Celebrate the Journey

This is a more complex reflective and cooperative writing activity that allows students to share who they are and their contribution to the greater group.

Using prompts, students write their own 'I am from' narrative to share aspects of their identity - family, culture, interests, memories, hopes.

Prompt examples

I am from...name your parents.

I am from...name your neighborhood.

I am from...name your favourite foods.

Students can then collaborate with partners or in small groups to share and combined their writing into a group piece.

Examples from Gould Lundy, K. are copied here.

Adapted from Gould Lundy, K.

Using Flipgrid, students create a video message to reflect on one challenge they experienced in the classroom and how they transformed that experience into a success or a meaningful lesson. As a prompt, teachers should ask, from that experience, what is one new thing they have learned about themselves as learners.

Adapted from Erwin, J.

Ask students to create a line graph that highlights the highs and lows of the past year's experiences. Students can reflect on memories made inside and outside the classroom, class trips, guests, funny moments, memorable lessons. The instructor should encouage students to explore symbols, images and colours to personalize their graph.

Students can share their graphs during a final online synchronous session.

Adapted from We Are Teachers.

Materials Needed: Piece of paper/tape and writing tool for each student.

Place a piece of paper on the back of each student.

Play music.

As students walk around writing positive messages on the backs of their classmates.

In a synchoronous learning environement, talking circles can be a challenge to create. This activity aims to have each students take a turn to share and appreciate the community in the form of a 'toast'.

Prompts:

What is one thing you're thankful for from this year's class?

Share a funny memory you have from this year?

Share something that you appreciate about our class as you look back on our year together?

Who in this classroom has made you laugh the most? Why is that important?

Adapted from Stuart, D.