1/8/17 All English Classes – New Year Lesson

Sneeze 1/8

Use half of a page to write a 3-5​ ​sentence​ ​reflection​ inspired by this motivational quote:

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” – Paulo Coelho (author of The Alchemist)

1. self-criticism​ ​looks​ ​like/sounds​ ​like​. The teacher​ will give an example​ of what self-improvement​ ​looks​ ​like/​ ​sounds​ ​like​.

Criticism​ (as defined by Merriam-Webster for English Language Learners)

1. the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing: ​ the act of criticizing someone or something

Self-criticism​ ​looks​ ​like: ​ ​Being ashamed of your score on an exam because it was lower than your friend’s score, so you throw away your results.

Self-criticism​ ​sounds​ ​like: ​ “I wish I was as smart as Samantha. She’s beautiful and smart and I could never be as good at math as she is.”

Improvement​ (as defined by Merriam-Webster for English Language Learners)

1. the act of improving something:​ the act or process of making something better
2. the quality of being better than before

Self-improvement​ ​looks​ ​like: ​ ​Choosing to attend tutoring once a week for math after learning that your test score was lower than anticipated.

Self-improvement​ ​sounds​ ​like: ​ ​“I didn’t do as well on this test as I thought I would. I know that I can do better and I will earn a better grade on the next exam.” (Acknowledge your shortcomings without beating yourself down about them. Make it a goal to improve yourself in these areas.)

Use the second half of the same notebook page to brainstorm healthy goals for the new year. Students will not only list​ ​the​ ​goal but also​ ​two-​ ​three​ ​benefits​ that could come from​ ​that​ ​goal​.

Some​ ​examples:

Learn to cook →                           ● Health benefits

• Help parents/guardians
• New independence

Read one book every two months →

• Expand vocabulary
• Cope with stress
• Mental break from school work

3 minutes!

1. Take your flashcard and fold​ ​it​ ​down​ ​the​ ​middle​.
2. Write​ ​one​ ​academic​ ​goal​ ​on​ ​the​ ​left​ side and one​ ​personal​ ​goal​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right​

*You will be sharing these two goals in a group setting.

Groups of Four

You will each​ share​ of your two goals​ ​with​ ​the​ ​group​, one at a time.

1. discuss/brainstorm​ (realistic) options​ for each individual to​ ​achieve​ your goals​ – at least five for EACH goal
2. Use the back​ ​side​ ​of the flashcard to write​ ​down​ ​(bullet point) ideas​ for accomplishing goals.

Look at the options for accomplishing your goals and circle​ ​(highlight)​ ​two​ ​options​ ​for​ ​each​ that are realistic or “doable.” Turn in note card.

In your notebooks, reflect​ ​on​ ​the​ ​group​ ​brainstorming​ ​process​.

• What did it feel like to envision your future?
• How helpful was it to have a group of peers helping you brainstorm?
• What have you learned about planning for success?
• How committed or motivated are you to accomplish your goals this year?