You might say something like the following: “One way we can get to know each other even better is by identifying our sparks. Sparks are interests, talents, or activities we love to do. They can be all sorts of things like sports, music, art, science, animals, technology, and much more.  I want to share some of my sparks with you and I want to learn more about what your sparks are.” It may be helpful to share one of your own sparks with your Little as an example. 

Introduce the worksheet below to your Little. Explain: “I have this worksheet that lists a bunch of sparks that people sometimes have. Let’s each review the worksheet and put stars next to the things that interest us the most. I am going to do the same!” Give your Little time to think and star the things that are most interesting to them. Encourage your Little to add additional things to the list. If your Little is getting stuck, consider these prompts:

1. 1. Did looking at the list of possibilities make you think of other possibilities that are not on the list? If yes, add them to the list.

   2. If you woke up one morning and were told you could do one activity for as long as you wanted, what activity would it be? 

   3. When in your life do you feel happiest? What are you doing at those times?

After you and your Little finish starring the things that interest you the most, share some of the things you starred with each other. 

Show interest in what your Little shares by taking turns using the different question prompts to learn more about each other’s sparks. 

• Encourage positive expressions of sparks. It’s unlikely (but not impossible) that someone’s spark could be a harmful activity (drugs, self-injurious behaviors, etc.).

• Model sharing some of your own sparks or use the question prompts provided, if your Little is feeling stuck.

• Consider adding additional categories to Sparks Exploration Activity List, especially if there are things missing that you already know your Little is very excited or passionate about.