We’re so pleased to announce that CONSTRUCTING CONFIDENCE has partnered with Robin, a leading mental health solution that prepares students for learning success. Robin will now share our Positivity Toolbox activities and resources with their elementary schools. K-2 and 3–5 educators can explore the science of positivity alongside their students through our research-backed practices. We all recognize the benefits of fostering confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset — and these habits of mind can be reinforced throughout our lives.

We are proud to deepen the impact of the Robin curriculum by:

✅ Reinforcing lifelong skills through open-ended, repeatable activities

✅ Supporting student well-being with research-backed strategies

✅ Creating shared learning moments that strengthen classroom and family connections

Through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, teachers and students can take a collaborative approach to embracing positive mindsets, whether inside or outside of the classroom. The Positivity Toolbox covers 12 behaviors, from Acts of Kindness to Expressing Gratitude, and these skills can be revisited throughout the school year.

Each of the 12 downloadable packets contains a teacher backgrounder, a 30-minute activity, and a discussion guide (which can also be sent home). These lifelong skills will be instrumental for academic, personal, and professional success.

Together, we’re helping students build the inner tools they need to thrive. Learn more about Constructing Confidence’s Positivity Toolbox:

FOLLOW US, PLEASE!

Did you know that 40% of our happiness can be shaped by intentional activity? Sure, 10% is due to life circumstances and 50% is due to our biology or personality, but the good news (get it?) is that almost half is within our control! Positive psychology research has found that when we experience positive emotions, we’re better problem-solvers, we make better decisions, and we’re able to be more resilient and maintain our self-confidence. These are all skill sets that will serve us well for our entire lives. So, when should we start learning them? ASAP with The Positivity Toolbox!

CONSTRUCTING CONFIDENCE has partnered with Robin, a leading mental health solution that supports student success, to make The Positivity Toolbox available to elementary classrooms around the country.

The Positivity Toolbox’s guiding resources and activities are framed to be done by both students and teachers through a co-learning approach. We experience change on a daily basis, so we must practice and hone these positive mindsets on a daily basis, too. Students and teachers, as well as children and their parents/caregivers, can engage in these hands-on and reflective activities collaboratively, learning from one another. The activities are designed to be repeatable, as context can impact our personal emotional responses.

Based on the research of Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, The Positivity Toolbox maps out 12 behaviors that actually enhance our feelings of positivity, thereby allowing us to be more resilient, confident, and happier. Download packets containing a teacher backgrounder, a 30-minute hands-on activity, and a discussion guide for grades K-2 and for grades 3–5. These turnkey resources can be folded into classroom morning routines, English Language Arts (ELA) classes, social and emotional learning (SEL) discussions, or health workshops.

Discover the science of positivity for you and your student this school year. We look forward to hearing from you!

DO FOLLOW US!

When summer rolls around, we’re conditioned to think about vacation and summer reading lists from our school days. I always find myself dreaming of a beach or pool that I can go to and lose myself in a book. These days, there’s a lot to stay positive about, and such healthy habits of mind are, well, top of mind for many!

We at CONSTRUCTING CONFIDENCE are sharing our favorite adult books about the science of positivity so that we can model good behaviors and practice these lifelong skill sets alongside our kids (whether our children or students in the classroom).

In The Positivity Toolbox, we point to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky research about research-based behaviors that can actually enhance our feelings of positivity, thereby allowing us to be more resilient, confident, and yes, even happier. In her book, The How of Happiness, she shares that 50% of our positivity is due to our makeup (biology and genetics), 10% is due to life circumstances — those ups and downs, and 40% is within our control through intentional activity.

So, step one is to intentionally earmark one or two of these books for your summer reading list:

1. Mindset: Updated Edition: Changing The Way You Think To Fulfil Your Potential by Carol S. Dweck (Author)
   World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, in decades of research on achievement and success, has discovered a truly groundbreaking idea: the power of our mindset.
2. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
   Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.”
3. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
   A bestselling book that has helped millions of people around the world adapt and succeed in changing times.
4. How Full is Your Bucket?: Positive strategies for work & life by Tom Rath & Donald O. Clifton, PhD
   Grounded in 50 years of research, this book will show you how to greatly increase the positive moments in your work and your life — while reducing the negative.
5. Presence: Bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges by Amy Cuddy, PhD
   Learn the simple techniques you’ll need to approach your biggest challenges with confidence.
6. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance: What Women Should Know―Unlocking the Science of Self-Confidence by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
   The authors of the New York Times bestseller Womenomics deconstruct [confidence] this essential, elusive, and misunderstood quality and offer a blueprint for bringing more of it into our lives.
7. The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking risks, messing up, & becoming your amazingly imperfect, totally powerful self by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
   While this book is written for teens, we consider it powerful for adults to read! From the bestselling authors of The Confidence Code (linked above), this empowering and entertaining guide gives girls the essential yet elusive code to becoming bold, brave, and fearless.

As you steep yourself in positivity this summer, do check The Positivity Toolbox, chock full of activities that you can do with children ages 4–12 to develop positive mindsets. We have partnered with Robin to offer a leading mental health solution to support children’s success in and out of the classroom. Check out their offerings — including The Positivity Toolbox — as part of your camp programming, school preparation, or even to support your youngsters at home. How can we help?

DO FOLLOW US!

I don’t think it really matters how old you are … there is something intrinsically engaging about picking up and reading a children’s picture book. The art of marrying a message with an illustration is appealing to young and old. And we know just how memorable and impactful picture books can be. So, we at Constructing Confidence decided to compile our favorite books that help inspire children to build their sense of positivity and self-confidence.

As explained in The Positivity Toolbox, there is a science to developing positivity, and 40% is within our control through intentional activity. So, how do we take a co-learning approach to practicing these lifelong skills alongside kids? We share 12 research-based behaviors to explore in The Positivity Toolbox. Then, we recommend revisiting these skills to build powerful and positive habits of mind. To that end, children’s picture books are a wonderful way to reinforce this messaging.

Happiness Is … 500 Things to Be Happy About by Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar: Quite often it is the little things in life that can make you happy, and sometimes you need a reminder or two or 500!

A Little Spot Needs Positive Thinking by Diane Alber: This book series helps unpack big emotions for little kids and reminds them that life is all about balance.

Taco Falls Apart by Brenda S. Miles PhD and Monika Filipina (Illustrator): It can be hard to get through the day when there are so many expectations, and sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can begin to crack and fall apart.

Pass It On by Sophy Henn: Happiness is a feeling to pass on, even on a cloudy day! And you never know when it might be passed on back to you.

Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup: Words matter, and this clever book with cut-outs and rhyming verse illustrates the concept of kindness in a concrete way.

The Magic Is Inside You: Powerful & Positive Thinking For Confident Kids by Cathy Domoney and Karen Davis (Illustrator): Sometimes we all need to be reminded that we can silence the negative thoughts and take back control with a can-do attitude and a positive mindset.

The Gratitude Jar — A children’s book about creating habits of thankfulness and a positive mindset by Katrina Liu and Bella Ansori (Illustrator): Mina (like us all) is too caught up in others’ lives, and she needs a gentle reminder to recognize all the wonderful things that are going on in her own life.

The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi and Lorena Álvarez (Illustrator): Who or what is Yet? This rhyming tale helps us look forward to all that we have YET to accomplish.

Selma by Jutta Bauer: Selma, a sweet little grass-eating sheep, teaches us all a lesson about what exactly is happiness.

Bloom by Anne Booth: Sometimes, kind words are the type of encouragement we all need.

Happy Right Now by Julie Berry and Holly Hatam (Illustrator): While happiness is important, we do need to feel all the feels. By acknowledging the not-so-happy moments in our lives, we can push through and come out on the other side.

Joy by Corrinne Averiss and Isabelle Follath (Illustrator): Oh, if finding joy were as simple as waving about a catching-kit. Fern’s adventure illustrates the elusive yet rewarding hunt for joy.

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor: With award-winning illustrations, Mel shows us what it looks like to believe in oneself.

Catching Thoughts by Bonnie Clark and Summer Macon (Illustrator): A most clever story about literally facing one’s negative thoughts in order to replace them with positive ones. A mindful practice indeed!

Spin by Rebecca Janni and George Ermos (Illustrator): Life is full of ups and downs, but we all need to keep pedaling (or pushing) forward.

Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers and Lane Smith (Illustrator): The possibilities are endless when you look forward to what can happen tomorrow.

The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater: We all should embrace our individuality and creativity in order to express ourselves, just as Mr. Plumbean does when painting his house on a “neat” street.

The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore and Zoe Persico (Illustrator): We can all struggle with anxiety and be plagued by the Whatifs. Join Cora as she battles her ever-present doubts before a big day.

Taste Your Words by Bonnie Clark and Todd Bright (Illustrator): What if mean words tasted like rotten eggs? How might you sweeten up your words? Amera is about to find out!

Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes (Illustrator): Community counts! Share in the friendships of all ages in this award-winning picture book.

Do let us know which books you would add to this list, and also tell us which ones were your (and your children’s or students’) favorites. And consider bringing The Positivity Toolbox to your school! Learn more from Robin, a leading mental health solution that prepares students for learning success.

DO FOLLOW US!

What is the value of self-confidence?

Most would agree, we all can use a dose of confidence once and a while, regardless of our age. Confidence is that elusive mindset that is challenged on a daily basis, whether we are young and still forming our identities or more mature and riding life’s ups and downs. Confidence can be an uphill battle whether by one’s self or in a group of peers. Research has shown that confidence is a fundamental habit of mind that leads to all types of personal and professional success, from social relationships to educational and career achievements. Self-confidence can lead to improved mental and physical health with clear benefits in:

• Empathy
• Self-efficacy
• Courage
• Problem-solving
• Resilience
• Energy
• Fearlessness
• Sleep hygiene
• Creativity
• Self-worth
• Motivation

How to develop kids’ self-confidence?

Sounds great, right? But where do you start when it comes to our children? How do you instill these mindsets early and often so that they become routinized behaviors? How do you equip them with skill sets that they can rely on for life?

Our Creating Confidence: The Positivity Toolbox workbook is chock full of turnkey strategies and exercises for you to do alongside your child, one conversation at a time. Since such social and emotional skills can be revisited and refreshed time and time again, we developed a co-learning approach that celebrates growing alongside your children to encourage more meaningful and vulnerable conversations within your family.

Explore The Positivity Toolbox

Based on positive psychology research by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, we share 12 habits in The Positivity Toolbox and provide background context, two exercises — one for younger and one for older children— plus follow-up discussion questions to spark continued dialog between family members. Reflect right in the workbook or make copies to give to each member his/her own reflection graphic organizer.

The Constructing Confidence: The Positivity Toolbox workbook includes:

• 12 backgrounders about the research-backed behaviors,
• 24 collaborative hands-on activities to engage in with children,
• 61 discussion questions to foster new skills, and
• 36 easy-to-implement tips for how to turn these behaviors into lasting habits.

Sign up now!

Find The Positivity Toolbox workbook, the first in our Constructing Confidence series, on Amazon or join our Substack.

→ Hey Teachers! We have a version for you and your classroom, available as a hard copy on Amazon or as a digital download on Teachers Pay Teachers. Try Constructing Confidence with your students on a weekly or monthly basis to encourage habits of mind they can use inside and outside of the classroom.

As the tech world continues to chirp, beep, and buzz, we often feel like we’re behind the curve on how new technology will enhance our life (and not distract from it). This conundrum is especially true for educators, who often are the de facto gatekeepers for students’ experiences. As teachers, we want to shield our students from the extraneous to make sure that they are getting the healthiest of diets when it comes to engaging with digital content. We strive to design experiences that challenge them to create and not just consume. So where does AI (artificial intelligence) fit when it comes to classroom learning?

Who is Studdy?

Studdy.ai is a new app that helps learners of all ages find answers (download for free on Apple’s App Store). Yes, it is a homework helper in that it can quickly provide solutions to problems in math, science, and even reading, but it also is a tutor that can support learners’ understanding of problem-solving strategies. Problem solving is the crux of most learning experiences, and we want our learners to be critical and creative thinkers. So Studdy wants to make sure it helps learners actually LEARN and not just find a quick answer.

Want to provide feedback?

Studdy is looking for teacher feedback on their current app. They want educators’ expert advice on how make Studdy productive and effective for students in the classroom and at home. When providing answers, Studdy also gives easy-to-read explanations broken down into digestible bitesized steps. At any step, the learner can click on the question mark (?) and chat with the AI chatbot to ask clarifying questions. In doing so, the bot will take a step back and further break down the explanation with definitions, alternative phrasing, and more in-depth details. Such targeted instruction helps to personalize the learning experience.

Sign up now!

To that end, Studdy would like YOUR EDUCATOR ADVICE. They are looking for candid and constructive feedback via a short survey. As a thank you for your time, you will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD. Interested? Simply download the app and complete this quick survey. Thank you!

AI in the classroom? was originally published in learnEDblog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Each spring we ask our educators for feedback — candid feedback — which then drives our development plans for our K-8 SEL curriculum forward. We aim to make our resources as engaging yet turnkey as possible; we strive to make our platform as intuitive and accessible as possible. Each year, our program becomes stronger and stronger.

Fall 2023 Updates:

New K-8 Videos

These new videos include the new Athlete Mentor cohort. These world-class athletes touch on thematic skills in a way that is developmentally appropriate, all the while sharing personal stories so that kids see the applicability of the lessons in the real world.

Mentorship+ Teachers, you will receive your additional unit videos from your dedicated mentor two weeks before the unit kicks off so that you can preview and incorporate into your lesson planning.

Challenge Board: Scaffolded Projects

The monthly challenges have become more robust. Each core unit now concludes with 3 Athlete Mentor Challenges. Students can pick from (or all) one of three video-based challenges:

• BRONZE (an individual challenge)
• SILVER (a partner or small-group challenge)
• GOLD (a whole-class challenge)

These challenges consist of a PBL (project-based learning) approach so teachers can assess students’ grasp of the concepts in a summative way.

Pre & Post Assessments:

Find a Pre- and Post-Assessment on the Dashboard to use at the beginning and end of the school year. These assessments are designed to give the teacher a sense of student proficiency and progress.

Common Core ELA Standard Alignment

The lessons have been aligned to the Common Core ELA standards. If you don’t use Common Core, these alignment charts will still provide support to weave SEL across the curriculum.

Implementation Resources:

Download the new Introductory Letters and the Teacher implementation Scavenger Hunt that are accessible on the Getting Started page as well.

Mentorship+ Teachers : Communicate with your Athlete in Flip

Your students can now connect with your Athlete Mentor via Flip (formerly Flipgrid). Access your shared class board so your class can communicate directly with your mentor. Have discussions via video, share updates, and ask questions to built a stronger connection throughout the school year.

Check out this blog article to get started!

New Athlete Mentors!

Like every new school year, we’ve welcomed new Athlete Mentor volunteers. If you missed the first-ever Athlete Signing Day on September 13th, you can watch the recording here.

Updated Athlete Mentor Resources:

Learn more about each Athlete Mentor’s Olympic and Paralympic sports by using the following resources:

• Athlete Profile Kit
• Wakelet Board
• Sports Page (NEW!)

Coming soon: New Dashboard!

Get ready for upcoming design changes coming to the Teacher Dashboard, which will help navigation be much simpler!

Thank you for your constructive feedback, and keep it coming! Our Classroom Champions programming has never been better.

Classroom Champions Curriculum Updates was originally published in Classroom Champions on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Teachers are the ultimate distributors of gold stars. Each and every day recognize that hard work needs to be acknowledged, encouraged, and applauded. Educators use stickers, stamps, and colorful pens to add praise to student work. They create colorful bulletin boards and send out announcements about those who have excelled and put forth a great effort.

Our Teacher Recognition Program

So to that end, we also want to recognize how our educators are raising the bar by always going above and beyond with their students, so this year we launched a three-tiered Teacher Recognition Program at Classroom Champions.

Each Spring, we will be asking our educators to apply to become a Classroom Champions Certified Educator, a Classroom Champions Ambassador, or a Classroom Champions Dream Maker. We will laud these teachers for their dedicated work supporting kids’ social and emotional well-being throughout the entire school year.

For decades, teachers have sought to advance kids socially, emotionally, and academically. But in recent years, there has been a focus on further developing kids’ life skills by helping them dream big, set goals, persevere, and work together well, all while learning to express themselves and manage their emotions in a balanced manner … just to name a few SEL-related learning objectives.

The Inaugural Cohort

And this year, we’re proud to announce our first cohort of Classroom Champions Certified Educators for the 2022–2023 school year:

• Jenna Purdu
• Dena Morosin
• Stacey Nohels
• Ashley Anderson
• Ashley Chaulk
• Samantha Goldman
• Heather Williams
• Caitlin Coleman
• Stephanie VanSteenis
• Jenn Regruth
• Annette Bacon
• Beatrice Mattina
• Amber Sindone
• Edna Schellenberg
• Brent Nycz

Keep scrolling!

• Ella Maya
• Stefanie Clark
• Jenn Woodrich
• Hellena Berrios
• Jazeeba Ahmad
• Martina McQuire
• Kim Dahlquist
• Susan Bowen
• Christina Stone
• Mr. Jones
• Samantha Braunscheidel
• Kelly Wharton-Davis
• Michelle Daily
• Kyla Smith
• Emily Nishikawa
• Kara Yanochko
• Rebecca Brinkman
• Amy Pavone
• Iris Sharma
• Kim Booth
• Nivin Beshay
• Samantha Altmiller
• Jennifer Dugan
• Gabrielle Foster
• Melanie Kuzinski
• Jennifer MacIsaac
• Lisa Kasa
• Marie Keely
• Christie Paradise
• Michele Devans
• Jennifer Lundsten
• Megan Lowry

Whew!

These newly-appointed folks can now work toward becoming a Classroom Champions Ambassador this coming school year! We thank you for your dedication, hard work, and ALLLLLLL you do for our children!

Have a great summer, educators.

Classroom Champions’ 2022–2023 Certified Educators was originally published in Classroom Champions on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Let’s Get Moving!

For the month of April, Classroom Champions focuses on Healthy Living as the social and emotional learning (SEL) theme in our K-8 SEL Foundations Curriculum. When it comes to healthy living, we focus on both physical and emotional wellness. One way to address both is to get moving!

Exercise not only has physical benefits like strengthening muscles and bones, reducing the risk of disease, managing weight, and improving sleep quality, but it can improve mental health too. There are effects on brain health, such as reducing stress and depression while improving cognitive functioning and self-esteem.

Plus, getting active can help with mindfulness, boosting an appreciation for the here and now. Such healthy habits can become mindsets for life if practiced and established early.

Here are ten ways to get moving during the month of April:

1: Start with one step forward — go for a walk!

Sounds simple enough, but going for a walk not only helps you get steps in (the goal being 10,000 steps/day), but it will build an appreciation for the world around us. Encourage your students — and yourself — to take some deep breaths, stop and smell the roses, stroll and catch up with a friend!

You can also try going for a mindful walk! A mindful walk is like taking a stroll with a special focus on being fully present in the moment. It’s about enjoying the sights, sounds, and sensations around you while gently moving your body. You might notice the rhythm of your steps, the rustle of leaves, or the warmth of the sun on your skin. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to bring a sense of calm and clarity to your day, wherever you choose to wander.

Check out this free mindful walking resource here.

2: Empower physical activity in the classroom

Check out Kid Power, a free award-winning digital platform for the classroom that features activity videos designed to empower the whole student–heart, body, and mind! Get your students up and moving as they unlock RUTFs (therapeutic food packets) for kids in need around the world and earn coins towards helping local causes. Sign up for a free account today!

3: Use alternative flexible seating options

Exercise balls have long been used as seats for students with ADHD, but having a couple exercise balls in the classroom that any child can choose to use in lieu of chairs is a great way to encourage movement for all students. The exercise balls require users to engage their cores as they center themselves at their desks to work. Just be ready for some wiggling in order for students not to tip over!

4: Practice yoga and mindful breathing techniques

Invite a local yoga studio instructor to lead your students through some deep stretching and relaxation techniques. Many of the tips and tricks will be helpful for students to remember during spring test-taking to help manage anxiety and concentration.

5: Create an obstacle course to increase coordination

Partner with your PE teacher to create an obstacle course for kids. Challenge them to beat their previous times. Obstacle courses engage kids’ gross-motor skills such as kicking, crawling, running, jumping, throwing, lifting, and climbing, which can help with balance, hand-eye coordination, and crossing the midline.

6: Let imaginations run wild and invite students to act out a story

Children of all ages love being read to. Read a picture book or a chapter from a longer novel aloud, and ask kids to act out the story as you read. Engage their imaginations as well as their bodies in bringing stories to life.

7: Take brain breaks to increase student focus

Take a look at this infographic from Heart.org. Consider creating such a choice board where students can pick which activity they want to do as a short brain break. See the clever one mixing math with jumping jacks! Consider sending such ideas home too:

8: Host a kickball tournament

Pit students against faculty in a lunchtime kickball tournament. Encourage team spirit by inviting all to dress up in themed costumes. Can’t you just smell that bouncy red rubber ball?

9: Collaborate with students to create a recess jar

Encourage kids to take full advantage of recess time by helping them vary the games and activities they can engage in. Write different games and ideas on pieces of paper, and then put the folded paper into a jar (lots of ideas from playworks.org). Each recess, a different child can pick a slip to read aloud and lead. Urge them to include others to participate from their grade or across grades.

10: Plan a year’s end Olympic Games

Create outdoor stations that kids can rotate through as part of a year’s end celebration. Use everyday items to test students’ coordination, focus, and perseverance. See turnkey ideas here from the last Olympic Games.

As spring hits in cities and towns far and wide, find ways to get your students moving inside and outside of the classroom. And find more healthy living habits of mind by signing up for Classroom Champions’ SEL Foundations Curriculum.

10 Ways to Get Moving in April was originally published in Classroom Champions on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In honor of National Book Month (March) and National Write Your Story Day (March 14th), Prime Video is excited to bring together award-winning storytellers to share their best advice with educators in cultivating young writers’ creative writing skills.

Join us on Monday, March 13th at 5 EST for a free edWeb webinar, Developing Storytellers: A Conversation with Acclaimed Authors and Filmmaker from JUDY BLUME FOREVER. Launching on April 21st, the documentary JUDY BLUME FOREVER highlights one of the most renowned and influential authors of our time, Judy Blume. Known for her candid and authentic voice that resonates with children and adults alike, JUDY BLUME FOREVER captures and celebrates the need for authors of all ages to own their voices and tell their stories.

Come hear from featured film participants Co-Director Leah Wolchok, celebrated author Pat Scales, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girls series Cecily von Ziegesar to discover ways to build strong writers and to promote artistic creative expression in your classrooms. By registering early, you also will receive an early screening access code to watch JUDY BLUME FOREVER before it is released in April. Join us for an inspiring conversation about creative writing, storytelling, and a love for all books.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER!

Prime Video is offering webinar registrants the opportunity to watch
JUDY BLUME FOREVER in advance of the film’s debut on April 21.

1. Visit AmazonScreenings.com before 9am ET on March 11 and click Redeem Pass.
2. On the next screen, enter edWeb311 and click RSVP.
3. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a link in advance of the screening.
4. Join the virtual screening anytime from 9 am ET on March 11 until 9 am ET on March 14 (a 72-hour window).

Further instructions can be found at AmazonScreenings.com.