"The possibilities are unlimited as long as you are true to your life's purpose" -Marcia Weider
In October, students will be introduced to the Passion First mindset, where they'll learn that each person is a unique expression of human potential. They'll focus on discovering their own unique talents and strengths, or "individual genius," as they grow. To fully embrace this, they must create genuine dreams aligning with their values and aspirations. Throughout this unit, students will journey through the following lessons: Focus on Strengths, Explore Your Interests, Take a Stand, and Be Authentic. This first week, we will learn how to Focus on Strengths.
In the early stages of life, students explore various interests and forms of self-expression. The Passion First mindset encourages them to pursue their passions and Focus on Strengths, as these lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. In this lesson, students will discover that their passion will naturally grow by focusing on their strengths or talents. Peer pressure also becomes more prominent at middle school age, with cliques often forming around shared interests, skills, or trends. The Passion First mindset emphasizes that everyone is unique, and it's important to dedicate time to activities that we excel in and that bring us joy. By doing so, we set ourselves up for more tremendous success. Instead of constantly trying to fix our weaknesses, this lesson helps students realize that their best chance for success comes from recognizing and building on their strengths—both now and in the future. High school students, in particular, may struggle with self-identity and discovering their talents, and this lesson encourages them to tap into their strengths to thrive.
Log in directly from your Clever dashboard now!
Mindset Mondays will be offered every Monday that school is in session. This year we are working through Course 1, which means returning students will be learning fresh and new content. One of my favorite things about the 7 Mindsets curriculum is each year continues to provide new and different information. I look forward to seeing your students in class as we explore the Passion First Mindset!
You will find the class times below. Classes are arranged by grade levels as follows:
Grades K-2: 9:30 am Zoom link
Grades 3-5: 10:30 am Zoom link
Grades 6-12: 11:30 am Zoom link
You can also go directly to your Clever dashboard and click on the Mindset Monday tile to join the class easily!
The lessons are approximately 45 minutes long and designed to be interactive group lessons; however, because we recognize the importance of students attending comfortably, each student may choose their level of participation in the lesson.
“Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it." -Julia Child
7 Mindsets Lessons: Focus on Strengths
Click on the lesson links below to get an introduction to the 7 Mindsets curriculum and take a sneak peek at what we will be learning all year through Mindset Mondays and SELF Talk newsletters.
Each lesson includes an engaging slideshow, video, and activity!
This year, I am excited to bring your students Mindful Movement classes *in person* a few times each month! We have been having SO MUCH FUN moving together! Join me and fellow students as we practice mindful movement together! All ages of Cottonwood students are welcome, including parents!
Upcoming October Mindful Movement classes:
Monday at the CCC on October 14 ,1-2 pm
Wednesday at the Elk Grove Park Day on October 23 ,10:30 am
Movement classes are open to all Cottonwood students in all grades. If your student is in the younger grades, please be prepared to support their movement, if needed. We will have some mats available to borrow; however, students can feel free to bring their own, along with their own water bottles or hydration preferences ,and dress in movement attire. Please refer to the Wednesday Weekly for information and updates on Park Days.
No need to register ahead of time!
The Big Life Journal is a wonderful tool that creates a simple 5-10 minute daily routine that helps students develop resilience and positive life habits such as introspection, self-reflection, practicing positivity, and daily gratitude. Both the original Big Life Journal (great for ages 5-11) and the Big Life Journal Teen (perfect for ages 11+) are available to purchase as full journals with instructional funds to help your student incorporate all the wonderful learning I’ll be sharing this year.
Enjoy these Big Life Journal printable activities, purchased by The Cottonwood School for your students, to extend learning as students learn about the Passion First mindset.
Big Life Journal Activity: Focus on Your Strengths
Big Life Journal Teen Activity: Strengths Interview
The Cottonwood School has been designated a 2024 Kindness Certified School! Please share with us any random act of kindness activity your family participates in our 7 Mindset lessons! Send your photos to us to celebrate all the kindness that is created! Each student who submits a photo and description of their random act of kindness will be featured as a Mindset Marvel in SELF Talk and will receive a Mindset Marvel certificate and a BJ's Restaurant award for a kid's meal (teens will receive a Starbuck's treat)!
