Wellness
9. Students will respond to diversity by building empathy, respect, understanding and connection.
13. Students will analyze the harmful impact of bias and injustice on the world, historically and today.
Week 1: Wellness and Advisory Conference Prep
This month we are going to start prepping for Spring Advisory Conferences. Spring conferences are a time where advisors have brief meetings with their advisees and a parent/guardian/other significant person in the student's life to reflect on the year and think about future plans. This year the conferences are happening on the afternoons of April 4th and 5th.
Looking at the calendar, there are seven official advisory days this month. During those seven days please schedule time to meet with all of your advisees to talk with them about the topics they would like to cover in their Spring Conference with you. At the same time, the rest of your group can either brainstorm an activity they would like to do together or choose from the option(s) I have suggested for the day.
Wednesday
Check In: How was your break? Highlights? Lowlights? Things of note?
Task: Print out the Advisory Calendar for March and have students brainstorm activities (bonus points if they fit under the themes of Physical, Mental or Community Wellness) they would like to do on advisory days either as a group or with another advisory (or don't and have them do the ones I suggest). Some ideas:
Board Game/Card Game/Computer Game Tournament: Host a board game or card game tournament and allow students to compete individually or in teams.
Outdoor Activity: Organize a scavenger hunt, relay race, or a walk to get some snacks.
DIY Craft Session: Make friendship bracelets, paint mini canvases, do some origami.
Fun: Trivia! Pair students up in groups of two and see which team can answer the most questions correctly. Have them write down their answers and score them at the end.
Trivia Questions
Question: Who is credited with inventing the modern periodic table of elements?
Answer: Dmitri Mendeleev
Question: In literature, which novel features a character named Atticus Finch, who is a lawyer defending Tom Robinson in a racially charged trial?
Answer: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Question: What is the capital of France?
Answer: Paris
Question: Who painted the Mona Lisa?
Answer: Leonardo da Vinci
Question: What is the longest river in the world?
Answer: The Nile River
Question: What is the chemical symbol for gold?
Answer: Au
Question: Who wrote the play "Romeo and Juliet"?
Answer: William Shakespeare
Question: What is the formula for calculating the area of a rectangle?
Answer: Length × Width or Base × Height (or equivalent)
Question: What is the process by which plants make their own food using sunlight?
Answer: Photosynthesis
Question: Who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
Answer: Margaret Thatcher
Thursday
Give each of your students a copy of the questions for the Spring Advisory Conference and have them start brainstorming their answers. They can also fill this form out digitally. Either way, they should keep their copies somewhere for later when they set up their individual conference with you.
Schedule a time to meet with each of your students during the next month. Stick to the schedule!
Week 2: Physical Wellness
Tuesday
Check In: Can you do these almost impossible things with your body?
Beginner Level
Raise One Eyebrow
Twitch Your Nose
Wiggle Your Ear
Intermediate Level
Lick Your Elbow
Touch Your Nose or Chin With Your Tongue
Task 1: Spring Advisory Conference Prep
Take some time to meet with each of your advisees over the course of this month to cull this list of questions down to a few that you both think could be answered in the 15 minute conference window.
I suggest making a copy of this document for each of your advisees and having them decide which questions they would like to discuss during the conference. For example, if the student did not participate in the Leader for a Day activity, leave that question out. If they are really excited about their options for dual enrollment next year, take time to talk about that. They should spend some time writing down thoughtful answers to the questions that they pick.
Task 2: Physical Wellness Activities
Task 2: Fresh air, sleep, and good nutrition are all part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This week, have your students choose what they want to do as a group to explore any of these facets of maintaining their physical wellness. Here are some options:
Learn About Sleep
Read through this article with or have a look at this sleep video. Brainstorm ways for people with unhealthy sleep patterns to improve them.
Healthy Meal Prep
Eating healthy and well balanced meals can help you feel more energetic throughout the day. Breakfast is a great place to start, but if crunched for time, it might get overlooked. Check out these options for some Overnight Oats. Next advisory, have students bring in one of the ingredients listed on the site and prepare a batch of overnight oats together.
Fun: One More physical challenge: Draw The Number Six While Making Clockwise Circles With Your Leg
While sitting on a chair, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Then, while doing that, draw the number 6 with your right hand. You can't help it: your foot will change direction.
Wednesday
Check In: Expert Level Physical Challenges
Leg Lifts: Sit on the floor with your back (and bum) fully against the wall and your legs straight. Sit straight up! No leaning backwards. Place something the size of a waterbottle to the right or left of your ankles, almost touching them. Keeping your back fully on the wall lift both legs in unison over the box (FYI - the guy in the video is doing it the easy way without his back fully against a wall).
The Paralyzed Finger Trick: Bend your middle finger like the picture on the right shows and put your hand on the table. Then lift your thumb, index finger, and pinkie. No problem, right? Now try the ring finger.
Task 1: Spring Advisory Conference Prep
Take some time to meet with each of your advisees over the course of this month to cull this list of questions down to a few that you both think could be answered in the 15 minute conference window.
I suggest making a copy of this document for each of your advisees and having them decide which questions they would like to discuss during the conference. For example, if the student did not participate in the Leader for a Day activity, leave that question out. If they are really excited about their options for dual enrollment next year, take time to talk about that. They should spend some time writing down thoughtful answers to the questions that they pick.
Task 2: Physical Wellness Activities
Task 2: Chair Yoga! Advertised as good for Beginner and Seniors (so 10th graders will be just perfect, right? 😂 ). Play the chair yoga video for your group and see if they can keep up. I bet this would be good on flights too...
Week 3: Mental Wellness
Monday
Stephen Hill Presentation
From Meg's email: Stephen Hill will share his struggles with substance abuse and provide insight into prevention to our school community. He has spoken to both the MMU and Rice student bodies and comes highly recommended.
In recognition that the topic of substance abuse is triggering for many, I invite you to view a couple of his clips (Clip 1 Clip 2) where he shares his story. Please know that if you need support for this presentation, you can contact our Employee EAP. If during or after the presentation any of your students need support, please send them to Guidance.
Tuesday
Advisors are being asked to debrief the presentation from yesterday with your advisees. Below are some reflection questions you should use with your group:
Stephen Hill Debrief Questions with teacher guide
Stephen Hill Debrief Questions as a slideshow
You can choose whichever format you think would work best for your students. Some options are:
Circle Discussion: Arrange students in a circle and facilitate an open discussion where each student has the opportunity to share their thoughts, reactions, and any questions they have about the drug talk. Encourage active listening and respectful communication.
Pair Share: Pair students up and give them a few minutes to discuss their thoughts and reactions to the talk with their partner. Afterward, bring the pairs back together to share any insights or questions that emerged from their discussions.
Small Group Breakouts: Divide the advisory group into smaller groups and assign each group a specific question to discuss. Then, reconvene the whole group and have each small group share their key takeaways.
Reflective Journaling: Provide students with one or more of the discussion prompts and have them write down their thoughts, feelings, and questions about the talk. Encourage them to spend a few minutes writing independently and then, if comfortable, they can share their reflections with the group.
Anonymous Feedback: Provide a way for students to submit anonymous feedback or questions about the talk, either through written slips of paper or an online platform. This allows students to express themselves without fear of judgment and ensures that all voices are heard.
Wednesday
Check In: Know Your Food Emojis
Stephen Hill Assembly (2).pdfTask 1: Spring Advisory Conference Prep
Take some time to meet with each of your advisees over the course of this month to cull this list of questions down to a few that you both think could be answered in the 15 minute conference window.
I suggest making a copy of this document for each of your advisees and having them decide which questions they would like to discuss during the conference. For example, if the student did not participate in the Leader for a Day activity, leave that question out. If they are really excited about their options for dual enrollment next year, take time to talk about that. They should spend some time writing down thoughtful answers to the questions that they pick.
Task 2: Mental Wellness Activities
Task: Choose an activity from the ones your brainstormed at the beginning of the month or from one of the activities below that focus on mental health.
Option 1: Listen to one of these short podcasts (or one video) from Life Kit (and YouTube). Do some doodling while you listen
Stressed? Instead of distracting yourself, try paying closer attention
How to be kind to yourself and squash your critical inner voice
Watch this video on anxiety then follow up by reading this article on how to manage stress
Option 2: Check out the 1 Giant Mind app and learn to meditate using transcendental meditation. This method offers a gentle way of accepting what the mind is concentrating on and offers a way to refocus. According to this source:
"It’s so easy and enjoyable that anyone can do it — even children with ADHD. This makes it very different from other techniques. No concentrating; No control of the mind; No monitoring of thoughts (mindfulness); No trying to “empty the mind.”
Thursday
Check In: Play Memory: Project this image and allow everyone a brief peek, then turn off the projector. See how many items you can remember.
Task 1: Spring Advisory Conference Prep
Take some time to meet with each of your advisees over the course of this month to cull this list of questions down to a few that you both think could be answered in the 15 minute conference window.
I suggest making a copy of this document for each of your advisees and having them decide which questions they would like to discuss during the conference. For example, if the student did not participate in the Leader for a Day activity, leave that question out. If they are really excited about their options for dual enrollment next year, take time to talk about that. They should spend some time writing down thoughtful answers to the questions that they pick.
Task 2: Mental Wellness Activities
Task: Choose an activity from the ones your brainstormed at the beginning of the month or from one of the activities below that focus on mental health.
Option 1: Listen to one of these short podcasts (or one video) from Life Kit (and YouTube). Do some doodling while you listen
Option 2: Did you know a cup of tea can help reduce stress? Have a tea break for advisory. Encourage everyone to disengage from their phones/work/tasks for this break and enjoy each other's company. Grab some tea from the library or use your advisory budget to get an assortment. Bonus points if people can bring in a reusable mugs. I have two electric kettles that people can borrow, and I am sure there are others scattered throughout the building.
Option 3: Try any of these Mindful Activities created by former SBHS yoga teacher Kendra Bolton.
Week 4: Community Wellness
Monday
Eclipse glasses!! We are giving away one pair of eclipse glasses to students during Spring Conferences. Please let them know.
Follow the the Spring Advisory Prep plans with your students individually, and have the rest of your group participate in any of the activities below or something that they had previously brainstormed.
Spring Advisory Conference Prep
Take some time to meet with each of your advisees over the course of this month to cull this list of questions down to a few that you both think could be answered in the 15 minute conference window.
I suggest making a copy of this document for each of your advisees and having them decide which questions they would like to discuss during the conference. For example, if the student did not participate in the Leader for a Day activity, leave that question out. If they are really excited about their options for dual enrollment next year, take time to talk about that. They should spend some time writing down thoughtful answers to the questions that they pick.
Tuesday
Check In: Have everyone think of someone at school that they appreciate. Give everyone a post-it note and and have them write a shout out to the person they thought of. Have them explain the shout-out to the group and make sure they include their name and the person's name on the paper... to be continued in the Fun section.
Task: This week’s activities focus on small acts of kindness within our community. Research shows that expressing gratitude and showing kindness to others is healthy for the mind and body. Learn about the science of kindness here and the science of gratitude here. Choose one of the activities below to help improve our community. Hopefully collectively we can make a difference!
Building Love
Do you ever walk by parts of our building and wish it was a little more spruced up? Is there consistent clutter somewhere that needs some tidying? Pick a spot in the building (it could be your advisory classroom) and tackle a small project that would make the space feel more welcoming.
Friendship Bracelets
Buy some embroidery thread with your advisory money and make bracelets to give to a friend to let them know you appreciate them. These designs are some of my favorites:
Beginner Level: Spiral Staircase, Half Hitch Knot Zipper Pattern
More Advanced: Finger Woven Flat Bracelet, or the Box Braid Bracelet
Make a Venn Diagram with Another Advisory
Join forces with another sophomore advisory and create a Venn diagram of similarities and differences between the groups or pair off and do the same but between individuals. Are your groups more similar or different?
Wednesday
What does a healthy work-life balance look like? Have them take this very brief quiz and mentally replace work with school. If appropriate, have everyone share out the results of their quiz and their thoughts around why they scored what they did. Then, feel free to have students brainstorm and rank professions they might enter in order from most healthy balance to least healthy.
Fun: Brainstorm ways to have a healthier school-life balance or ways to make school work feel less tedious.
Two examples:
One of my new school rules this year has been that when I finish grading homework that feels extra laborious I get to treat myself by buying something... Luckily for my bank account I don't give much homework.
Another teacher I know rewards themselves with a NutterButter after finishing something like they don't want to do (I hear Quadratini are also good for this).
What can students do to reward themselves for getting through the hard stuff?
Old Stuff
Week 5: Workplace Wellness
3/28 - 4/1Throughout the month of March we are focusing on Wellness. Winter can be a tough time to stay motivated to keep spirits high. This month we will be providing activities to help keep your mind and body feeling rejuvenated.
Have your group make a copy of the Wellness Menu. Edit the activities to turn them into things that your group would enjoy doing.
See how many activities you can do either as a group or individually over the course of the month. Bonus points if you make a slideshow (or at least some pictures) to send to Burke to put on the display in the lobby.
Tuesday
Fun: Play the Suitcase Game: Get in a circle. The first person declares they are packing a suitcase with one item; the next person repeats the declaration and adds an item. A player is “out” when they miss a previously inserted item.
Get Outdoors Challenge
Look at the first row of your Winter Wellness Menu and see if you would like to do any of the activities you brainstormed as a group in advisory. Didn't brainstorm anything? Take a walk outside; there's warmer weather in the forecast! Or try making a snow labyrinth or a snowflake in the snow. Add this to your Wellness Menu and take a picture.
Check In: We have weird schedules this week.
On Wednesday there will be testing for the 9th and 11th graders in the morning. Review that schedule with your students here. If you forgot your proctor assignment, you can have a look at that here.
Then, the Career Expo is happening this Friday. Run through the Career Expo Schedule with your students. Bonus points if you print out the schedules and have students fill them in for themselves. If students still need to sign up for slots (hopefully not!) there is a brief tutorial on that process here and the sign up is here (or students can scan the QR code on this page).
Finally, an ask from Nikki St. Mary: Please ask your group to brainstorm a list of behaviors they believe will be important to represent SBHS and show the Expo presenters respect (like being on time for sessions, having NO devices out, exhibiting active listening, not having side conversations with peers, etc.). Please remind students that they are ALL ambassadors for SBHS and their actions impact the reputation of our school in the larger community!!
Task: Overall, having a fulfilling job contributes to a sense of well-being, satisfaction, and fulfillment in both professional and personal life. Have students explore careers based on their interest on Virtual Job Shadow while you do your Spring Advisory Conference check ins. Print a copy of this worksheet for your students to complete.
Wednesday
Spring Advisory Conference Prep & Career Expo Prep
Wednesdays in March
On Wednesdays students will be doing some self directed advisory activities while you meet one-on-one with each student to prep for Spring Advisory Conferences happening on the first week in April. On Wednesdays please set up your students to either
Work through the Wellness Menu items that you brainstormed
Explore career interests - these might be good discussion topics for their conference (directions and resources below)
Have a conference with you (directions and resources below)
If you have a large advisory, you may use Mondays and Thursdays to have one-on-one meetings with students.
Fun: Add to the High Five Poster! Go to the Big Picture hallway and attach the shout outs you wrote to the poster. Advisors, it would be great if you could make sure these were appropriate and not backhanded compliments - hopefully having them explain it before it goes up might prevent some mean ones from sliding through.
High Five 2023.pdf