OBJECTIVE: To encourage students
to reflect on their strengths and interests; to facilitate self-awareness
MATERIALS: BrainStorm
reproducible (PDF); chart paper; marker; access to SparkTop.org
(go to Spark 2 Spark under the "Connect" menu)
ACTIVITY LEAD-IN: Share a few of your favorite hobbies
with students, then ask what they like to do in their spare time.
Record their answers on chart paper. Discuss how everyone's brain
is unique and how, as a result, each person has their own skills
and interests. Tell students they will be creating a "picture"
of their brain that reflects their own special skills and talents.
Hand out the BrainStorm reproducible, one per student.
PROCEDURE:
1. Have students record their interests and hobbies on the BrainStorm
reproducible. Guide them to record at least one thing they
are interested in or good at.
2. In the middle of their brain, have kids draw a picture or
paste a photo that represents themselves or their interests.
3. If appropriate, encourage students to share a hobby or interest
with the class. As students share their hobbies, point out skills
used in each activity (e.g., physical strength, social skills,
patience, planning, etc.).
4. Have students check out the BrainStorms of kids at SparkTop.org
by going to Spark 2 Spark, clicking on a Screen Name, then
clicking the VIEW BRAIN button in the upper left-hand corner.
