Hero Strength Mapping Lesson Plan Hero Strength Mapping
Solution-Focused Individual Counseling Lesson Plan
Time
30 MIN
Objectives
Help the student identify moments of success (“exceptions”) and map these successes to personal strengths, boosting confidence and self-belief through interactive, strengths-based activities.
The Why
By focusing on when problems didn’t occur, the student recognizes their own skills and talents, fostering hope, resilience, and a positive self-view essential for emotional growth.
Materials Needed
My Hidden Powers Slide Deck
Counselor Prompt Guide Script
Strength Card Sorting Activity
My Superpower Story Journal
Prep (5 Mins)
• Preview slides in My Hidden Powers .
• Familiarize with Counselor Prompt Guide .
• Print and cut out Strength Card Sorting cards.
• Have the My Superpower Story journal ready.
Session Flow
1
Warm-Up & Rapport
5 MIN
Greet the student warmly and establish a relaxed space.
Display Slide 1: My Hidden Powers with friendly visuals.
Ask a simple icebreaker: “What was something fun you did recently?”
Validate the student’s response and transition to strengths talk.
2
Explore Exceptions
10 MIN
Introduce the idea: “Exceptions are times things went well.”
Use Counselor Prompt Guide : “Can you tell me about a time you felt proud?”
Listen and note the skills described (sharing, solving problems, etc.).
Reflect back: “So you’re really good at [student’s skill]!”
3
Strength Card Sorting
8 MIN
Lay out Strength Card Sorting cards face-up.
Invite the student to choose cards that describe them.
Ask: “Why did you pick this one?” and discuss specific examples.
Help the student identify their top 3 strengths.
4
Superpower Story
7 MIN
Give the student the My Superpower Story Journal .
Ask them to draw or write a short story using their top strength.
Offer guiding questions from the script.
Have the student share their story and praise their unique power.
My Hidden Powers Presentation Slides My Hidden Powers
Let’s find out what makes you awesome!
Teacher Notes: Welcome the student warmly. Introduce today’s session: “We’re going to find your hidden powers!” Point to the colorful images and set a fun tone. Use this slide as an icebreaker.
What Are Strengths?
Strengths are things you do really well or things that make you special!
Teacher Notes: Explain what a strength is in simple terms. Show examples: “being kind, solving puzzles, sharing.” Ask: “What’s something you’re really good at?”
Exceptions
Exceptions are times when things went really well.
Can you think of one?
Teacher Notes: Introduce the idea of exceptions. Reference the Prompt Guide for question prompts. Ask: “Can you think of a time things went really well?”
Share Your Success
Tell me about a time you felt proud or happy.
Teacher Notes: Invite the student to share a success story. Use prompts: “What happened? How did you feel? What did you do?” Reflect back the strength you hear.
Choose Your Cards
Pick the cards that match your strengths.
Teacher Notes: Introduce the Strength Card Sorting. Lay out the cards and ask the student to pick cards that describe them. Discuss each choice.
Superpower Story
Use your top strength to draw a superhero story!
Teacher Notes: Hand out the My Superpower Story Journal. Ask the student to draw or write a short story using their top strength. Offer guiding questions.
You Are a Hero!
Great job! You have amazing powers!
Teacher Notes: Praise the student’s work and recap their superpowers. Encourage them to remember these strengths. Close with positive affirmation.
Counselor Prompt Guide Script Counselor Prompt Guide
What's Your Superpower? • Tier 3 Individual Session
1. Warm-Up & Icebreaker
RAPPORT BUILDING
“Hello there! I’m so happy to see you today. How are you feeling right now?”
“Tell me about something fun you did recently. Maybe at recess or at home?”
2. Validate & Transition
SETTING THE STAGE
“That sounds super fun! I love that you got to [repeat activity].”
“Today, we’re going to find your hidden superpowers! These are the special things you do really, really well.”
3. Exception Exploration
SOLUTION-FOCUSED FOCUS
“An exception is a time when things went really well, even if something felt tricky. Can you think of a time when you felt really proud of yourself?”
If the student hesitates:
“What’s one thing you did that made you smile or feel happy?”
“Maybe a time you helped a friend or finished a hard task?”
When they share, dig deeper:
“What happened? Can you tell me step by step?”
“How did you know you were doing a good job?”
“What did you do that made it turn out so well?”
“How did you feel in your heart when it worked out?”
4. Affirming the Strength
REINFORCEMENT
“Wow, that sounds amazing! You were really good at [student’s skill].”
“That is a wonderful superpower!”
5. Strength Card Sorting Prompts
IDENTIFICATION
“Here are some cards showing different superpowers. Let’s lay them out and pick the ones that describe you.”
“Why did you pick this card? Can you tell me a time you used this superpower?”
“Which three cards feel like your very best superpowers?”
6. Superpower Story Prompts
APPLICATION
“Now it’s your turn! Draw or write a short story about your superpower in action.”
“What does your hero look like?”
“What challenge does your hero face?”
“How do you use your superpower to help?”
“How do you feel at the end of your story?”
7. Encouragement & Wrap-Up
“Great job today finding your superpowers! Remember, you can use these strengths anytime you need confidence.”
“I’m so proud of you, superhero! You are amazing.”
Strength Card Sorting Activity Strength Card Sorting
Activity Mat & Instructions
Objective
Help the student recognize and name personal strengths by choosing and sorting illustrated cards.
Quick Instructions
Browse all cards together.
Sort into the two areas below.
Talk about "Why" for each choice.
Pick your Top 3 cards!
MY SUPERPOWER!
Place your powers here!
MAYBE LATER
Not quite me yet...
Counselor Tip: After sorting, save the Top 3 cards to use in the "My Superpower Story" journal activity.
Strength Cards
Print and cut these out for the sorting activity
Kindness
Sharing
Listening
Helping
Bravery
Creativity
Problem Solving
Patience
Friendliness
Honesty
Focus
Hard Work My Superpower Story Journal My Superpower Story
Use your top strengths to create your own hero adventure!
Hero Name:
Today's Date:
1. Draw Your Superhero
2. Tell Your Story
A What is your hero's name?
B What challenge does your hero face?
C How does your hero use their superpowers (your strengths) to help?
D How does your hero feel when the story ends?
You Are a True Superhero!