Valentine-Themed

Strengths Identification Activity

This activity helps children build confidence and self-awareness by identifying their strengths. Recognizing personal strengths is an essential part of fostering a positive self-concept and emotional resilience.

Materials Needed:

• Printed Strengths Identification worksheet (pre-filled, blank, or both)

• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

• Scissors (for Part Two)

• Small container ( for Part Two)

Preparation:

1. Print the worksheet:

• Choose between the pre-filled version (with suggested strengths) or the blank version (where children can write their own).

• Some kids may prefer to complete just one version, while others may benefit from doing both.

2. Encourage independent reflection:

• Let your child choose their strengths without intervention.

• If they struggle, gently guide them by recalling times they demonstrated these traits.

How to Play:

Step 1: Identifying Strengths

• Ask your child to choose as many strengths as they want from the worksheet.

• If using the blank version, encourage them to come up with their own words.

• If they need support, ask open-ended questions:

• “Can you think of a time you showed kindness?”

• “What’s something you do really well?”

• “How do you help others?”

Step 2: Reflecting on Strengths

• Discuss how each chosen strength helps them in daily life.

• If they struggle to identify a strength, share an example of when you saw them demonstrating it.

• Reinforce the idea that strengths come in many forms—kindness, bravery, patience, creativity, etc.

Part Two: Conversation Hearts Strengths Activity

This interactive extension helps children connect their strengths to real-life experiences.

Step 1: Preparing the Activity

• Print a second copy of the worksheet or use the already completed one.

• Cut out each heart so they become individual strengths cards.

• Mix them up and place them face-down on the table or in a container.

Step 2: Exploring Strengths Through Reflection

• Have your child pick one heart at a time and read the strength aloud.

• Ask: “Can you remember a time when you felt [this strength]?”

• If they struggle, offer alternative prompts:

• “Have you ever seen this strength in someone else?”

• “I remember a time when you showed this strength! Do you remember when…?”

Step 3: Reinforcing Strengths

• If your child struggled in the first activity, this version helps them explore different traits in a low-pressure way.

• You can adjust the game based on their needs:

• To explore potential strengths: Use all of the hearts.

• To reinforce known strengths: Use only the ones they previously selected.

Alternative Versions:

• Group Play: Have siblings or friends pick strengths for each other and discuss why they chose them.

• Daily Strengths Jar: Keep the cut-out hearts in a jar and pull one each morning to focus on for the day.

• Affirmation Activity: Use the strengths to create positive “I am” statements (e.g., “I am kind,” “I am creative”).

Why This Is Beneficial

✔ Boosts Confidence – Helps children recognize and celebrate their unique qualities.

✔ Encourages Self-Reflection – Strengthens emotional awareness by connecting strengths to personal experiences.

✔ Fosters a Growth Mindset – Teaches kids that strengths can grow and develop over time.

✔ Strengthens Parent-Child Connection – Provides a meaningful opportunity to affirm and encourage your child.

By reinforcing personal strengths, this Valentine-themed activity nurtures self-love, confidence, and emotional growth. Enjoy this meaningful way to celebrate what makes your child special! ❤