The Me I See, 2nd Edition: Learning Through Writing and Reflection - Softcover

The Wood 'N' Barnes Collective

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1885473745 ISBN 13: 9781885473745

Publisher: Wood N Barnes, 2009

Synopsis

The Me I See is a simple, thorough collection of journaling prompts placed in an accessible workbook template. The pages are full of thought-provoking prompts in an inviting format with a sense of whimsy and fun that is far less intimidating than the blank page. These pages are conveniently reproducible and can be used alone or combined with photos and artwork to make writing fun, creative, and engaging.

The book is organized by subject, starting with the me I see and progressing through subjects such as values, past, family, and social. Each subject area starts with lighter, easier-to-process prompts followed by more challenging ones. Choose the prompts that are appropriate for your class, group, or individual.

The Me I See was designed to be used by educators, counselors, and therapists as a tool to help adolescents express themselves, reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and explore the issues that shape their lives. The journaling exercises will help them learn about who they are as individuals. The exercises will give them some insights to cope with the stressors of being an adolescent and to interact positively with the world around them.

Educators will find The Me I See useful for engaging students in all kinds of classroom situations from exploring issues and topics in health class, social curriculum, and peer leadership programs to English or Civics class. Therapists will find this tool valuable for helping adolescent clients work through their thoughts and emotions as they explore the cathartic aspect of journaling. The Me I See can also be the perfect supplement to group therapy sessions by providing opportunities for adolescents to engage in structured time alone, to reflect and process. This time away from the group balances and supports the group process. Individuals can reflect on topics that might not have come up during group discussion and explore thoughts they might not verbalize in a group setting.

About this title

About the Author

Rachel Poliner is an educational consultant working with schools in the U.S. on advisory programs, social and emotional learning (SEL), high school redesign, leadership and change. A former teacher and program leader of Educators for Social Responsibility, she is the author of The Advisory Guide, Conflict Resolution in the Middle School Student Workbook, and Journal and Dialogue: Turning Controversy into Community.

Jennifer Roberts is a high school social worker helping students and families struggling with a wide range of personal and social issues. Her practice includes individual and group counseling. She has helped create a high school advisory program, a reentry protocol for students who return to school after hospitalization, and support systems for crises and tragedies.

Review

It would not be an overstatement to say that this book has blown me away. I wish someone had handed it to me when I started my first job in 1988. You hit every single note right: conceptual framework, adolescent development, implementation. It is succinct, yet maps out all the currents we need to be cognizant of when working effectively with teens, and then gives us the boat and the oars. I love your introduction, highlighting the importance of insight and emphasizing accepting responsibility for our own learning and applying it to future situations. --Lisa Towne, MA, CAS School Psychologist, Greenwich, NY

The Me I See is a powerful resource to encourage self-reflection. It is very user friendly, making it an enjoyable read. The prompts are excellent, and extremely relative to the daily lives of teens. The facilitation notes include helpful, teacher-directed activities and give specific guidance and suggestions on the presentation of the material while allowing for creativity to be applied in a variety of content areas. I am definitely going to use these prompts as part of my journaling assignments. I look forward to sharing The Me I See with colleagues. --Donna Richter BS/MA, Physical Education Teacher/Department Coordinator, Ropes Course Facilitator, Middleton High School, Middleton, WI

In a world that often leaves too little time for reflection, The Me I See is a sensitive, gentle, fresh-air invitation to guided introspection. By providing opportunities to reflect on the past, anchor the present, and record hopes and dreams for the future, this journal opens the door for a writer to engage in a monologue with him/herself, holding a promise of insight leading to personal development. I wish this journal had existed for my teenage years! --Marj Burgess, LPC, Founder of The Center for Creativity in Living, Gardiner, ME

Edition details

• Publisher: Wood N Barnes
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1885473745
• ISBN 13: 9781885473745
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 192
• Editor: The Wood 'N' Barnes Collective