Starting Points, an Amplify program that is part of the Humanities Skills Boost department, aims to help student re-engage with school at the beginning of the academic year. Emerging from the research on stereotype threat, socio-psychological interventions and culturally sustaining pedagogy, the activities prompt students to consider and freely express what matters to them. By writing about themselves and what is important in their life, students move towards a positive mindset that leads to better long-term outcomes.

In the Fall of 2021, I worked with amazing illustrator Francesca Mahaney to create a version of the program for K-5 (it was already designed and launched for grades 6-8 the previous year). She developed a set of fresh, new illustrations corresponding to each value word given to students during the program. I placed her illustrations in my updated and refined layouts. 

Final Deliverables: 
• Teacher Guide PDF booklets 
• Printable Student Value Cards 
• Outline of Program Schedule