As the new school year approaches, it’s important to help elementary students set the stage for a successful and positive experience. Setting positive intentions can be a powerful way for students to focus on their goals and aspirations. Everyday Speech’s Setting Positive Intentions Back-to-School craft offers a fun and interactive way to engage students in this process. This blog post will guide elementary teachers through using this activity to teach students about setting positive intentions for the school year.
Why Setting Positive Intentions Matters
Setting positive intentions helps students by:
- Building Confidence: Encourages students to believe in their abilities and potential.
- Fostering a Growth Mindset: Promotes a focus on learning and improvement.
- Enhancing Motivation: Provides clear goals to work towards.
- Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Encourages positive self-talk and resilience.
Everyday Speech’s Back to School Craft
The Back to School craft from Everyday Speech is designed to help students articulate and visualize their positive intentions for the upcoming school year. The craft involves brainstorming intentions, writing them on school supplies, and assembling a visual representation of their goals.
Craft Instructions
Here are the steps provided in the craft instructions:
- Brainstorm 3-4 intentions for the upcoming school year.
- Write your intentions onto the school supplies (pg. 3).
- Color and decorate your backpack and school supplies.
- Cut out your school supplies and backpack.
- Tape or glue your backpack together. Carry your intentions with you this school year!
Implementing the Craft in the Classroom
Objective
By the end of the activity, students will have set positive intentions for the school year and created a visual representation to remind them of their goals.
Materials Needed
- Printable craft activity
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Duration
45-60 minutes
Activity Steps
1. Introduction to Setting Positive Intentions (10 minutes)
Begin by explaining what intentions are and why they are important. Discuss how setting intentions can help guide their actions and decisions throughout the school year. Use examples that are relevant to their age and experiences, such as making new friends or improving in a subject.
Discussion Questions:
- What is an intention?
- Why is it important to set positive intentions?
- Can you think of a positive intention you could set for this school year?
2. Brainstorming Intentions (10 minutes)
Guide the students through a brainstorming session where they think of 3-4 positive intentions for the upcoming school year. Encourage them to think about different areas of their school life, such as academics, friendships, and personal growth.
Examples of Intentions:
- “I want to make new friends.”
- “I want to read more books.”
- “I want to be kind to my classmates.”
- “I want to improve my math skills.”
3. Writing Intentions (10 minutes)
Provide students with the printable school supplies from Everyday Speech’s craft kit. Instruct them to write each intention on a separate piece, such as a pencil, notebook, or backpack.
4. Coloring and Decorating (10 minutes)
Allow students to color and decorate their school supplies and backpack. This step encourages creativity and personalizes the craft, making it more meaningful for each student.
5. Cutting Out and Assembling (10 minutes)
Have students carefully cut out their school supplies and backpack. Then, assist them in taping or gluing the pieces together to create their visual representation of their positive intentions.
6. Displaying and Reflecting on Intentions (5 minutes)
Create a display area in the classroom where students can hang their completed crafts. This display serves as a daily reminder of their positive intentions and can be a source of inspiration and motivation throughout the school year.
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Conclusion
Teaching elementary students to set positive intentions for the upcoming school year is a valuable skill that can have a lasting impact on their academic and personal lives. Everyday Speech’s Setting Positive Intentions Back-to-School craft offers an engaging and interactive way to introduce intention-setting to young learners. By guiding students through brainstorming, writing, and visualizing their intentions, teachers can help them develop confidence, motivation, and a positive mindset. Incorporating regular reflections and celebrations of progress further reinforces these skills, setting the foundation for a successful and fulfilling school year. For more resources and tips on teaching positive intentions, stay tuned to our blog.
Sample Video
Try out this sample animated video lesson.
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