Monday, November 21

Good morning, Capstone beauties!

Today we will answer the question, "What is a mantra?"

For your Do Now, please write down five (5) words that describe our group's personality right now. These words can be attributes, emotions, characteristics, etc.

When you are done, we will share out the words we've come up with and vote on 5 that we all agree best represent us.

Our task will be to put all of these words into some sort of mantra that will represent our group. This mantra will serve as our inspiration, as well as our bit of courage when we need it.

This mantra can be just a chant, a song, a rap, a poem, a dance...anything that will help our group feel inspired and united.

"I think I can."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx9xO98kcBU&feature=related

For example, let's watch the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team perform the Haka, their mantra/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4LNjNXt1yM&feature=fvst

What will our mantra be?

Tuesday, November 8

Good morning, Capstone beauties!

For your Do Now, in your journal, please write down 5 things you do really well.

Describe these 5 skills or things you do well to a person sitting next to you.

Today we will be discussing those things that make us unique. We have moved into Part 2 of our Ashoka Youth Venture Journey. We will be investigating who we are and what our unique abilities are. Later on, we will see what abilities we have as a group and what makes our cohort unique!

We need to define the words attribute, characteristic, and skill. These are the words that we often hear when asked to describe ourselves. In order to describe ourselves accurately, we need to know what these words mean!

Working with a partner, please find a definition for each of these words. We will share out as a class.

What is a logo? What is a personal tag?

Friday, November 4

Happy double-Gold day, Capstone students!

Today we will be finishing up our storytelling unit as part of the Ashoka Youth Venture.

For your Do Now, please tell a partner what H.E.A.R. stands for.

Next we will do a storytelling activity to help us practice BOTH storytelling and active listening.

How did the stories change as they were retold? Why?

Was it difficult to tell someone else's story? Why?

How did you balance listening to your partner with preparing to tell the story? Were you still able to adhere to the HEAR model?

Wednesday, November 2

Happy morning, Capstone students!

Today we will be practicing active listening techniques.

For your Do Now, please find a partner. You will read your story that was homework to your partner and let them know what parts of it you thought were compelling and which parts could use a little help. Switch roles with your partner.

The HEAR model (borrowed from Ashoka's Youth Venture packet) is a combination of four steps that are essential to active listening. Use it to better understand the facts, ideas, and feelings of the speaker, and to help the speaker clarify her own thoughts, problems, and solutions.

HEAR -----> EMPATHIZE -----> ANALYZE -----> RESPOND

Hear

• Listen attentively to words and feelings.
• Keep an open mind. AVoid letting your own feelings, attitudes, or opinions interfere with your ability to listen.
• Do not evaluate, censor, or try to monopolize the conversation.
• Do not interrupt. It is important to listen to the speaker's entire thought before you respond.

Empathize

• Display an interest in the speaker's pint of view, even (or maybe especially), if it differs from your own.
• Listen for facts, ideas, and feelings.
• Listen for the thoughts behind the words.
• Check for understanding by paraphrasing the facts as well as the speaker's position.

Analyze

• Listen for the thoughts behind the words. Thinking is after than speech. Use your extra "thought time" to summarize, review, and anticipate.

Respond

• Pay attention and show it.
• Include statements such as "I see," "yes," and "I understand."
• Hold off on your evaluation.
• Hear the speaker out.
• Avoid premature advice.
• Do respond. It is especially difficult to talk to someone when there is no apparent reaction.
• Check to be sure the speaker understands your response. 

We will next go through a number of activities for you to practice active listening with your partner. Get your pencils ready!

Debriefing and Reflection Questions

How is the HEAR model important?

Which aspects of the model did you use in this exercise?

Do you normally listen, talk, and interact with others using the HEAR model?

Why or why not?

How did you feel during the listening activities?

Was it easy or difficult?

Were you surprised by the way the exercise worked?

Did you notice any trends or changes over time?

How did the experience add to your understanding of active listening and HEAR?