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While the middle school years can be full of change and new stressors, this year CCDS students in grades 5-8, are learning valuable skills to better handle these challenges. Every day during morning announcements, Middle School students journal for two minutes. Prompts are provided by Theresa “Hirsch” Hirschauer, head of Middle School, with different themes for each day of the week, including reflections of songs, lists of gratitude, as well as breathing exercises.
Charlotte, a fifth grader, says journaling helps her stay organized and get her thoughts out. While Ronan, an eighth grader, shares that it’s nice to have time in the morning to reflect, which is not something students typically have time to do. Both Charlotte and Ronan expressed how journaling helps them set goals and focus on the best ways to meet those goals.
"Practicing gratitude regularly helps students establish healthy habits of reflection and positivity that can benefit them throughout their lives,” says Angela Barber-Joiner, director of belonging and wellbeing. “Journaling helps students become more aware of their emotions, values, and experiences. Also, gratitude practices are linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression along with giving them a safe space to express feelings.”
The gratitude journaling aligns with the Middle School’s theme this year of “habits and routines.” Hirsch explains that moments of mindfulness are important because “life is so fast, and everything is so busy. It’s important to start the day with a deep breath before you get pulled into rushing around.” Even teachers are taking the practice of mindfulness to heart and joining the students in journaling each day.
The practice of mindfulness is hopefully a tool that these middle school students will carry with them throughout their academic years and beyond.
Want to try journaling? Here are some guidelines to help get you started:
- Use a journal, notebook, or your phone.
- Each day, reflect on something you are grateful for in your life.
- Structure your journal in a way that best fits your: bulleted list, long-form paragraph, etc.
- Write at the same time each day to help develop the habit of journaling.
- Revisit previous entries in your journal.
Written by Evie Kranias `25