Setting Intentions
Trying something new in my classroom.
I run a lot of learning experiments in my classroom. I collect feedback on what's working and tweak things that are not. Whenever I design a new learning experience for my students, I prototype and use insights from my fifth-graders so that the experience is authentic and they can connect to it.
Not everything works. In fact, I learn more from my failures than I do from my successes. Once I have a few iterations practiced, I write about it in an ongoing Medium series: In my Classroom. I’ve written about being vulnerable, how I teach creativity, storytelling, and design sprints.
Most times, when I try out something new, it is because there is a need. Sometimes we need a better way of transitioning from one subject to the next. Sometimes it’s because I want a better way for students to meditate or reflect on their learning experiences. No matter the motivation, I usually have a hunch that some element of the experiment will work. I don’t always know exactly which part, but I have a pretty good idea that my students will be successful at some point during the learning.
This school year has been a bit of a challenge for me. I find that I’m struggling to engage my students more than I remember being able to do. I’ve never been very good at classroom management. I have always struggled with controlling my students because I encourage my students to have a critical consciousness and not be compliant, especially when challenging unjust and inequitable systems. I believe that my job is not to tame students. My job is to empower students to challenge the status quo. Not all ten-year-olds are used to this amount of freedom, independence. It takes time for me to teach them independent accountability.
I’ve decided to try something new; something I’ve never tried before. I have no idea if it is going to work, but I hope it does. I want to teach my students to be more mindful of themselves. I want my students to focus on having a positive mindset by setting a positive goal they can focus on throughout the day.
Intention Journaling
For the last week, each morning when students arrive, I have them set a daily intention. My students don’t seem to have much experience with setting short-term goals. In fact, when I’ve sat down with students to discuss reading goals, 90% of my class told me that reading a certain number of books in 4th grade was their last reading goal. I want my students to think short-term. What will be my intention for today?
At the end of the day, I have students reflect on their day and their intention. How did they do? Which of their actions, behaviors and thoughts aligned with their intention? Which ones didn’t? What accomplishments did they have today?
By consistently setting positive intentions, I hope to foster student efficacy and responsibility. I want my students to have a sense of control over their actions and choices. I want them to be mindful and reflective. If we continue this practice for many weeks, then students will have a record of their daily intentions end-of-day reflections and will be able to notice any patterns.
Will this work? I have no idea. So far, the results seem positive.
I’m observing and noting any changes in my students’ behaviors and attitudes. How are they responding to conflicts in the classroom and out at recess? What is their attitude toward learning and struggle? My hope is that student will be more mindful and positive throughout the day and be able to self-correct when necessary
I’ll keep you all posted! If you have any ideas that might help this experiment be successful, please share your ideas by leaving a comment.
Resources
This video uses “goal” and “intention” interchangeably. While a goal is a clear and measurable target, I believe that an intention is more of a guiding principle. This reduces the chance of failure. If you were unsuccessful in your intention, it is because your actions, behaviors or thoughts were not aligned. My goal is to help students notice when they are behaving or thinking in a way that does not align with their values or intentions.
Intention-Setting in the Classroom
Brené Brown and Barrett Guillen on Living Into Our Values
It is no secret that I love Dr. Brené Brown. I use her list of values to start every school year. Her podcast with Barret Guillen is fantastic! In it, they walk through a values exercise that I really enjoy doing with my students.
15 Daily Intentions to Set for a More Driven Life
I found the wording of these intentions great for my students.
Have a great week!
—Adrian