The changing of the seasons, or the beginning of a new year, is a good opportunity to explore how we also can change ourselves. In particular, autumn provides colorful inspiration. Set this one up by first having the kids notice the change in the weather, and the color of the leaves in their environment. Warmer clothes are required, and the sun starts setting sooner. If you wish, have them collect leaves the day before class and bring the leaves in for display to set the tone for the Council. Have the leaves toward the center of the Council Circle. Let the your students know that they will be exploring how we all change, and that setting new intentions is a skill they will use all their lives. This will be an interactive lesson where they will get to support each other through their changes.
• To identify old habits that no longer serve
• To set intentions for new good habits through positive affirmations
• To celebrate the season of autumn
• To be empowered and encouraged by one’s peers.
50 minutes
Recycled brown paper bags, and /or fall-colored papers - yellow, golds, oranges and reds etc. markers, crayons, pens, pencils, oil pastels, Scissors, enough for all to share.
Discussion:
A brief warm-up will help to set the intention for the lesson and to get the inspiration flowing. Talk about the changing season, and how everything in life has a cycle. We also can create cycles for ourselves which help us grow and mature.
Activity:
MAKING THE LEAVES
Pass out the art materials and ask the students to draw and cut out a leaf-like shape on their favorite color of paper.
~ On one side, have them write in words, or symbols, what they would like to let “Fall-Away” from their life.
If it is of a personal nature, it is important to not name names.
~ On the other side, have them write an affirmation of what will take its place.
Example:
side one - I wish to not spend so many hours on Facebook or let the words of others hurt my feelings.
side 2 - I affirm that instead, I will spend more time with my family - feel confident about who I am.
No matter what people say. These are my intentions and I know I will follow through with action.
NOTE: Remember, the affirmation is the “can-do” part of the lesson. Let the students know ahead of time that you will be sharing these leaves in Council. Ask the group to create an audible affirmation that they will say after each student shares their own Intention.
For Instance: “Can-do”, “Will-Do”, “Right-On”, “Get it Done”, “So-Be-It” etc.
Call for dedications. For each dedication, place one of the natural gathered leaves on the centerpiece. If permitted, light a candle, or use an electric candle and/or - ring a bell.
SHARING THE LEAVES: Make sure everyone is done with their leaf, or they want to continue and only need a few more minutes, you might want to start the sharing, in interest of time.
Ask the students to share what they have written on their leaves. Have them individually share first what they want to fall away, and then share their affirmation. From the first student to start, pass to the left. Some may only want to share the affirmation part, and some may want theirs to be a silent acknowledgement. Instruct those silent ones to take a moment to say to themselves what they want to change in their life. Encourage them to give voice to their intentions as it gives them more power to follow through. It’s important to speak it in one way or another. Be sure that the intentions are acknowledged by the whole group. “ So Be It” or….
Look for commonalities.
The following are suggested prompts for this round. You may also want to design the prompt around a common thread that you hear.
For instance, many may say "I want to stop procrastinating on my schoolwork. "
~ “What do you stand to gain if you manage your time better ?”
~ “Tell a story about a time something changed for the better.”
~ “ Tell a time when you achieved a goal that you set for yourself.”
If there is time, do a round to weave the thoughts together, whether speaking of what must "Fall Away", or solidifying the intentions for all to hear. Name one word or phrase that someone else shared that is staying with you.
A popcorn Council is a fun way to share...Be Brief!
Have the kids stand and pass a Hi 5 around the circle, repeating their special affirmation one more time. Finally, if you wish, and they approve, ask them if you can display their leaves on a bulleting board. Try Creating a black silhouette of a tree with big outspread limbs, and have the kids attach their leaves - whichever side they want to share.
A follow up Council might be:
When the next season comes, in this case winter, perhaps after Thanksgiving, do a check-in Council to see how they are doing with their intentions. Remind them, baby steps…they may fall down, but they can always get back up and start over.
If you are with an Independent school, or your school allows the discussion of Religious Holidays, consider connecting themes of renewal and transformation with cultural holidays which occur in late summer/fall such as Ramadan, or Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Basic and Popcorn
Bonnie Murray Tamblyn
