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This is a lesson on mindfulness, based upon a TED Talk (20:12), that addresses the socio-emotional need of recognizing our physiological responses to stress and offers strategies to address them. This lesson series is appropriate for students with whom you have an opportunity to teach and connect over authentic issues that affect our life and leadership! I love the conversation that these kinds of talks inspire with my students. All lessons have a teen-friendly TED Talk, a two-page print and GO!

This is a motivational lesson that is based upon a highly engaging TED Talk (17:24 minutes), and it is designed to help you and your students set manageable goals or kick off the new year. The premise is that if we add small habits to our existing routines, over time, we can achieve significant results. This lesson series is appropriate for students in your ASB, study skills, homeroom, or health classes--students with whom you have an opportunity to teach and connect over authentic issues that a

This is a lesson based upon a highly engaging and empowering TED Talk by Amy Cuddy (21:02), a social psychologist at Harvard University. Cuddy examines our body language and how it influences not only how others view us—but also how we perceive ourselves. She presents her research and explains the science behind our nonverbal communication. She also offers practical suggestions that we can all implement to increase our presence and grow our influence. Objective:Students will be able to understa

This is a lesson on finding joy and gratitude in the face of adversity. It is based upon an inspiring, teen-friendly TED Talk (12:45) given by Sam Berns, who had progeria, a rare genetic condition that causes a person to age prematurely. He was 17 and a junior in high school when he gave the talk. He passed shortly thereafter, but not before inspiring so many (this talk has been viewed by over 31 million people). Bottom line: if this young man can live a life of happiness and gratitude, all of u

This lesson is based upon a TED Talk (18:32) given by a social-media-savvy college student who went on a social media “fast” as part of her research. She addresses the ways in which social media can create a false sense of perfection as well as the dangers of seeking validation from online sources. She also talks about positive ways to use social media for “self-branding” and networking. They are appropriate for students in your ASB, study skills, homeroom, or health classes--students with whom

This is a lesson on friendship, based upon a TED Talk (16:23), that addresses how to nurture friendships and connections. It makes a great Valentine's Day lesson--without being gushy, but is relevant to any conversation about meaningful friendships. It is appropriate for students in your ASB, study skills, homeroom, or health classes--students with whom you have an opportunity to teach and connect over authentic issues that affect our life and leadership! I use them as a "Monday Motivator," and

This is a lesson on how we can create “luck,” based upon a TED Talk (11:39), that addresses the behaviors we can adopt to increase the opportunities that, in turn, lead to “luck.” It works for Saint Patrick's Day if you're feeling "thematic," but I chose this talk because it is straightforward, it incorporates a great metaphor regarding how we can build a "sail" to capture the "winds of luck," and it debunks the idea that some people are "just lucky." This lesson series is appropriate for stude

This is an article from Huff Post that addresses and refutes traditional reasons for why teen reading may be censored. I used it when we were reading Fahrenheit 451, and it would also be a good pick for Banned Books Week in September. I have adapted it for my version of Kelly Gallagher's Article of the Week program: Should We Censor What Teens Read?Huff Post, June 10, 2017, Peter Brown Hoffmeister (1645 Words) In addition to the traditional “Article of the Week,” this lesson includes scaffold

Need a team-builder? An ice-breaker? A field-day activity or a drama showdown? This digital scavenger hunt is a GET UP AND MOVE activity. It would be great for teaching beginning of the year norms with social media or end of the year celebrations. I created it for my leadership class as an end of year activity. It would work well for ASB, AVID, Drama, Homeroom, and PAL classes. There are ten activity cards. Each card has a QR code. Hang them up around your school or in an open area where student

This is an article that talks about failure and how it is necessary to promote growth and, ultimately, success. I use for my version of Kelly Gallagher's Article of the Week program. There are Three Kinds of Failure, But Only One You Should Feel Bad About QZ.Com, August, 2018 LESSONS #1-5 ARE BUNDLED FOR $10.00#1: “Should You Track Your Teen’s Location?” (Technology)#2: “Colin Kaepernick’s Nike Campaign Keeps Anthem Kneeling in the Spotlight” (Protest, Civil Rights)#3: “Let Teenagers Sleep In”

This is a lesson based upon a highly engaging TED Talk by Mariana Atencio (17:46), a journalist with NBC. Without using the words “prejudice” or “racism,” she talks about how we respond to difference in others. She speaks of her experiences as a Venezuelan who came to the United States for summer camp and later made this country her home. Her message speaks to the fact that our differences are what make us special—are what make us human. Atencio uses the power of storytelling to challenge her li

This TED Talk discusses how the consumption of sugar and highly-refined carbohydrates impacts our energy and overall health. She demonstrates how--even with the best of intentions--we may be consuming more sugar than we realize. Importantly, she provides practical solutions for a healthier lifestyle by proposing small changes we can make to our diets. I have been passionate about instruction and curriculum design. I was a middle and high school English teacher for 29 years, and I am currently an

This is a hands-on, project-based activity that will engage your students and save your sanity(!) as Spring Fever sets in. I created this STEM/ STEAM lesson using Peeps, toothpicks, and marshmallows for my 9th grade AVID students, and I used it as a team-building activity before Spring Break. It would be fun in ASB, homeroom, or leadership classes as well. I have provided a graphically appealing, thematic worksheet for teachers who may wish to use it as an activity or station. Honestly, I just

This TED Talk discusses the importance of sleep and addresses the many benefits we experience when being well-rested--as well as the detriments of being exhausted. The author makes the claim that we need to normalize a good night's sleep because being rested enhances our productivity. I have been passionate about instruction and curriculum design. I was a middle and high school English teacher for 29 years, and I am currently an assistant principal at a comprehensive high school in Southern Cali

This is a simple week at a glance calendar which I made for my 9th grade AVID students who did not have the resources to purchase a school agenda. The first calendar is specific for AVID students. In addition to check off boxes and a space to document their tutorial need, there are reminders for self-advocacy along the bottom. I have also included a "plain" version. I added an Agenda Check scoresheet as well for the AVID teachers out there. :) I copy the calendar weeks in sets of four on colore

I have consolidated these sentence stems from a variety of resources for my secondary English students, but I give significant credit to They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing, by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein. I copy them onto card stock and distribute to students. They refer to it constantly, and many former students have come back to me to tell me that they are still using this document years later! Happy Teaching! Meredith Ritner Write Click Cafe