1. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
Bell Ringer
Give each student participating in this module an index card.
Select a photo or newspaper clipping of a famous sports star, political leader, or historical figure—someone with whom the class will be familiar. Choose an individual who has demonstrated not only ability (such as athletic, artistic, scientific, literary, political, or mathematic ability) but who has also demonstrated strength of character, (such as perseverance, empathy, self-sacrifice, ability to weather criticism or overcome hardships, or other character qualities).
Display the photo during the Bell Ringer activity. NOTE: If you are using a digital image, you can replace the “question mark” image on Slide Three with the photo you chose.
Think about “natural abilities”
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2. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
Bell Ringer
Tell students to think about natural abilities (such as being good in math, science, language, sports, or music, without really trying or studying or practicing).
Have students recall the lesson when they studied the different kinds of “smarts”. See how many “smarts” students can recall: word smart, math smart, picture smart, body smart, music smart, people smart, inside myself smart, and nature smart. NOTE: If participants have not completed the lesson on “smarts,” click on the “Different Types of Abilities” icon to review.
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Different Types of Abilities
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3. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
What do you think?
What natural abilities did this person demonstrate that helped him/her achieve success?
Displaying the picture you chose, ask the students to write their response to the question on the screen on their index card.
After students write their response, ask several student volunteers to share their responses to the Bell Ringer.
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4. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
Ask Your Partner
Why is it important to know your own strengths or abilities?
Who can help you know what your strengths are?
Ask students to talk about the following questions for two minutes with a team partner.
Click the timer icon to set the online timer for this exercise.
Discuss students’ responses. Help them realize that as they understand their strengths, they can build on them. Knowing their strengths encourages a healthy, reality-based self-esteem built on their unique abilities. Parents, teachers, friends, coaches, and others close to the student can help identify strengths.
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5. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
Natural Abilities
Character Qualities
Introduce the terms “natural abilities” and “character qualities”.
Ask students to think about the difference between natural abilities and character qualities.
Tell students, that unlike natural abilities, character qualities, which are at least as important as one’s natural abilities, can be learned and developed.
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6. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
Natural Abilities Character Qualities
Word Smart
Math Smart
Picture Smart
Body Smart
Music Smart
People Smart
Inside Myself Smart
Nature Smart
Review the eight “smarts” in the “natural abilities” column.
Ask students to brainstorm with a partner (or in cooperative learning teams) a list of character qualities (such as patience, honesty, bravery, loyalty, kindness, and perseverance). Use the online timer to set a time limit for discussion.
Review students’ answers. Help them to link character strengths to actions and success (what someone is—his or her character—will be demonstrated in actions which will contribute to either success or setback).
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7. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
What do you think?
What character strengths does/did he or she demonstrate?
How do/did these character qualities contribute to his/her success?
Direct students’ attention back to the famous person displayed in the Bell Ringer, and have students answer the questions on the screen.
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(C) Copyright, Johns Hopkins University. All Rights Reserved.

8. MMG101 L:1 Module 1 Teacher's Manual
Natural Abilities Character Qualities
Word Smart
Math Smart
Picture Smart
Body Smart
Music Smart
People Smart
Inside Myself Smart
Nature Smart
Review and list student answers under the “character qualities” heading. If students have had difficulty naming character qualities, use the list below to add to your displayed list.
Patience
Perseverance (not giving up)
Ability to deal with criticism
Ability to overcome disappointment
Serving others
Honesty
Hard worker
Faithfulness – does what he/she promises
Courage
Respect for others
Loyalty
Kindness
Obedience
Self-control
Mindfulness*
Resiliency*
* Make sure students understand mindfulness and resiliency, two of the Non-Cog 9. If these terms are new to students, have them write the words and their definitions in their notebooks.
Mindfulness: Directing your attention to develop well-being and focus.
Resiliency: Productive persistence: Sticking at something (tenacity) with good strategies; the ability to bounce back and go to Plan B when something doesn’t work out.*
End Module
Next Module
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