Share individual stories of people in need. Identify what everyone can contribute. Where could we find the needed materials? Together as a group, deliver the donated items to a nearby organization in wagons, if available. Work with the accepting agency to provide further information about the services and supports they provide (examples: donation to a …
Show pictures and/or video of certain situations at school and in the surrounding neighborhood. Examples include: seeing garbage on the floor, an elderly person dropping their cane, a person not able to get through a door because their hands are full, a child crying or looking sad, or classmates arguing or fighting. Hold a classroom …
Adult writes at the top of a blank paper, “I’m so grateful that if I were a monster created by a mad scientist, my name would be Thankenstein.” Give each child a photocopy of this sheet, and have them draw their (happy) monster, then have them complete the sentence, “I appreciate you, (name), because ________________ …
Set aside times during the day when no one in the family touches technology. Turn off all cell phones, televisions, computers, etc. Youth who are always engaged in technology are more impulsive and rarely have time for self-reflection, which is at the core of mindfulness. If your family is technology dependent, intentionally create more quiet …
Adults often talk too much and our youth tune out. A silent signal speaks louder than words. Smile and point to the shoes that need to be picked up; use a consistent signal or sound that quiets a room; when you feel upset, put your hand on your heart to show youth that you care …
What do we want to see in our community, classroom or home? Identify shared rules together. Call them “peace actions” or ask individuals what they want to call them. Individuals should select no more than 5 rules and should review them every day. Post these peace actions in a prominent place, and refer to them …
Ensure there is always a safe space for conversation. This is a space to gather, a place that honors, respects and makes people feel they can collaborate safely inside. Safe spaces also need to be developed for youth after school to ensure they have a safe place to be, away from any violence of their …
Teach youth that the writing process isn’t finished after the first draft. A good Revision Toolbox has tools that work with word choice, writing structures, and voice. Encourage youth to collect words and create their own thesaurus. Encourage them to experiment with time by using flashbacks or slow motion techniques. Teach them about character development …
Puzzles are a good way to encourage critical thinking with all ages of youth. In order to successfully complete a puzzle, they must work with both individual, disconnected parts, and a picture of the whole. Puzzles also require collaboration if done with a partner. They teach patience and persistence. In addition, puzzles are a great …
Break up a writing task into the following components: Pre-Write; First Draft; Mini Lesson; Peer Share; Revise; Edit; Publish. To Pre-Write, youth research, brainstorm, and outline their ideas. Then they write their First Draft. The teacher then delivers a Mini Lesson based on common grammatical or other writing errors. Youth then read each other’s work …
Reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels and enhances neuron growth and neuronal connections. Physical activity provides the brain with oxygen and glucose and releases endorphins and adrenaline, which provide a mood-lift and prepare the brain for challenging tasks. Explore mind-body connections for optimal wellness and use brain-exercise techniques (i.e. “Brain Gym”) to enhance academic performance.
Youth propose discussion topics and craft questions around topics that interest them. They vote on the topics/questions they want to pursue as a group, and use a community ball or talking stick to facilitate discussion. Youth learn to ask a variety of open-ended questions to foster critical thinking. Questions might include, “Is it fair to …
