Dream Guide

Step 1: Create a Safe Space for Conversations

Before diving into the Dream Guide, it’s essential to create an environment where the child feels safe, supported, and open to exploring their thoughts and emotions. This includes:

• Setting the right atmosphere: Make sure the space is free from distractions, allowing the child to focus and feel comfortable sharing.
• Encouraging open communication: Use language that is kind, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Let the child know that their ideas and feelings are important.

This safe space allows them to open up, reflect, and connect with their feelings, forming a strong foundation for the rest of the Dream Guide journey.

Step 2: Discover Their Hero Type

The first section of the Dream Guide helps children identify their Hero Type, which is a key to understanding their approach to challenges and dreams. The six Hero Types include:

1. The Changemaker Hero: Driven by a desire to lead positive change.
2. The Builder Hero: Focused on creating and innovating.
3. The Protector Hero: Aims to protect others and create harmony.
4. The Explorer Hero: Curious and driven by a quest for knowledge and new experiences.
5. The Healer Hero: Caring and nurturing, seeking to help others heal.
6. The Visionary Hero: Sees a better future and works to make it a reality.

How to Help:

Guide the child in reflecting on which Hero Type resonates with them. You can discuss how each type’s strengths could help them fulfill their dreams. Encourage them to consider their interests, values, and the way they approach life.

Step 3: Explore Their Experiences

Children’s past experiences help shape who they are today and can guide them toward their future. The Dream Guide provides activities that encourage children to reflect on their experiences, both positive and challenging.

How to Help:

• Ask open-ended questions like, “What experiences have been important to you?” or “What moments have shaped the person you are today?”
• Encourage them to recognize patterns in their experiences and how those might influence their dreams.

This phase is about helping children connect the dots between their past and their future, fostering a deep sense of self-awareness.

Step 4: Identify Their Potential

Now that the child has explored their experiences, the next step is to help them identify their potential—the unique abilities and strengths they can use to make a difference. This section of the Dream Guide encourages children to consider their talents, skills, and personal qualities.

How to Help:

• Help the child reflect on their strengths. Ask questions like, “What do you do that makes you feel proud?” or “What have others complimented you on?”
• Encourage them to think about how their potential can help others. The focus is on how they can use their strengths to contribute positively to their community and the world.

Step 5: Recognize Opportunities for Change

In this step, the child begins to see where and how they can take action to create change. It encourages children to think beyond their immediate surroundings and consider how they can make an impact in their community and the world.

How to Help:

• Discuss ways they can make a difference in the places they frequent—home, school, or community.
• Ask what changes they want to see in the world. Encourage them to start small but think big: What can they do right now to contribute to that change?

Step 6: Connect to Purpose

The final step of the Dream Guide is about aligning the child’s unique qualities and dreams with a greater sense of purpose. This is the moment when they make the decision to take action and begin pursuing their dreams. It’s where the OPEN Doors Challenge comes in.

How to Help:

• Encourage them to set specific goals based on what they’ve learned about themselves.
• Help them phrase their goals in a way that inspires action. For example, “I want to help reduce plastic pollution by using a plastic alternative.”

This step empowers the child to take ownership of their dream and move from thinking about change to actively making it happen.

Step 7: Take the OPEN Doors Challenge

Once the child has explored their experiences, potential, opportunities, and purpose, they are ready to take the OPEN Doors Challenge. This challenge empowers them to ask for change and use their voice to turn their dreams into reality.

How to Help:

• Encourage them to share their dream with others, inspiring others to take action, too. This could be through a simple call to action, such as, “Can I count on you to help make this change with me?”
• Celebrate their courage in asking for change and taking steps toward making their dream come true.

In Conclusion: A Champion’s Role

As a Champion or caring adult, your role is to guide the child through this process, providing them with the support, encouragement, and tools they need to bring their dream to life. You’re helping them to:

• Discover their voice and use it to make a difference.
• Turn their dreams into actionable goals that impact the world.
• Empower them to lead and be the change they wish to see.

Through this process, children will gain the confidence and determination to pursue their dreams with purpose, knowing that they have the power to make a positive impact.