The IB Diploma Program (IBDP) is known for its rigor which often leaves students feeling stressed and overwhelmed. In such an intense academic environment, it is crucial to provide students with opportunities to reflect, express themselves, and find joy beyond their studies. Recognizing this need, teachers at Copenhagen International School (CIS) try to create opportunities for students to look beyond academics.
In one of the DP Business classes at CIS, the teacher decided to start many of her classes with thought-provoking questions to encourage students to shift their focus momentarily from academics to self-reflection and gratitude.
These questions included:
- Who has helped you become the person you are today, and what’s the top thing you’d thank them for?
- What’s something you witnessed recently that reminded you that life is good?
- Who is someone that really listens when you talk, and how does that affect you?
- What’s a hard lesson that you were grateful to learn?
In one session, students wrote small notes of appreciation to someone they wanted to thank and personally handed them over. This simple exercise allowed them to express gratitude and foster meaningful connections.
To create a sense of belonging in the classroom, students were also invited to write notes to themselves, which the teacher then printed, laminated, and displayed on the classroom walls. Today, students smile as they see their personal messages on the wall, feeling reassured and supported. One parent even expressed appreciation for these thought-provoking sessions during a parent-teacher conference.
Encouraging students to look beyond academics fosters emotional well-being, self-awareness, and a sense of community. By initiating discussions about life, gratitude, and personal growth, we create an environment where students feel safe to share, learn from each other, and appreciate the journey beyond grades. The Wall of Wisdom, where students contribute their reflections, has further strengthened this sense of belonging.
It is heartening to witness students sharing openly and feeling accepted rather than judged. Providing these spaces for reflection and expression reminds them that education is not just about academic success but also about personal growth, connection, and well-being.
