In this episode, we bring it all back to the individual with a creative twist. We dive into Day 8: Uniquely You Creative Snapshot, exploring how to celebrate the incredible individuality of each student through imaginative prompts and a special visual display that will grow with them throughout the year.
Key Takeaways:
For Expressing Unique Identity:
Understand the "Uniquely You" tree worksheet as a living, evolving self-portrait for students.
Learn how to use imaginative prompts (e.g., "If you were a sound, what would you be and why?") to encourage deep self-reflection and creative expression.
Discover how this activity, like the "Culture Hand," can be modified to be subject-specific (e.g., "My Scientist Tree," "My Mathematician Tree") and used throughout the year to track growth.
For Celebrating Creativity & Authenticity:
Explore how this activity allows students' "intelligence to have fun," echoing Albert Einstein's quote on creativity.
Understand the power of publicly displaying these "Uniquely You" trees in the hallway or on the door to celebrate individuality and reinforce that "To be yourself... is the greatest accomplishment" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
For Holistic Development (Connection to Hill Model & John Hattie):
See how this activity impacts the Hill Model's five areas of student development: Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, and Intellect.
Learn how it aligns with John Hattie's Visible Learning research by boosting Self-Efficacy and Student Voice through public affirmation and diverse expression.
In this episode I mention:
The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle
FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials
"Uniquely You" Tree Worksheet
"Uniquely You Creative Snapshot" Prompt Cards
Quotes from Albert Einstein and Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Hill Model (Identity, Criticality, Skills, Joy, Intellect)
John Hattie's Visible Learning research (Self-Efficacy, Student Voice)
Ready to take action?
Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree
Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle
How can I introduce the "Uniquely You" tree to truly spark my students' imaginations and encourage authentic self-expression?
Which of the creative prompts might resonate most with my students, and how can I support diverse responses?
How will I use the "Uniquely You" tree as an ongoing tool for reflection and celebration throughout the year, perhaps connecting it to subject-specific growth?
What steps can I take to ensure all students feel comfortable and celebrated when their unique work is displayed publicly?
Stay connected:
Email: Jocelynn@customteachingsolutions.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/
Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com
Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!
