Each morning begins with a soft start, giving students time to ease into the day through a low-stakes activity of their choice. They might work on our collaborative jigsaw puzzle, journal, build with Legos, create with tangrams, complete Mad Libs, free write, or mindfully color. This calm, purposeful start encourages creativity, focus, and independence.
After the bell, we begin social-emotional learning through the Positivity Project (P2). Each week highlights a different character strength that helps students grow as individuals and as thoughtful community members. My favorite part is the Other People Mindset, which reminds us that our words and actions affect those around us and that we all have the power to make our school and community a better place.
On Mondays, we kick off the week with Good Things, when students share one positive thing happening in their lives. It is a simple but meaningful way to build connection and start the week with gratitude.