Peer Review of Diary Entries About Optimism

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.

Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.

Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences

Practice and receive feedback on the ability to be an “active listener”

Compare and contrast perspectives and defend a position

Describe how different thoughts, situations, and behaviors affect your feelings and emotions

Recognize your “stress moments” and why you feel anxious in these situations

Recognize the different physical cues that emerge during your reaction to negative emotions and stress (e.g., voice volume, tonal quality, shallow/rapid breathing, crossed arms, facial distortions, sweating)

Describe the techniques you use to challenge or refute your negative thoughts and feelings

Recognize the times when you exaggerate the severity or consequences of mistakes, embarrassing moments, failures, rejections and other negative events (e.g., “I can never face them again.” “Everyone thinks I’m stupid.”)

List and explain the different external supports you have used when feeling stressed or anxious (e.g., family, friends, teachers, neighbors)

Recognize situations that impair your judgment, make you unhappy, or lead you to engage in self-defeating, unhealthy, unethical or illegal conduct

Explain one technique you use to stay confident in stressful or challenging situations (e.g. positive self-talk)

Explain how you practice “self-care” (e.g., meditation, listening to music, hobby)

Explain a time when you overcame a negative thought and developed a “growth mindset”

Experience and demonstrate empathy

Demonstrate respect for other people’s opinions and perspectives

Practice “perspective taking” as a strategy to strengthen your acceptance of others

Demonstrate awareness and understanding that despite differences, all people have similar needs, feelings and wants

Recognize and monitor how your facial expressions, body language, and tone impact your interactions with others

Understand and practice positive collaboration and cooperation skills (e.g., teamwork)

Write about and share a principle you want to live by that you learned from a family member, book, movie, or personal experience