This trimester in yoga we have started using journals in addition to our movement.  I’m reading a book to the students called “Just Be You” by Mallika Chopra.  This book helps each child identify what makes them unique and how to appreciate themselves for who they are.

The first week back we answered the question, “Who am I?”  I gave examples to the students, such as, sibling, grandchild, blue eyed, short or tall, oldest, middle or youngest sibling, etc.  This exercise was to help them notice things about themselves they might not have realized yet.

Week 2, the question was, “How/why am I different?”  When we recognize the ways we are different from our peers, we start to bring awareness to our uniqueness.  I explained that differences are a good thing, and we should honor those in ourselves and others.

The week 3 question was “What events have helped shape me?”  The most obvious one we collectively have is the covid pandemic.  There were other ideas brought forth such as a move to a new home, or moving from one school to The Summit.  The birth of a sibling, or loss of a grandparent were also mentioned out loud.

Finally, yesterday, I asked, “What do you want?”  These could be material items, such as toys or games, or they could be experiences like vacations.  I mentioned that your ‘want’ could be something you desire because someone else has that item or thing.  If a child desires something someone else has, I encouraged them to ask themselves why.

Each child has their own journal and they are confidential.  No one is reading them, and I have encouraged students to write whatever they’d like.  The point of the journal is not for a grade, but for them to start to explore themselves and their feelings and use writing as a way to handle their emotions.