01.01.2025
Writer: Natalia - Cultivator of Curriculum Kweens
Day 1 of 365. Whether you instinctively want to or not, this time of year creates space for reflection and offers an opportunity to set intentions. What are you proud of? Where do you want to grow? How do you want to do things this time around?
When I worked as a high school classroom teacher, I used this time to embrace the sentiments of a fresh start with students. Some of us returned reluctant and others welcomed the change from their environments. All of us were wondering what's next.
Reflection has to be intentional and must be taught. Consider how often you've taken time to sit and reflect on the past. How do release pain and regret? In what ways do you embrace happiness and growth? It's on us to model and create space for young adults to do the same.
Invite scholars to name what's been working and what hasn't. This goes for both community and productivity. Make space to get to know one another deeper so you can commit to growing together.
Take inventory of what practices have been successful and what hasn't. Be courageous to let go of what isn't serving your community and be open to trying something new.
Sometimes a pause is exactly what's needed in order to flourish. A slow start back after the holiday break gives both you and scholars a chance to readjust with intention.
Below is our approach to Reset & Refresh:
Reset: Community Building & Resetting Collaborative Norms
Invite participants to share intentions for the new year
Hold a discussion focused on collaborative goals based on your work with scholars and invite them to reflect on what practices have and haven't been working. Reset norms as needed by the group.
Refresh: Re-evaluate Needs
Review what scholars should know at this point and make it fun! Tools like Jeopardy templates, Kahoot, and Group Trivia can help gamify review sessions to keep scholars engaged.
Make space to fill the gaps within the foundation before you press forward with new content.
Reinforce: Stay Consistent but don't be afraid to Pivot
Make the goals and norms VISIBLE so you don't forget them.
Schedule times to check in with your collective about their goals. Create opportunities for group reflection and accountability before deadlines.
Modify as needed - explicitly model & name the pivot so youth collaborators can see how the journey unfolds to reach your collaborative goals.
For those of you educating and empowering young people, we invite you to tap into our SMART Goal Setting Resources. Grab our facilitation guide, slide deck and SMART Goals Template below.
Thank you for all that you do! We stand in solidarity with you and the young people you serve.