Vacation time is always approached in different ways; there is the mad scramble to get everything 'checked off' the list, jobs done, bags packed, papers completed, 'stuff' sorted, taking time to check in that all members of the vacation team (my family) are ready and that everyone knows the time the taxi is booked to take us to the airport, no chance of misunderstandings - yes mild chaos! The lead up to holidays is always busy and filled with thoughts of 'why are we traveling'. I know I should be excited but I am a last minute organiser when it comes to travel. I like it like that, not being booked in advance means I have the option to change my mind at the last minute - and I do (change my mind)! The fact that I am going on holidays really only hits me in the departure lounge of said airport - I sit back with a smile, I have papers, money and my family we are ready to take on this adventure. I love traveling with my family, creating stories and adventure, never really knowing what the trip will hold, but knowing one thing for sure the trip will be a chance to connect as a family sharing experiences and opportunities. This holiday we met with friends who share 3 moments from their day as a reflection and appreciation during their dinner in the evenings. Our Mr.14 thought this was a great idea and has carried it on though our trip (even though we do at night time talk about something in our day we are grateful for ... this, he said was different.) I am amazed how quickly the appreciated moments went from the 'big or cool' events in the day, to moments that made us smile or laugh or grateful in a day. This has got me thinking . . . How can I use this idea as a powerful reflection with my students in class each day? Can I use 5 minutes at the end of the day for them to record 3 or 2 or even 1 moment on their day that they enjoyed, or were grateful for? Would it help? How could it benefit them? Well if in three weeks it can make a difference to my family I am guessing it can make a difference to my other family in school as well. As we start back to school tomorrow I will be modelling this strategy as a way to take 5 minutes to reflect and be grateful for small things.
Neena Grosvenor
1/10/2016 06:36:33 pm
I love the idea of student reflection. It might give them the direction they need in the long run since reflection requires one to take pause and grow from what is gleaned. Would love to hear how the reflection activity turned out with your students.
Olwen
1/10/2016 09:52:38 pm
I do a lot of reflection with my students, focused on learning and experiences so I am really looking forward to extending it further. Thanks for your comment - I will definitely post an update. Comments are closed.
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AuthorTeaching in an IBPYP school; interests: student agency, technology integration, growth mindset & the continuous cycle of improvement that is the world of education, learning and being! Archives
June 2018
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