Optimism
Passion
Peace
Respect
Responsibility
Security
Self-Control
Service
Spirituality
Stability
Teamwork
Trust
Wisdom
2
Part 2: Narrowing Down
Refine your list to find your most important values.
1. Top 10 Most Important Values
Values Clarification Activity Page 1 of 2
2. Top 5 Core Values
These values truly define you and guide your life.
3. Your absolute core values
The non-negotiable principles you strive to live by every day.
01
02
03
3
Part 3: Reflection
Value 1:
Why is this value important to you?
How does this value show up in your life (or how would you like it to)?
Value 2:
Why is this value important to you?
How does this value show up in your life (or how would you like it to)?
Value 3:
Why is this value important to you?
How does this value show up in your life (or how would you like it to)?
Values Clarification Activity Page 2 of 2
My Moral Compass Journal My Moral Compass Journal
Living Your Values Daily
Name:
Date:
1. Your Top 3 Core Values
Transfer the top three values you identified in the Values Clarification Activity.
Value 01
Value 02
Value 03
2. Values in Action
Think about a recent decision you made or a situation you encountered. How did (or could) one of your core values influence your choice or reaction?
3. Challenges and Opportunities
What challenges might you face in living by these values? How can your values create new opportunities for growth?
My Moral Compass Journal Page 1 of 2
4. Setting Value-Aligned Goals
Think about one goal you have for the near future (this week, month, or school year). How can you ensure this goal stays true to your core values? What small steps can you take?
My Goal:
How it aligns with my values:
First small step:
5. My Personal Values Statement
Write a short personal statement (1-3 sentences) that summarizes your commitment to living by your values. Revisit this when you need guidance.
"My moral compass is guided by..."
"Stay true to your course."
My Moral Compass Journal Page 2 of 2