Mindset of the Month
100% Accountable teaches us that we are not victims of our past, our future is not predetermined, and our lives are what we choose from this moment onward. With a focus on recognizing fears and excuses, this mindset allows us to break down barriers, freeing our minds and focusing our energy to take the critical steps toward our goals.
Best Practices
Wall of Yet: Ask teachers and students to write, illustrate, or make a collage of what they can’t quite do “yet.” Then display their work in a common area of the school. This will allow the entire school community to see that no matter how old we are or what role we play that we are always learning, growing, and looking forward to “yet.”
“No Cell Phone” Lunch Challenge: Encourage students and staff to focus their energy for one lunch period a week by turning off their cell phones. This will allow them to engage with those around them and be more present in the moment. It will allow you to FOCUS YOUR ENERGY on the people around you. Pick a day and promote the “No Cell Phone Lunch Challenge.” To encourage participation, consider incorporating some engaging activities: music, table topics with peer discussion questions, time to reflect with friends, etc.
Make the Lessons Come Alive!
The 7 Mindsets curriculum has lesson components that 1) get the students’ attention; 2) make the connection; and 3) transition their learning to life. The facilitator has the fun part of getting the content to come alive!
When students give feedback to our 7 Mindset team members, their #1 tip for teachers is that vulnerability is crucial. They love for teachers to share their stories and experiences in relation to the mindset, so they feel safe to share their own thoughts. So as you preview the lessons with your colleagues, tell your stories and listen to each other. This not only will allow you to feel closer to your peers but will let you practice telling your stories to your students.
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Platform News
If you haven’t done so yet, may we ask you to complete the 8-question survey, which will help us better understand your 7 Mindsets use, its effectiveness for you and your students, and ways we can improve our program offerings?
Curriculum News
Middle School Courses:
- Update Discussion Questions for Course 2: Passion First 2.1
- Update Video Duplicate and Discussion Questions for Course 3: Passion First 2.1
High School Course:
- Video Update for Course 1: Passion First 2.1
As a reminder, all course updates can be found in the platform by clicking on the “What’s New” button [bell icon] in the platform.
Spotlight on Success
This month’s success story is from Andrea Simpson, school counselor at Heritage Elementary School in Tampa, Florida.
“This is our second year as a 7 Mindsets Foundational School. When we began to discuss the We are Connected mindset this year, one of our amazing teacher teams was inspired to beautify our school. The team came up with a mural idea and put it into action at our recent Fall Festival. The team outlined the basics, then at our Fall Festival, our families all painted a piece of the mural. Families LOVED how the mural connected them to our school and that they would have the lasting legacy of having painted a piece of our mural at Heritage Elementary. Our end goal is to have every student put his or her handprint at the bottom of the mural. And while we are excited to see the final completed mural, it has been the process of connecting with our families that has been the most rewarding.”
If you would us to feature your photo in our newsletter, please email the photo(s) to your Partner Engagement team member!
SEL Resources
- Using SEL to Counter School and Community Violence – Scarlett Lewis and JoJuan Armour discuss how building relationships and improving connections in school communities can create hope, optimism, and belief for a greater future.
Blogs