“If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion.” - Mia Hamm
During childhood and adolescence, students explore various interests and forms of self-expression, and many enjoy discussing their feelings. The Passion First mindset shows that when we are passionate about something, we naturally want to learn more, get involved, and share that passion with others. As students get older, they begin to ask themselves, “Who am I?” Peer pressure and social expectations significantly shape their thoughts. In this week's lesson, they’ll learn to recognize and focus on what truly excites them. Students are often influenced by adults who may not be passionate about their work, leading them to mirror that behavior. This lesson encourages students to explore and pursue their own passions, helping them lead happier, more fulfilling lives. High school students frequently grapple with balancing social acceptance and being authentic. Through the Explore Your Interest lesson, students will identify what fuels their passions, and connect these to both their school life and their future, all while learning to stay true to themselves.
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.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” - Steve Jobs
7 Mindsets Lessons: Explore Your Interests
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 for all ages: Explore Your Interests
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)!
