Hello!
Another jam packed week here at WLA!
Last Monday was our first opportunity since starting a new semester to have Mentoring Mondays so we took advantage of our time and split into two groups: mentors (HS) and mentees (MS). Mentor Leaders took the mentees outside of the class to review EmoSmart goals and complete a get to know you survey for the semester. In the survey, mentees were asked everything from likes and dislikes to future goals and obstacles they've either overcome or expect to face. Additionally we wanted to know what mentees want from their mentor, what do they think they need help with, what don't they want, etc. The mentees seemed to appreciate the opportunity to have their voice be heard and express their thoughts privately and I enjoyed reviewing their responses with their Mentor Leaders later in the week. While our Mentor Leaders worked with the mentees, I worked with the Mentors to start their training for the semester. In our first meeting we were able to review the roles and expectations of a mentor, what a mentee may look like, and what a healthy mentoring relationship is. These ongoing trainings will continue throughout the semester and will provide a good opportunity for mentors to share their success and struggles and get support in their efforts with their mentees throughout the rest of the week.
On Tuesday we broke up into grade level support groups (freshman with freshman, sophomores with sophomores, etc) and identified specific challenges and obstacles that students may face at each grade level and who within their group can help with what area. For example, many juniors identified the SAT as a challenge this semester as well as some of their math classes. They also identified resources to help them with the SAT as well as who within their group could be of help in math. Being aware of the support systems in place is oftentimes the first step in overcoming these challenges and we will continue to push both mentors and mentees to advocate and use these resources this semester as they focus on their academic goals.
On Wednesday many students didn't have school due to ACCESS testing. We picked back up on Thursday with normal class and finished up our lesson and conversations on EmoTrolls and Hot Buttons. Students found it easier to identify the hot buttons and EmoTrolls in their sphere of influence first before identifying their own EmoTrolls. The conversations surrounding why we behave the way we do, how we can manage these behaviors, and how we can help others manage theirs was a positive and reflective one that will transition nicely into our conversations on bullying in the coming week. It was great to see students be introspective regarding how their behaviors are perceived and how they can better manage themselves so I'm looking forward to coming back to these topics regularly throughout the semester.
On Friday we wrapped up the week playing community building games and continuing to get to know each other. Students rotated through three stations where they played 2 Truths and a Lie, conducted fun quick interviews, and answered What If questions. We wrapped up by doing our Fishbowl activity with most of the responses relating to EmoTrolls and Mentoring (class topics) and some interesting current event topics such as DACA/immigration, North Korea, and climate change. Of course we got some fun and silly would you rather questions in there as well :)
While of course some students like speaking on a topic more than others, all seem to like the opportunity to put in a topic or question for the group to answer and discuss.
Next week will be another full and busy one, stay tuned!
