Hero Journey Slides NEW!
The Hero
Within
Every Story Needs a Champion. Is it You?
Part 1: The Legend
Who is a Hero?
A hero isn't just someone with powers. A hero is the Main Character of their own life who faces challenges with heart.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."
You are the Hero
Part 2: The Shadow
Naming the Problem
Every hero has a villain or a "Shadow" to face. In our lives, these aren't people—they are Feelings or Habits that try to take over.
The Sadness Fog
The Angry Spark
The Worry Monster
The Golden Rule:
The Problem is the Problem.
You are NOT the problem.
"When we name the shadow, we take away its power to hide."
Part 3: Superpowers
Kindness
The power to heal and connect.
Wisdom
The power to learn and grow.
Brave Action
The power to try something new.
What are your secret strengths?
Time to Create Your
Origin Story
MISSION 1
Design your hero. What is your outfit? What are your symbols? Draw yourself as the champion you already are.
MISSION 2
Build your Shield of Strength. Decorate it with the values and words that protect your heart from the "Shadow."
Grab your art supplies, Hero!
Hero Canvas Worksheet Hero Canvas
Official Origin Story Document
Hero Name:
Date:
Visualizing the Champion
Character Design Space
Draw yourself as a hero. Consider your outfit, cape, boots, or symbols that show your strengths.
Secret Strengths
Values, skills, or personality traits that help you through tough times.
Naming the Shadow
What is a problem or feeling that tries to take over your story? Give it a name and draw it below.
Mission 2: Shield of Strength
DEFENSE UNIT
Decorate your shield with words, colors, and patterns that make you feel protected and strong.
Battle Prep
When the Shadow (your challenge) arrives, what does your hero say?
Action Hero Response #1...
Action Hero Response #2...
Team-Up:
Who are the other heroes in your life who fight by your side?
The story is yours. You hold the pen.
Hero Mission Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Hero Mission Guide
Facilitating the Narrative Journey: "Hero Within" Lesson
Narrative Foundation
This lesson uses Externalization and Re-authoring —two core Narrative Therapy techniques. By separating the problem from the person, students can view challenges objectively and reclaim their agency.
Externalization: The problem is the problem; the person is not the problem.Unique Outcomes: Identifying moments of strength ("Superpowers") where the student resisted the problem's influence.
Learning Objectives
1 Students will create a hero persona based on internal strengths.
2 Students will name and visualize a challenge as an external entity.
3 Students will identify protective values and support systems.
Activity Facilitation
Mission 1:
"Today we aren't just drawing ourselves. We are drawing the versions of ourselves that already possess the courage to handle tough days. What colors represent your bravery? What symbols show your kindness?"
Teacher Tip
If a student struggles to name a "Shadow" (problem), suggest metaphors: a "Cloud of Doubt," the "Hurry-Monster," or the "Angry Spark." Avoid naming specific people as the Shadow.
Mission 2:
"A shield doesn't just block; it holds the values that keep our hearts safe. What are the words or people that make you feel protected when the Shadow tries to convince you you aren't good enough?"
Teacher Tip
Encourage students to include 'Battle Prep' phrases—these are essentially positive affirmations or coping statements they can use in real-time when facing the externalized problem.
Reflection Prompts
Use these questions for a group circle or individual check-in after the art activity is complete.
Exploring Agency
"Can you remember a time this week when your Hero Persona stood up to the Shadow? What did you do differently in that moment?"
The Shield's Power
"Which part of your Shield feels the strongest right now? How can you carry that feeling with you in the hallway or at home?"
Naming the Future
"Now that you've named the Shadow, how does it feel to know that YOU are separate from the problem?"
Heroic Community
"Looking at our Team-Up section, who is someone you could share your Shield with this week?"
Extension Idea: The Hero's Gallery
