Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 1, Session 4: Choosing Positive Values | Page 47 of 93
- Listen to a few responses, then share your own definition with an explanation of how values influence
our decisions. Say:
“Values are the qualities and principles that guide our lives. They are the beliefs we have about “what is
good” or “how things should be” or “how things might be.” They form the basis of our decisions and
inform how we interact with other people. For example, if you value honesty, you will likely play fair
with your friends and follow the rules at school. If you value patience, you will probably remain calm
when you have to wait your turn and not get upset if someone demands you do something for them. Or
if you value courage, you will be more likely to stand up for yourself when you can’t get what you need
or when someone acts like a bully.”
- Distribute pens or pencils and Handout 1: List of Values and say:
“Here is a list of different values. Please read through the list and ask me about any that are unclear to
you. Then draw a circle around five values that are the most important to you.”
- Allow a few moments to answer questions about definitions so participants can choose their five most
important values. Distribute five small pieces of paper (or index cards) to each person and ask him or
her to write one of his/her five favorite values on each paper. Then challenge participants to be more
thoughtful about which values are important in their lives. Say:
“Imagine that you are about to travel on a long, adventurous, journey. You’ve got to make an early
start so you don’t have much time to pack and with such short notice, you can only pack one bag. There
are many things you’d like to take – like all five of your values – but, unfortunately, there is only room
for four of them in your bag. You will have to leave one of your values behind. Please look at the five
values on your papers and choose one that you no longer need and give it to me now.”
- Collect a slip of paper with a value from each participant. (Participants will have some difficulty
choosing which value to give up.) Say:
“Thank you for giving up one of your values. I know it was difficult to make that decision, but at least
you have four values left to guide you on your long journey. Unfortunately, you just had to wade across
a small river because the bridge was washed out. Regrettably, one of your precious values got soaking
wet. If you leave it in your bag, it will spoil other important possessions. You better take it out of your
bag and leave it behind. Please look at your four papers and give me one that you think you can live
without. You will no longer have this value on your journey.”
- Collect a second slip of paper with a value from each participant. If some participants have trouble
deciding what to give you, be polite but persistent in your request. Say:
“It was really bad luck to have to give up that value! At least you still have three good, solid values that
are important to you and will help you on this journey. Those values will help you make decisions about
your family and friends, how to use your time, how to spend your money, and many other things. It’s
good that you have them!
