Follow along as the book “A Fish for Jimmy” is narrated to the original illustrations. Experience the enhanced story through added music and sound effects

Feelings Friday is a journaling activity for students to help open their eyes and hearts beyond the core content.

Most Fridays, in lieu of a snapshot or bellringer, I give students a prompt to which they respond. I always tell them. “there is no correct answer. I just want to know more about how YOU think.”

Typically, the prompts have to do with something the students are facing in or out of school, but may not have the words or gumption to speak about with teachers or peers. It helps me gauge how students are feeling and gives them an outlet to express themselves where they may not have otherwise.

As part of their bi-weekly notebook checks, I read and respond to their feelings. This has deepened the trust and bond I have with my students. I always remind them before they write that I will read and respond to everything in the NEXT notebook check, so if they have something time sensitive to say, they should leave a note on my desk. This has helped in the prevention and intervention of self-harm and risky behaviors of at-risk students throughout the year.

Feelings Friday is something the students enjoy and is a great – and often funny – way to get to know your students.