Academic:
At the beginning of the school year, have students reflect on who their best self is as a group-mate for projects. Before starting group projects in classes, provide the opportunity for students to reflect on their “group best self.” Think about the various ways you ask your students to engage in work during a typical school year: group work, independent work, partner work, etc. During the first few weeks of school, when still going over classroom routines, consider breaking students off into stations where they reflect on the qualities of their “best selves” when engaging in different types of work. For example:
My best self while doing group work...
- Is a good listener
- Shares my opinions
- Asks others for their input
My best self while working independently...
- Asks for help when I need it
- Decides which tasks are most important to complete first
- Helps others if they are struggling
Social Justice:
For service-learning or community-based learning projects, engage students in a discussion about who their best self is as an engaged citizen: in their local, statewide, and national communities.