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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Delightful Mind: Artful Gratitude Journeys

Ari C
D2.Rel.6.9-12
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This learning experience aims to provide neurodivergent students with a creative and supportive environment to set and reflect on personal growth goals through art and writing. By engaging in daily reflections and creating a 'Delight Book,' students will explore their emotions and build self-awareness, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. The project encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and community connection, enabling students to recognize and celebrate their unique perspectives and contributions.

Learning goals

Students will explore how art and writing can be powerful tools for self-reflection and personal growth, setting and achieving non-academic goals through creative expression. They will cultivate self-awareness and emotional intelligence by engaging in daily reflections and gratitude practices inspired by 'The Book of Delights.' Through collaborative activities like the 'Reflection Garden' and the creation of a personal 'Delight Book,' students will build a sense of community, identity, and belonging while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Standards
  • D2.Rel.6.9-12 - Identify how internal diversity is evident in beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of belonging to various communities.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5 - Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.5 - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout this learning experience, students will create a personal 'Delight Book' filled with their reflections, drawings, and gratitude entries. Additionally, they will contribute to a collaborative 'Reflection Garden' mural in the classroom, where their daily reflections and artwork will be displayed. By the end of the project, students will present their 'Delight Books' to the class, sharing their personal growth and insights gained over the four weeks.

Launch

Begin the project with a "Delight Hunt" activity where students explore their surroundings, both in and out of the classroom, to identify and document small moments of joy or wonder. Encourage them to capture these moments through sketches, photos, or brief written notes. Gather the class to share their findings, discussing how these small delights can inspire personal growth and reflection. This activity sets the tone for the project, emphasizing mindfulness and gratitude as tools for self-discovery and community building.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, host a "Delight Showcase" where students present their 'Delight Books' and contributions to the 'Reflection Garden' to peers, teachers, and family members. Create an interactive gallery walk where attendees can listen to audio recordings of students' reflections and view their accompanying artwork. Encourage students to share their personal growth stories and the impact of mindfulness and gratitude on their lives, fostering a community dialogue on the importance of social-emotional learning.