Uplifting Strengths Facilitator Guide Week 1 Pull-Out
Uplifting Strengths
Lesson 1: Self-Concept & Positive Identity (Grades K-1)
Small Group
Time: 30 Minutes
Lesson Objective
Students will identify at least three positive personal traits, favorite activities, or comforting things that "lift them up" when they feel down, represented visually as a 3D hot air balloon craft. This builds healthy self-awareness and emotional regulation foundations.
Materials Needed
Balloon Craft sheets
Child-safe scissors
Glue sticks & crayons
Example balloon
1
Warm-Up: The Sparkle Circle
5 Minutes
Gather students in a circle. Introduce yourself and your role. Pass a soft ball or "sparkle wand" around. Each student shares their name and one thing that made them smile today. Establish simple group values (e.g., kind listening, helping hands).
"My job is to help our hearts feel bright and safe. Today, we're sharing what makes us special!"
2
Interactive Talk: What Lifts Us Up?
5 Minutes
Show an inflated balloon or picture. Ask: "What makes a hot air balloon fly high?" (Warm air/breeze). Explain that we also have things inside of us that lift us up when we feel down, mad, or tired. Brainstorm examples: a kind friend, drawing, playing outside, or a brave thought.
3
The 3D Hot Air Balloon Craft
15 Minutes
Distribute craft sheets. Guide students to decorate the balloon panels. Model how to fold the three circular balloon panels in half and glue them back-to-back to create a 3D effect. Have them write their names in the basket and draw themselves.
Panel A "I am good at..."
Panel B "I am happy when..."
Panel C "I am brave when..."
4
Closing Celebration & Share
5 Minutes
Hold up the completed balloons together. Have each student complete the sentence: "What lifts me up is ________!" Close with a mindful "Balloon Breath" (inhale arms wide up, exhale clapping down).
Group Observation & Diagnostic Checklist
Developmental Indicators
Fine-motor scissor/folding competency
Ability to generate abstract positive traits
Active listening and impulse modulation
Clinical Intervention Notes
Highlight coping tools to manage frustration
Target peer affirmation & social bonding
Note students requiring Tier-2 self-esteem support
Me in the Making • Counseling Curriculum First Week Group Pull-Outs
Uplifting Strengths Craft Template What Lifts Me Up!
K-1st Grade Self-Esteem Balloon Craft
Name ___________________
Date _________
Visual Instructions:
1. Color & Draw in the Basket 2. Cut out the 3 Balloon Circles (Page 2) 3. Fold circles in half & Glue to base!
Be Kind
Stay Brave
Dream Big
Glue Balloon Panels Here!
Match the folded half-circles of Page 2 and stick them inside this dotted circle.
My Strengths Basket
Draw Yourself Here!
"This is me, ready to fly!"
Me in the Making • Lesson 1 Craft Page 1 of 2
Balloon Panels
Color, write, cut along the dashed lines, fold in half, and glue to Page 1!
Panel 1
I am awesome at...
My Talents
Color this panel. Draw or write one thing you are good at inside (sports, reading, puzzle games, drawing, sharing).
Cut circle out • Fold on dotted line
Panel 2
I feel happy when...
My Joy
Color this panel. Draw or write what makes your heart feel warm (family time, eating ice cream, warm blankets, playing).
Cut circle out • Fold on dotted line
Panel 3
I show kindness by...
My Heart
Color this panel. Draw or write how you help others (sharing toys, saying nice words, high fives, helping clean up).
Cut circle out • Fold on dotted line
Me in the Making • Lesson 1 Craft Page 2 of 2
Rockstar Strengths Facilitator Guide Week 1 Pull-Out
Rockstar Strengths
Lesson 2: Self-Concept & Personal Superpowers (Grades 2-4)
Small Group
Time: 30 Minutes
Lesson Objective
Students will identify their unique personal assets, supportive connections ("bandmates"), coping mechanisms ("tuning knobs"), and resilient moments through an interactive, customizable "Rockstar Guitar" paper craft. This lesson builds positive self-efficacy and active self-regard.
Materials Needed
Guitar Craft sheets
Child-safe scissors
Glue sticks & markers
Tape (for back reinforcement)
1
Warm-Up: Finding Our Group Rhythm
5 Minutes
Start a simple table-tapping rhythm (tap, tap, clap). Once all students match the beat, go around the circle. Each student shares their "Rockstar Name" (an adjective starting with their name's first letter, e.g., "Awesome Alex") and their favorite music style or noise.
2
The Rockstar Metaphor
5 Minutes
Explain that starting a new school year is like starting a massive band tour. Ask: "Does a great band only have one instrument?" (No! Drums, keyboard, and guitars work together). Explain that we each play our own "melody" (strengths) and have "tuning knobs" (coping skills) to keep our sound sweet when life gets loud.
3
The "Strumming My Strengths" Craft
15 Minutes
Distribute craft sheets. Guide students to fill in the SEL prompts on their guitar body (Page 1) and color the neck and customizable stickers (Page 2). Cut the guitar body and neck out, glue them together, and paste custom decal stickers onto the body.
Lead Singer Safe Person
Volume Knobs Coping Tricks
Greatest Hit Proud Moment
Custom Decals Talent Icons
4
Closing Rockstar Jam!
5 Minutes
Gather in a circle holding completed guitars. Have each student strike an air guitar pose and share: "My loudest rockstar strength is ________!" Wrap up with a grounding deep "sound check" breath (inhale humming, exhale matching hum pitch together).
Group Observation & Diagnostic Checklist
Developmental Indicators
Fine-motor cut & assemble coordination
Intrinsic self-appraisal & ego strength identification
Social reciprocity & shared musical rhythmic attention
Clinical Intervention Notes
Support children who fear "playing out of tune" (anxiety)
Rockstar Strengths Craft Template Rockstar Guitars!
2nd-4th Grade self-esteem & positive identity craft
Rockstar Name ___________________
Date _________
Visual Instructions:
1. Answer the SEL prompts inside the guitar body parts 2. Color, cut & glue the guitar neck (Page 2) onto the top neck mount 3. Cut out extra rockstar stickers from Page 2 to personalize!
Glue Neck Here
My Lead Singer (Safe Connection)
Who is the trusted adult or friend in your school band?
__________________________________________
My Greatest Hit (A Proud Moment)
Describe a time when you were brave, worked hard, or succeeded.
__________________________________________
Tuning My Mind Favorite Coping Skill
Tuning My Heart Favorite Joyful Activity
STRENGTHS ROCKER • CUSTOM SERIES
Me in the Making • Lesson 2 Craft Page 1 of 2
Neck & Rockstar Decals
Color, cut along the dashed borders, and assemble your custom electric guitar!
Guitar Neck Template
SEL
Fret 1 Fret 2 Fret 3
Cut out & tape to back of body
My Rockstar Badges
Color, cut, and paste these positive identity stickers anywhere on your guitar body. They represent your unique skills and self-worth!
Courage Bolt
"I can try new things with bravery."
My Voice
"I speak up for myself & others."
Kind Heart
"I show warm care and empathy."
Grit Medal
"I don't give up when it gets hard."
Lead Ribbon Decal
"BORN TO SHINE THIS YEAR!"
Born To Shine!
Me in the Making • Lesson 2 Craft Page 2 of 2