Writing is a great way to process and this class creates a safe atmosphere for students to reflect on the past year and set goals for the coming year. 
Learners will be given a journal prompt and time to respond independently (teacher support available during this time if needed). Once the writing time has ended students will have time to share what they have written so far. If students are not able to complete their writing within the given time, they will be asked to share what they have and anything they plan to add later - there will be no judgment or consequence for not having finished. Students may wish to share more than time allowed; if this is the case, they will be encouraged to comment the rest of their response on the classroom wall (optional). 

The class will be structured as follows: 
- Day 1: Mindfulness/ Class Norms/ Introductions; Teacher modeling; Prompt: What is one word you would use to describe the year 2020 and why?; Sharing Time - All students will share their one word - If time permits they can share why as well. 
- Day 2: Mindfulness/ Norm Review; Prompt: What is your best memory of the year 2020 and why?; Sharing time (will be equally divided depending on the number of students) 
- Day 3: Mindfulness/ Norm Review; Prompt: What is your least favorite moment of the year 2020 and why?; Sharing time (will be equally divided depending on the number of students) 
- Day 4: Mindfulness/ Norm Review; Prompt: What is one thing you hope to do/see in the year 2021?; Sharing time (will be equally divided depending on the number of students) 
- Day 5: Mindfulness/ Norm Review; Prompt: What is something you want to improve on/ accomplish in the year 2021?; Sharing time (will be equally divided depending on the number of students) 

The beginning of the class will be more teacher-led as students are given instruction and get used to the format. As the week progresses, students will take more of the talking time to share their responses. 
Required Experience/Prior Knowledge: Students should be proficient in their ability to convey ideas in writing. They do not need to have mastered spelling/ grammatical skills, but they should be able to complete the prompt with minimal support. Students will be expected to write independently for 10 minutes - teacher support will be available if needed for spelling, focus, grammatical questions, or as a thought partner.