Rooted in Confidence

Our girls are discovering who they are, right down to the very roots! 

They are confident, brave, courageous, and kind. But don’t just take it from us – swipe and see for yourself! 

While working in their Big Life Journals, guided journals that teach persistence, effort, and determination, SMS 3rd-graders read about Smriti Mandhana, a professional cricket player who showed determination and perseverance throughout her career. Our students were captivated by this lesson, and North Campus Counselor Lauren Mitchell knew there was room to grow. 

Mrs. Mitchell used Smriti’s story as inspiration for a project, drawing an activity from the Big Life Journal. She asked 3rd-grade students to consider the “roots” of their lives—the people, things, thoughts, and values that support them in challenges. Each girl mapped these components out visually, drawing them as roots on a tree that represents who they are.

Then, the project blossomed. 

Not only did each class thoughtfully consider what makes them unique, but their wisdom and creativity added layers to the learning. 

McKenzie ’34 placed a bird in her tree to show that her heart has room for others, while Eisley James ‘34 wove her roots together to represent how the elements of her support system are interconnected. Riley ’34 chose to draw a palm tree as a reminder that she is flexible in every situation. Ella ’34 drew wind to symbolize that your roots can keep you strong, even if the wind is blowing. Other additions to the drawings included benches, tire swings, flowers, and friends – all metaphors for how our girls see themselves and embrace the world around them. 

Our students’ imagination, curiosity, and insight are just like the growth spring brings: always a little more wonderful than we could imagine. 

Want to craft a tree yourself? Click below for a downloadable PDF! 

Make_Your_Own_Tree.pdf