Melissa Hathaway

A one-session, 30-minute orientation lesson for incoming 1st graders to meet their new grade-level team, feel comfortable in their classroom, and share summer learning hopes through a fun read-aloud and drawing activity. This Tier 1 lesson builds confidence, community, and excitement for first grade.

Elementary students will plant seeds of gratitude, creating gardens that not only thrive physically but also represent personal growth and positivity. Through hands-on activities and group reflections, students will learn to appreciate their surroundings and cultivate gratitude as a mindfulness practice. Audience: Grades 2-5; 1 session (50 mins).

Elementary students will embark on a journey to map acts of kindness and compassion in their community. Through creative storytelling and illustrated maps, students engage in collaborative discussions to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and the impact of empathy.

In this follow-up lesson, 5th-grade students will learn practical strategies to build and maintain a positive reputation. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will explore how consistent actions and choices contribute to their social identity. This session will last 30 minutes and is designed for a Tier 1 classroom setting.

This lesson is designed for an 8-year-old student with selective mutism to support effective communication skills in a school setting. The goal is to create a safe and encouraging environment where the student feels comfortable to express themselves. The session will last for 30 minutes.

This lesson introduces 3rd-grade students to the concepts of identity and disabilities, fostering an understanding and appreciation of diversity. Through guided discussion, students will explore what makes each person unique and how disabilities are a part of individual identities. This lesson is important as it promotes empathy, inclusivity, and respect for differences among peers.

In this lesson, students will create a 'comfort zone map' to identify activities, places, and people that make them feel safe and content. This exercise empowers students to recognize and seek out comforting elements in their lives, which can be a valuable tool for managing stress and emotions.

This lesson helps a 2nd grader learn strategies to stay calm and regulated when faced with challenges. Through daily discussions, the student will explore emotions and develop coping mechanisms. This is crucial for building resilience and emotional intelligence at a young age.

In this lesson, students will explore different career paths by researching and presenting role models they admire. This activity aims to inspire students by connecting their personal interests with potential future opportunities, encouraging goal setting and ambition. By understanding diverse career journeys, students can better align their aspirations with achievable goals.

This unit consists of 4 lessons designed to help 3rd-grade students explore their identity with a focus on protected characteristics such as race, gender, and disability. Through a trauma-informed approach, students will engage in activities that encourage self-reflection and understanding of diversity. This unit is important as it fosters self-awareness, empathy, and respect for others, helping students to appreciate individuality and build a positive, inclusive community.

This lesson helps students in grades 3-5 identify different emotions by exploring facial expressions and body language. Through interactive activities, students will enhance their emotional literacy and learn to empathize with others, which is crucial for their social development and daily interactions.

In this lesson, students will learn about managing worry through experiential activities and discussions. This lesson is important as it helps young students identify their worries and develop strategies to manage them, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.

This lesson introduces 2nd-grade students to the concept of multiple intelligences, helping them understand that everyone has different strengths and ways of learning. By recognizing their unique intelligences, students can appreciate diversity in learning styles and build self-esteem. This lesson is important as it fosters a supportive classroom environment where all students feel valued and understood.

This lesson aims to inspire a sense of awe in students by exploring the wonders of nature. Engaging students with experiential learning, this lesson will help them appreciate the beauty around them and develop a sense of curiosity. The use of restorative practices in the discussion will help build a positive classroom environment while being sensitive to students' emotional states.

This lesson focuses on fostering a sense of community and belonging among 5th-grade students through a restorative circle. Students will engage in sharing and listening activities, using a talking piece to facilitate respectful communication.