As we come to the year end it is naturally a time of reflection. What has gone well, what would we change. But more important than that, what were our successes.
Celebrating success helps keep us motivated, develops a growth mindset and builds our confidence. It is key, regardless of age.
This simple activity helps children reflect on their success.
Activity
Start with a talking and listening session, some of the questions to explore could be
- What has been achieved this year
- What made them proud
- What are their favourite memories of the year
- What did they enjoy
- What did they achieve
From here, introduce the concept of a story stick. The stick starts at one end and goes to the other, like a journey. It can be used to track a journey or learning but today we use it for reflection. Take time outside to try reflect on the year individually before then finding treasures which represent each. These are then tied to the stick. Sometimes coloured yarn wrapped around the stick can have memories (the time they fell in the pond, blue, the time they nailed their times tables yellow for a star etc). The stick is personal and there is no real right or wrong way to do it. Some children may even choose to whittle in some designs.
This stick can be very personal so be mindful of this when discussing it with the children. There may be some memories on it that is just for them.
Older Children
They may find the knots tricky but should be able to complete this individually.
Younger Children
They may find attaching the finds really tricky. If children are very young/ struggling you may wish to use piece of a brown piece of paper or sketched stick which has some double sided tape on it.