New Year’s Resolutions

 As adults when a new year begins we start thinking about all the things we want to change in the coming year. Many of us resolve to eat healthier or start working out more. However, those aren’t exactly what comes to the minds of 6 and 7 year olds, which is why we started our discussion of New Year’s resolutions with a story. We read the story Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution. In this story, Squirrel is in search of a New Year’s resolution and asks all her friends what they resolve to do in the new year. While visiting each friend she is able to help them progress towards their goal and realizes that her New Year’s resolution is to help people. 

After reading the story we began brainstorming ideas for our own New Year’s resolutions. Some students shared that they wanted to help others, just like Squirrel did, while others thought it might be best to focus on being a better listener. Not only did we think about resolutions, but we also thought about something new we want to try this year and reflected on the best part of the past year. After this discussion it was time for students to record their thoughts for the new year. Below are a few of the finished products. We have them hanging up in our classroom to help us remember what we want to work towards this new year!