Activities & Challenges

Gratitude and Note-Journaling

Students list three gratitudes daily at the beginning of class in their note-journals.

Students are able to listen and share with others what they are grateful for, what brings joy and what experience provided something that was valued/needed. Gratitude is practiced daily to support awareness of wellbeing. Daily gratitude allows for students to see patterns in what brings JOY, connection and comfort into their lives. Note-journaling is also used for taking notes on information provided in class that has value to the innovator. These notes are later used to create a Wellness Plan.

Mindful Moments

Students practice paying attention, on purpose, without judgement daily. Mindful moments support increased focus, concentration as well as to support overall wellbeing such as pausing before responding and making helpful choices. Within Mindful Moment opportunities students also practice breathing techniques such as: breath of equal duration, extended exhale, three-part breath, triangle breath and box breath. Students are learning and practicing qualities of breath such as smooth and steady inhale and exhale, belly breathing and breath that is barely audible.

Cooperative Games

Students work together to problem solve, create, communicate and play while practicing wellness skills and topics.

Innovation Topics and Activities

Our Note-Journals are used for our innovation. When students leave the innovation space they will have a daily gratitude journal, a wellness plan (two to three healthy habits that can be incorporated into each day) and a list of ways to calm the body (example: a list of Inner Resources, how to activate the restore and rest nervous system, positive self talk examples, Mindful Moment practices, the importance of connecting with supportive people). Students also leave with messages on index cards from their inner coach. These positive, encouraging messages are displayed in a preferred space, such as a locker, mirror, and/or binder, to provide daily supportive messages.

Positive Self Talk...The Inner Coach