MY INNER SUPERHERO TIME BOUND-TESTING: LESSON 5 Quick Reference Abstract: Students warm up in small groups, brainstorming the powers, nemeses, thoughts, and challenges of well known superheroes. The mini lesson communicates the concept that each person can use meta cognition to cultivate their own inner superhero to combat the villainous power of negative thoughts. During the workshop, students create a portrait of their inner superhero and, in closing, share with the class. CCSS: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C SEL IL State Standards: Students Will Be Able To: 1C.4b. Apply strategies to overcome obstacles to goal achievement. 1B.5a. Implement a plan to build on a strength, meet a need, or address a challenge. Craft positive self talk that promotes a winning perspective Visualize oneself possessing the skills, attitudes, and behaviors to be one s personal superhero Essential Question: How do I use knowledge about my personal qualities, attitudes, interests, and skills to be more successful? Materials: Superpowers (1/group of 4; 5 available) My Inner Superhero (1/student) Markers, colored pencils, or crayons Preparation: Warm Up Mini Lesson Step-by-Step Procedures Superpowers 1) Share the objectives of the lesson with students (see SWBATs above). Ask students if they need clarification. 2) Explain: In our last session, we found inspiration in music to write our own personal mission statements for how we will grow and learn. Today, we are going to use superheroes to help us consider our own abilities to be powerful problem solvers, which is an important skill related to having a growth mindset 3) Break students up into small groups of 4. 4) Give each group Superpowers and read the directions. 5) Invite 2-3 groups to briefly share their work. Be Your Own Superhero 1) Explain: The great message of superheroes is that underneath the special skills and powers they have, they are mostly just regular people. We, too, can discover our own inner superhero; we can grow the strength and courage to take on the challenges of everyday life. Unfortunately, in addition to being our own superhero, we can also be our best villain. Your superhero embodies positive meta cognition and the ways you use your strategies and personal strengths to overcome obstacles. Your inner villain takes over every time you say something self destructive to yourself. Negative self-talk is probably the worst personal kryptonite. It can tear you down and keep you 42 Min 10 Min 10 Min
Workshop Closing from accomplishing so many of your life s goals. 2) Draw a T-chart on the board. Write self-destructive villain on one side and superhero mentality on the other. 3) Have students think about what self-destructive thoughts they have when they get frustrated, specifically when they are studying for a major test or completing a difficult assignment. For example, I suck at math, I give up. 4) Write these comments under the villain side. Afterward, have them tell you how their inner superhero could save them from these thoughts. What could they say instead? My Own Superhero 1) Explain: The world won t see your superhero until you see it first! During the next 15 minutes, you are going to get a chance to bring your inner superhero to life. You will draw what your inner power looks like and describe its special qualities. 2) Distribute My Own Superhero and read the directions. 3) Provide any coloring utensils available. Circle Share 1) Assemble students in a circle. 2) Explain: You are not required to share, but we are going to go around the circle and give everyone an opportunity to share something about their superhero. We would specifically like to hear what their personal strength is, what keeps them motivated to fight off kryptonite that gets them down. Facilitator s Note: Students may also share in small groups or pairs. 15 Min 7 Min
Name: What is the first thing I think when I am confronted with a challenge from an enemy? What are the powers I have in my tool belt to confront a challenge/win a battle? What/who has the power to weaken/hurt me (how can I be defeated)?
What are the powers I have in my tool belt to confront a challenge/win a battle? What is the first thing I think when I am confronted with a challenge from an enemy? What/who has the power to weaken/hurt me (how can I be defeated)?
What are the powers I have in my tool belt to confront a challenge/win a battle? What is the first thing I think when I am confronted with a challenge from an enemy? What/who has the power to weaken/hurt me (how can I be defeated)?
What is the first thing I think when I am confronted with a challenge from an enemy? What/who has the power to weaken/hurt me (how can I be defeated)? What are the powers I have in my tool belt to confront a challenge/win a battle?
What are the powers I have in my tool belt to confront a challenge/win a battle? What is the first thing I think when I am confronted with a challenge from an enemy? What/who has the power to weaken/hurt me (how can I be defeated)?
MY INNER SUPERHERO Directions: Use the bullet points below to guide you as you imagine your inner superhero. On the backside of this page, draw an image of your inner superhero and write or draw descriptions of your thoughts, powers, weaknesses, and nemeses. Use the work you did in groups during the warm up as a model. Appearance: Is your inner superhero colorful? Funny or serious looking? Scary looking? What costume does your inner superhero wear? Thoughts: What is the first thing my inner superhero thinks when I am confronted with a challenge? Abilities: What are the powers I have in my tool belt to confront a challenge/win a battle in my life, especially when it comes to the challenges and milestones of junior year? Challenges: What/who has the power to weaken/hurt me (how can I be defeated)? What are the negative villainous thoughts that hold me down? How does my inner superhero combat this kryptonite?