About This Lesson
The skill of identifying character strengths centers on the questions of “What is RIGHT with us?” and “Who are we at our BEST?” The Character Strengths Unit Study helps us learn how to shine the light on what is right with each of us.
In this activity, students will watch a video that provides a little bit of context and history about the creation of the VIA Character Strengths Survey. Students will spend the bulk of this activity diving into each of the 24 Character Strengths, their definitions and examples, and exploring what they are and what they are not.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Lesson plan on Introducing Character Strengths in the classroom
- Google Slides Activity that introduces each of the 24 Character strengths, with definitions, examples, and an activity for each strength
- Two Google Slides Activities for students to match strengths image to image and image to word
- Access to a full unit study on Character Strengths
Why you’ll love this activity:
*The activity is ready-to-go and easy to implement.
* You can use this resource as a standalone activity or as part of a comprehensive, science-based unit study.
* The associated free unit study for Character Strengths comes with activities, downloadable worksheets, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism
Ways to Use
- Incorporate into SEL curriculum
- Integrate into small groups and/or individual counseling sessions
- Families can use this at home, too!
What are Character Strengths?
Positive Psychology researchers Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson created the Values in Action Survey, or The VIA. This 96-item VIA survey identifies your capacity to exhibit each of 24 Character Strengths. These 24 strengths were identified as being valued by humans across many cultures and holding value throughout history.
The skill of identifying character strengths centers on the question of “What is RIGHT with me?” and “Who am I at my BEST?” The science of character strengths is clear — a focus on what is right about ourselves and others has a tremendous impact on our wellbeing, relationships, and engagement. This is true of everyone, including students with autism. Employing Signature Character Strengths can help empower students in all aspects of their lives. Let’s shine a light on what is RIGHT with us and those around us so we might all flourish together.
The Science of Character Strengths
The evidence is clear — knowing and using your strengths positively impacts your life. If you keep your strengths top of mind and live them each day, you're significantly more likely to thrive. Research indicates a three-pronged approach to character strengths is best — become aware, begin to explore, and continually find new ways to apply your strengths in order to thrive! Knowing and using your character strengths can:
- Improve mental, physical, and social health
- Boost greater happiness and overall wellbeing
- Increase work satisfaction and positive association with work
- Improve your relationships
- Buffer against the onset of mental health challenges
- Build psychological resilience
Looking for more Character Strengths resources?
* Explore the free Character Strengths Unit Study which comes with teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!★Bonus access to full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness at our Skill Center
