Each morning, Suzy and Vanessa’s Lower Elementary class begins their day with 15 minutes of exercise and dance expression. This is an opportunity for students to settle into their bodies with awareness and to get their brains and bodies primed for learning.

Following the exercise, students transcribe a quote from the board to their journal and reflect upon its meaning. The class engages in group discussion about the quote and writes their own personal reflection on its meaning in their journal. 

Through this daily practice, students learn about countless artists, authors, activists, leaders, innovators and peacemakers. Learning about each person’s life and work is inspirational, and reflecting upon their words creates meaning about life, justice, joy, kindness, personal responsibility, and nature.