Help me give my students a chance to continue to develop their pro-social and emotional skills. One area we felt was weak in the curriculum was developing their self-expression writing. These journals would support that work.
I am employed in an urban 9-12 high school. Student demographics within my district vary considerably from school to school. We have approximately 1400 students in our school. Notably, within my school, we have seen a five percent increase in English Language Learners bringing it to 20% of our student bod, which is four times higher than the district average. Of the remaining student body, 17% of the students have Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Lastly, 64% of the students are described as economically disadvantaged (A+ Schools, 2017). The students in our school all receive free and reduced lunch. One (of many notable things) that stands out about my school is that our student body population is highly diverse.
My students are curious and eager to connect with others.
The class I teach aims specifically to work on students' social and emotions skills. After teacher the class for a year, I have found my students are using their skills practically in everyday ways. They have helped construct the topics we discuss. The emphasis is on meeting students where they are and building them up. My students are leaders honing their leadership skills.
My Project
I am a teacher of a social and emotional course called Leader In Me. I believe in teaching students pro-social and emotional skills that can help them becoming successful leaders in high school and beyond.
The premise of this course is that our students are already filled with greatness and that these skills can help them hone their leadership skills to continue to build greatness in themselves and inspire others.
We are encouraging our students to not look for followers, but to support themselves and others in being great leaders.
Journaling would enable them to continue to reflect on their skills and keep their work fresh in their minds. We have reminded them that as leaders the work is never done, it's about finding a place to start and continuing the ever developing work.
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