Module Introduction
Webster’s dictionary defines hope as “to expect with confidence,” which resonates with how students often use the term. For example, when a student says, “I hope I do well on my exam,” there’s an underlying expectation and belief that success is achievable.
Researchers have explored the concept of hope further and identified three essential components. First, there’s the wish—the desire to succeed on an exam, as one step towards becoming a physicist or doctor. Maybe with the larger hopes that they can help solve the mysteries of the universe or contribute to a more equitable healthcare system. Next, students need a belief that doing well is possible, even if they face challenges like a heavy workload. Finally, they require trust in their own abilities or the resources available to them, such as study guides or support from teachers and peers.
This example highlights that hope is more than just wishful thinking; it involves a positive outlook as well as a realistic assessment of one’s resources and supports that can help make the wish come true. As teachers, we can support students in developing all of these components of hope.
Spark Interest
Consider listening to one or more of these songs or any song here:
- Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- Fight Song – Rachel Platten
- The Climb – Miley Cyrus
- Heal the World – Various
- I Hope you Dance – Lee Anne Womack
- When you Believe – Mariah Carey
- Empire State of Mind – Jay Z
Reflection
- What about this song you chose makes you feel hopeful? What words do they use that inspire hope?
- Is there another song you can think of that really inspires hope for you? Why?
Learning Objectives
In this module we will:
- Understand the meaning of hope, particularly as it relates to students
- Explore how hope can support students’ well-being, resilience, and success in school
- Investigate the various ways you can create classrooms that support hope or help students build or harness hope on a daily basis
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Hope for Adults" and “Hope for Students”.
Individual Exploration
Hope plays a significant role in students’ lives, often without them even realizing it. They hope to excel on tests, catch the attention of that cute 9th grader, make their parents proud, and secure a job after high school. But they hope for bigger things, too – like wanting to find a cure for cancer, travel the world, have a family of their own, or contribute meaningfully to the world.
Hope is a vital force that drives young people forward amidst the uncertainty and planning for their futures. While the seeds of hope are often planted early in life, they require nurturing, especially when students encounter setbacks and challenges.
Teachers can be instrumental in fostering this hope, providing the support and encouragement students need to thrive.
What is Hope?
In this first segment, learn about hope, how it is defined by researchers, how it develops in young people, and how it is related to other important constructs. [25:47]
Reflection
- Have you noticed the difference between students who just “want” things versus students who “hope” for their goals or certain outcomes, as we have defined it in the video?
Why is Hope Important for Students?
In this next video, learn what researchers have discovered about how hope can benefit students. [7:02]
Reflection
- In what ways have you seen hope positively impact your students’ engagement or resilience?
How to Cultivate Hope
In this final video, learn how educators can intentionally help students cultivate hope. [15:10]
Reflection
- What specific actions can you take to create an environment that fosters hope in your students? How might you measure the impact of these efforts?
Links from Videos
- 2 x 10: Getting to Know A Student (Adult) Teachers spend two minutes a day for ten days getting to know a student with whom they wish to foster a positive relationship. (less than 15 minutes)
- Dimensions of Difference and Similarity Reflection (Adult) Teachers reflect on and discuss various dimensions of their identities to gain awareness of the impact of these on their relationships with students and their families. (less than 2 hours)
- Finding Silver Linings (Adult) Change your outlook on a negative event — and enjoy less stress. (10 minutes daily, x 3 weeks)
- Seeing the Positive Side of Things (Middle School – Adult) Students and/or staff members make a list of positive aspects of their lives, then choose a negative one and change their outlook on it. (less than 15 minutes)
- Hope for Educators Module A GGIE module about how educators can foster their own hope.
- Best Possible Self (Middle school-college) Write a description of the best possible life for yourself you can imagine. (15 minutes, 1x/day)
- Best Possible Self for Relationships (Adult) Build the kind of relationships you want by fostering optimism. (15 minutes, 1x/day)
- Giving Thanks (PreK-lower elementary) Students create a definition of gratitude and name things they’re grateful for. (less than 30 minutes)
- Three Good Things for Students (all ages) Students record three good things that happened to them each day for a week and an explanation of how they achieved or contributed to the good things. (less than 15 minutes)
- Gratitude Journal for Students (all ages) Students keep a journal in which they write five things they’re grateful for once a day for two weeks. (5-10 minutes per day for 2 weeks)
- Inspiring Climate Awareness Through Gratitude (all ages) Students write about something they are grateful for in nature, reflect on how climate change can affect the thing they are grateful for, and consider what they can do to help preserve nature. (less than 30 minutes)
- People Can Change: Recognizing Our Potential for Growth (Middle school- High school) Students practice using a more flexible, open-minded “growth mindset” when considering others’ behaviors and personalities—including those who harass or exclude others and/or are themselves harassed or excluded. (less than 1 hour)
- Mindset Boosting Messages for Math (Upper elementary – college) Students watch an 8-minute video followed by a short discussion to boost their growth mindset in math. (less than 1 hour)
- Discovering Your Strengths and Talents (Middle school – college) Students send emails to five trusted adults, asking them what they think are students’ strengths, talents, unique contribution to the world, and how to go about achieving their goals. (less than 1 hour)
- Magic Wand (Middle school-college, but adaptable to all ages) Reflect on what you’d like to change in the world and how you can help move the world closer to this ideal. (15 minutes/1x/day)
- Create a Purpose Tattoo (Middle school – college) Students design a tattoo that symbolizes the things that matter most to them. (less than 30 minutes)
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Hope for Adults" and “Hope for Students”.
A worksheet in which students set out on a quest to identify goals and forge pathways to achieving them.
Group Facilitation
Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Hope for Adults" and “Hope for Students”.
A revisable, turnkey powerpoint slide deck to use for professional learning sessions on the topic of "Hope for Students".
A powerpoint slide deck with welcoming and closing activities to include in professional learning sessions.
A worksheet in which students use art to help them understand hope.
“The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started.”
Do you want to dive deeper into the science behind our GGIE practices? Enroll in one of our online courses for educators!
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