As we kicked off the school year, I wanted to inspire my students to think deeply about their learning journeys and what they hoped to achieve. We embarked on a unique and meaningful activity: creating personalized suitcases filled with goals, values, and aspirations.
The Concept: A Suitcase for the Journey Ahead
We began by exploring the symbolism of a suitcase. I showed the class different types—from vintage leather trunks to modern hard-shell carry-ons. I asked, "What does a suitcase represent to you?" Students quickly caught on, sharing thoughts about journeys, preparation, and the excitement of new adventures. This led us to a powerful question: "If this school year were a journey, what would you pack in your suitcase?"
The Creative Process: Packing with Purpose
Students were given blank suitcase cutouts and art supplies to personalize their suitcases. Before diving in, they brainstormed words, phrases, and images that represented their hopes for the year. Most students focused on academic goals like "curiosity" and "perseverance," while others chose personal values such as "kindness" and "courage." They packed their suitcases with these words by designing a manifesto to place inside their suitcase. Each suitcase became a reflection of the individual student’s dreams and ambitions.
The suitcases will be reminders of the intentions we set at the beginning of our journey. They will stay visible in our classroom, serving as daily motivators. At the end of the year, we’ll revisit these creations to see how far we've come, reflecting on what we’ve packed, unpacked, and learned along the way. Activities like this give students a sense of ownership over their learning journey.
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