Alison Andrus

This lesson takes students on ‘virtual expeditions’ to explore diverse cultures, ecosystems, and innovations, sparking curiosity and empathy. By engaging in virtual visits and interactive discussions, students connect globally while reflecting on local community involvement, promoting a sense of interconnectedness.

This lesson introduces students to the concept of metacognition, encouraging them to become aware of their own thinking processes. Through reflective activities and strategy development, students will learn to evaluate and enhance their learning techniques, boosting their independence and academic success.

Uncover the hidden messages in everyday conversations by analyzing word choice and context. This lesson encourages students to think critically about their communication.

Investigate how small gestures like winks and nods can convey complex meanings. This lesson is perfect for helping students navigate subtle social interactions. This lesson is designed for a 7th-grade group and will last 35 minutes, focusing on Tier 2: Group supports to enhance understanding of social cues.

Help students understand how much communication happens without words by focusing on gestures and body language. This lesson is vital for developing keen observation skills and non-verbal communication, specifically designed for 7th-grade students. It is a single 30-minute session aimed at Tier 3: Individual support to enhance personal communication skills.

This lesson aims to inspire middle school students to develop motivation to work hard by exploring the concept of grit and perseverance. Through a combination of video, reading, discussion, and a motivational game, students will learn about the importance of internal motivation and how it can lead to success. This lesson is crucial as it helps students understand the value of effort and persistence, equipping them with the mindset needed to tackle challenges both in and out of the classroom.

In this lesson, students will explore the life and achievements of Malala Yousafzai, a modern figure known for her advocacy for education. By examining her story, students will learn the importance of setting goals and how determination can lead to significant global impact. This lesson aims to inspire students to set their own goals and understand the steps needed to achieve them, fostering both historical knowledge and personal development skills.

This lesson invites students to express their thoughts and feelings through poetry, encouraging deep reflection and strengthening their ability to articulate emotions in a creative and therapeutic way. By engaging in this exercise, students will develop their emotional intelligence and creative writing skills, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers.

In this lesson, students will engage in role-playing activities to practice resolving conflicts peacefully. They'll explore different scenarios to learn effective communication and empathy skills. This lesson is important as it helps students develop essential life skills such as empathy, active listening, and problem-solving, which are crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.

In this lesson, students will engage in role-playing activities to explore common digital dilemmas. They will learn to make responsible decisions online, focusing on online safety, digital etiquette, and managing cyberbullying. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and respectfully, fostering a positive online community.

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of gratitude through poetry. They will watch a video that highlights various aspects of gratitude and then engage in a project-based activity to create their own limerick, haiku, or cinquain. This lesson is important as it encourages students to reflect on what they are thankful for and express it creatively, enhancing both their emotional intelligence and literary skills.

In this lesson, students will create art journal entries to express gratitude for the positive aspects of their lives. Over the course of a month, they will make weekly entries, culminating in a 'gallery walk' to appreciate both individual and collective experiences. This lesson is important as it encourages students to reflect on and appreciate the positive elements in their lives, fostering a sense of gratitude and well-being.

This lesson engages 7th-grade students in identifying parts of speech through a game-based learning approach. Students will watch a short video to introduce the topic, followed by an interactive activity to reinforce their understanding. This lesson is crucial for enhancing students' grammar skills, which are foundational for effective communication and writing.

In this lesson, students will engage in a guided mindfulness activity centered around the autumn season. They will use sensory experiences to ground themselves and find peace, which helps reduce stress and fosters a calm, focused mind for learning. This lesson is important as it provides students with tools to manage stress and improve their emotional well-being, enhancing their ability to concentrate and learn effectively.

In this lesson, students will create a 'Gratitude Wheel' in the classroom where they can contribute ideas and reflect on aspects of their lives they are thankful for. This activity encourages a positive mindset and builds a culture of appreciation among students. By focusing on gratitude, students can improve their emotional well-being and foster a supportive classroom environment.