Introduction to Write for Life

Course Objective To use writing in conjunction with other modes (reading/discussion/small and large group/independent projects) in order to increase self-awareness, well-being and growth in the areas of : strengths development goal-setting perseverance relationship building and communication.

Areas of Focus: The non-academic factors that help determine the likelihood of success and well-being such as: Working in your strengths Developing a growth mindset(vs. a fixed mindset) Rethinking your thinking Testing and developing your GRIT (Perseverance) Being engaged and finding meaning in your work Nurturing positive relationships

Format Lecture Discussion Group and independent study

Materials Three ring binder with loose leaf paper Independent reading book from list Related articles

Assessment Weekly writing assignments Weekly reading assignments Individual and group projects Independent reading

Classroom Introductions

Introduction to Strengths A strength is a personal trait that is frequently used and embraced across time and in different situations and is valued across cultures. These strengths are broken down into six categories:  Wisdom and knowledge (creativity, curiosity, open- mindedness, love of learning, perspective)  Courage (bravery, persistence, integrity, vitality)  Love and humanity (love, kindness, social intelligence)  Justice (citizenship, fairness, leadership)  Temperance (forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation)  Spirituality and transcendence (beauty/excellence, gratitude, hope, humor, spirituality)

Take the Strengths Assessment:

Homework 1.Write a Positive Introduction: A 300 word concrete story about a time when you were at your best. 2.Evaluate your PI for evidence of your Signature(top 5) Strengths.

Review  What are the six strengths categories:  Wisdom and knowledge  Courage  Love and humanity  Justice  Temperance  Spirituality and transcendence

Class Objective Recognizing your strengths. Recognizing strengths in others Finding and/or creating opportunities to use your strengths. Utilizing your strengths on a daily basis.

Discussion 1.Which of your strengths surprised you? 2.What values line up with your strengths? 3.What are some of the “shadow” strengths that may cause you problems? 4. Who do you admire? What strengths does this person exhibit? What strengths do you share?

Discuss Practice the S.M.A.R.T. Model: 1.Spotting: In what situations do my strengths come alive? 2.Managing: How often do I use my strengths? 3.Advocating: How can I maximize the use of my strengths? 4.Relating: How can I use my strengths to benefit others? 5.Training: How can I bring out the strengths in others?

Activity Create individual and group Strengths Clouds using wordle.net.

Homework This week, choose and complete an activity that uses one of your signature strengths. Write an essay about your experience: Paragraph#1: Explain your strength. Paragraph#2: Tell what activity you chose and tell why you chose it (how it relates to your strength). Paragraph#3: Describe, in detail, the activity. Paragraph#4: Explain how you felt while doing the activity and what you learned about yourself.