Mind Maps - Multiple mind-maps for goal setting, general use, as well as other online tools to use for brainstorming, planning, and evaluating. ( There are a variety of online mind map iPad apps such as Popplet)
Personal Creed Project - a project with detailed lesson plans for teachers to use to lead learners through the process of writing a personal creed. (High School and adaptable for Middle School)
C.R.O.S.S. ROADS ™ Decision-making Process - This is a basic explanation of the C.R.O.S.S.ROADS decision-making process that may be used for goal setting, problem-solving, conflict resolution. One of the recommended steps is: “Select phrase/s from any or all of the Creed/Expectations/Life Principles, or other documents that might be pertinent to the situation.”
Use the creed/life principles/Expectations when resolving conflict situationsby having the parties involved apply it to the choices made in the situation. i. Example dialogues: School Dialogue Scripts using the C.R.O.S.S.ROADS process - two scripts of actual situations that model the verbal use of the five steps. Once learned the process is most often a simple quick conversation as shown in the examples. The students know they are going to work through the situation and come up with solutions. ii. Hint: If the inquiry is made as a statement instead of a question and kept neutral with no ‘you’s’, there is less chance of the parties becoming defensive. Example: “Share with me what part of the creed was not being lived out in the choice/s that were made.”**Note: Encourage application to Eight Expectations for Living as well as the Life Principles.
Reinforce the use of a creed with:
Walk the Talk Task Card - A powerful statement for making a daily commitment to do what is right - “to walk the talk”
Walk the Talk Quotes - Wide selection of quotes for use supporting commitment to do the right thing (no posters)
Suggestions:1) “Walking the Talk” Quote Minutes: Use any of the following quotes for ‘First Five Minute’ Work, class or pair share discussion/writing/application 2) Use short stories from the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books and/or brief Video clips from Pass It On Video Clips and apply the “Walking the Talk” concept. i.e. Respect - 31 sec. 3) Incorporate the sign language as a nonverbal reminder, Talk, Walk
Self-reflection Strategies - includes reflection writing stems, poster, a One-Minute Feedback strategy, etc. - All Age Levels
Whole Group Discussion - How to prepare questions for discussion, Tips for Questioning, and Other Resources
Encourage the use of engaging learners in asking questions to explore curriculum and analyze social situations:
What is QFT? - Explanation of the steps and videos demonstrating its use in the classroom.
Teaching Channel has published a blog series that showcases teachers across the United States who use the Question Formulation Technique (QFT). The blog series features educators from the lower-elementary grades through community college. It includes insights from science, history, English, library, and math teachers showing how the effectiveness of the QFT in the classroom is lived out in these educational settings.
