Mentor Moodboard

Topic: Mentors

Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Mentors

Supplies:

Magazines
Poster paper or another large type of paper, one per student
Markers
Glue
Scissors

Video Discussion:

Introduce the topic of mentors.

Invite students to share what they know about mentors.

Work with students to create an understanding of the term “mentor.” For example, “A mentor is someone who cares about you and helps you achieve your goals.”

With students, generate a list of roles that are similar to a mentor (e.g., big buddy, big sister, big brother, coach, teacher, role model, counselor, advisor, tutor, guide). Discuss how these roles are similar and different.

Tell students they will be viewing the video titled Importance of Mentors. Explain that the video presents role models talking about why mentors are important and how students can seek them out.

Use some or all of the following questions to review the video content:

According to the video, what is a mentor?
Do you think it would be helpful to have a mentor who is a little older than you? Why do you think this?
Imagine you are asking someone to be your mentor. What are some ways you can prepare in advance for this?
What do you think a short-term goal is? How do you think this compares with a long-term goal? What are some examples of each?
Have you ever worked to achieve a goal before? What was easiest about this for you? What was the most difficult?
How can a mentor help you stay on track with your goals?

Activity Instructions:

Students will explore the importance of mentors by creating a mood board that represents their goals and how a mentor can help them achieve them. This activity encourages students to visualize their aspirations while recognizing the value of guidance and support from experienced role models.

Today, you’ll be making a mood board filled with images, words, and symbols that represent your goals. As you create your board, think about how a mentor could help guide you on your path and what qualities you’d look for in a great mentor!

Instructor Notes: Prior to this session, create a personal mood board related to your goals. Ensure that your mood board includes symbols, pictures, or words showing how a mentor could help you achieve these goals. This mood board should be presented as an example at the beginning of the activity.

Gather the supplies you will need to create your mentor mood board including paper, magazines, writing utensils, scissors, and glue.
Brainstorm your short and long-term goals. Then, think about how a mentor might help you to achieve these goals.
Look through the magazines for symbols, words, or pictures representing your goals and mentor ideas. Cut out anything you like and attach it to your mood board.
Once you’ve attached plenty of symbols, images, and words to your paper, use a writing utensil to fill in any extra space with words, phrases, or sketches.
Be prepared to share your answers to the following questions with the class:
- What short and long-term goals did you represent on your mood board?
- How could a mentor help you meet these goals?
- What qualities does a good mentor have?
- What steps could you take today to start working towards these goals?