For MS and HS Teachers: Month 7

What are the lessons in this part of the video?

Changing our thoughts can change our habits. What is one thought that would be helpful to change for most teens?

Today, don’t focus on changing your habits as much as changing your thoughts. What is one change you can make in your thinking that will make a big difference in your life? Write that positive thought somewhere you can see it and keep it within sight for the next week or so.

Recognize that although they mention teens in the video, lots of this is geared for adults who have more control over their lives. Today, talk about someone who became something that was more than most other kids who have a similar upbringing. Someone who made it far, given whatever life circumstance s/he had. Remember to do this without naming names, but by giving examples.

What did you notice that was similar? What did your partner mention that you may not have considered before?

Today, consider what you can become. Your upbringing plays a part, but doesn’t determine your future.

What was the message you heard about friendships and relationships?  For teenagers, what are the things that make relationships toxic? What makes relationships supportive?

What were the similarities in your conclusions?

Today, look for ways to be a supportive friend to the people around you.

Again, much about this film applies to people who are older and who have more power and choice to change their lives. Today’s video ends with, “You made an appointment to be there…” This doesn’t mean that your family’s struggles are your fault. But this statement is true the moment kids say “yes” to drugs or “yes” to buying into negative behavior, over which they DO have control.

So today in your small circles, talk about what the man in the video said right before that. “If you do what is hard, your life will be easier. If you do what is easy, your life will be hard.” Talk about the truth in that statement. Make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

Think about all the choices you get to make every single day. Today, consider doing what is hard so life goes a little easier for you.

Today if you feel overwhelmed, close your eyes for a moment and envision the place that makes you feel at peace. You can’t always go there physically, but you can visit it in your mind. Often, this is enough to calm us down.

When you think about having real friends, there are probably a range of attributes you appreciate. Some friends might be good listeners, others might make you laugh. For your time today, talk about the attributes and character traits you look for in real friends.

What did your thoughts and observations have in common?

Today, notice the people around you. What people demonstrate some of the qualities you appreciate in real friends? Make an effort to get to know them better!

Today, talk about some of the things kids your age can do to be good friends to others.

How were your perceptions similar?

Today, focus on being a good friend to those around you. Reflect the qualities you appreciate in others.

Today, think about how you’ve made your friends. You might find that some are friends because they’ve lived in your neighborhood and you’ve known them for a long time. Some are kids you met doing an activity that you enjoy, like sports or marching band or a school club. You probably enjoy different friends for different reasons.

What are the reasons for kids to enlarge their circle of friends and what are some of ways kids can do that?

Take a moment to converse about your insights.

Consider trying one of the ideas you talked about today to enlarge your friend group.

What are activities our school could sponsor that could allow kids to meet new people and perhaps have friendships grow out of these activities?

This week has probably shown you that most kids want more friends. This should give you confidence that you’re not alone. Today, consider a way that you and your current friend group could invite a few more people in.

Being calm helps us to feel better and more in control. Carve out a few more moments of intentional calm before your day is over.

What could our school implement that would help new kids feel welcome? Write down your ideas on post-it notes.

Put yourself in the shoes of a new student at your school. What would the experience be like? Today, practice compassion with those around you. Look for ways to help. They might not be new students, but they still have struggles and a friendly face can make a big difference!

Yesterday we talked about the school’s role in welcoming new students. Today, we’re getting personal. What can students do as individuals to help new kids feel welcome? Write your ideas on post-it notes.

Today, take personal responsibility for your actions. New students aren’t the only ones who appreciate a warm, welcoming person around. Let’s fill the halls, classrooms, and lunchroom with warmth and helpfulness today!

What could classroom teachers do to help new kids feel welcome?

What ideas did you have in common? Would these ideas work for every teacher?

Today, think about the ways you, with your own unique personality and character traits, can be helpful to others in a genuine way. Practice a few of those things today with those around you.

If you were going to organize a Newcomer’s Club, how could that look? How would it work? How would current students be a part of its success?

We all play a role in the way our school welcomes new people. Today, be the person you would want if you were starting at a new school. See how behaving this way changes the course of your day.

Staying calm and relaxed helps us make better decisions. Before you make decisions today, try taking a few deep breaths first.