Tree of Tomorrow Mural Project Guide

Project Overview

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach for facilitating the Tree of Tomorrow mural. Students will work together to design, cut, write, and assemble a vibrant classroom tree that captures their hopes and goals for the future.

Objective

• Foster collaboration and teamwork
• Reinforce each student’s personal goals from their journaling activity
• Visually celebrate the class’s shared dreams and aspirations

Materials Needed

• Tree of Tomorrow Journal Template
• Tree of Tomorrow Reflection Prompt Cards
• Construction paper in shades of green (#9FCE85, #92C874, #85C463) and accent colors
• Scissors and glue sticks (enough for each student or for group stations)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Large roll of poster paper or bulletin-board background
• Clear workspace or tables covered with protective sheets

Roles and Responsibilities

Assigning clear roles ensures smooth collaboration. Rotate roles if desired.

• Project Coordinator
  • Distributes materials and keeps time
  • Ensures each station is stocked

• Lead Designer
  • Sketches the tree trunk and major branches on the poster paper
  • Coordinates placement of student shapes

• Cutting Crew
  • Trims construction paper into leaf and fruit shapes based on templates or freeform designs
  • Organizes shapes by color and size

• Writing Team
  • Writes one personal goal or hope on each paper shape
  • Checks spelling and clarity

• Decoration Specialists
  • Adds embellishments around the trunk (e.g., initials, small drawings)
  • Fills gaps with extra shapes or decorative elements

Project Timeline

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set Up Workspace

   • Lay out the large poster paper or bulletin-board background.
   • Arrange stations for cutting, writing, and decorating.

2. Role Briefing

   • Explain each role and confirm volunteers.
   • Rotate roles if you want students to experience multiple tasks.

3. Designing the Tree

   • The Lead Designer draws a sturdy trunk and several thick branches.
   • Allow students to suggest branch placements to reflect “paths” toward different goals (e.g., academics, friendships, creativity).

4. Creating Shapes

   • Cutting Crew cuts out leaves, fruits, or other symbols from construction paper.
   • Encourage variety in size and color to keep the mural dynamic.

5. Writing Personal Goals

   • Writing Team uses Tree of Tomorrow Journal Template reflections to transfer one goal per shape.
   • Prompt legibility and clarity—students can draw symbols if writing is challenging.

6. Assembling the Tree

   • Students collaborate to glue or tape their shapes onto branches.
   • Project Coordinator monitors balance so the mural remains visually appealing.

7. Final Decoration

   • Decoration Specialists add small drawings, borders, or inspirational words around the tree.
   • Invite the whole class to step back and suggest any final touches.

8. Cleanup & Reflection

   • All students help clear away scraps and return supplies.
   • Gather as a group and ask:
     “What does our Tree of Tomorrow tell us about our class community?”
     “How can we use these goals throughout the year?”

This project guide ensures clear expectations and roles so every student can participate meaningfully and contribute to a shared vision of growth and possibility.

Tree of Tomorrow Journal

Student Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

🌳 Section 1: Looking Back

1. My proudest achievement this year was:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. One challenge I overcame and what it taught me:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Something new I discovered about myself:
   
   
   
   
   
   

🌿 Section 2: Branching Out (Strengths & Skills)

1. Three personal strengths I’ll carry forward:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. A new skill or hobby I want to explore:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

🍃 Section 3: Leaves of Hope (Goals & Dreams)

1. One clear goal I have for next year:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. A dream I hope will come true someday:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

🌱 Section 4: Deep Roots (Support & Habits)

1. Two people or resources that help me grow, and how they support me:
   • _________________________
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • _________________________
     
     
     
     
     
     
2. One habit I can practice daily to keep growing:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

✏️ Reflection & Sketch

What does my Tree of Tomorrow look like? Describe or draw below:

Use this journal to revisit your reflections and watch your Tree of Tomorrow blossom all year long!

Test Taking Tips

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

Use the strategies below to help you prepare, stay calm, and do your best on any test. Then answer the reflection questions to make a personal plan.

📝 Before the Test

1. Create a study plan. Write down when and what you will study each day this week:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Prepare the night before. List the things you will check (materials, sleep schedule, healthy snack):
   
   
   
   
   
   

⏱ During the Test

3. Read directions carefully. What steps will you take to make sure you understand each question?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Manage your time. How will you keep track of time and decide which questions to answer first?
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. If you get stuck, use a strategy (skip and return, eliminate choices, draw a picture). Describe your first step when you don’t know an answer:
   
   
   
   
   
   

✔ After Answering

6. Check your work before you turn it in. List two things you will look for:
   a. ________________________________
   
   
   
   b. ________________________________
   
   
   

🌟 Reflection

7. Which of these test-taking tips do you think will help you the most, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Test Anxiety Tips

What Is Test Anxiety?
Test anxiety is when you feel worried, nervous, or “butterflies in your stomach” before or during a test. It’s a common feeling—even adults get nervous! A little worry can help you focus, but too much can make it hard to think.

Why We Feel Anxious

• Pressure to do well: You want to show what you know.
• Fear of making mistakes: You don’t want to get answers wrong.
• Time limits: A clock ticking can feel scary.

Tips to Manage Anxiety Before the Test

1. Practice Deep Breathing
   • Breathe in slowly for a count of 4, then out for 4.
   • Repeat 4–5 times to help your body relax.
2. Positive Self-Talk
   • Tell yourself: “I’ve studied and I’m ready.”
   • Replace “I can’t” with “I can try my best.”
3. Get Prepared
   • Pack your materials (pencils, erasers) the night before.
   • Get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.
4. Visualize Success
   • Close your eyes and imagine doing well on the test.
   • Picture yourself calm, confident, and finishing early.

Strategies During the Test

• Read All Directions First
  • Circle key words in the instructions.
  • Ask your teacher if anything is unclear.
• Pace Yourself
  • Quickly skim through the test to see how many questions there are.
  • Decide which questions to answer first (easy ones build confidence).
• Use a Break Technique
  • If you feel stuck, look away from the paper for 5 seconds.
  • Take three deep breaths before you start again.
• Stay Positive
  • If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly and keep going.
  • Focus on the next question—don’t dwell on what’s behind.

After the Test: Reflect and Learn

1. Celebrate Your Effort
   • Give yourself a high-five for finishing.
   • Share one thing you did well.
2. Identify Growth Areas
   • Think: “What can I learn from this test?”
   • Ask your teacher for tips on questions you found hard.

🌟 Your Personal Plan

1. What makes me feel nervous before a test?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which calming strategy will I try first?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How will I remind myself to stay positive during the test?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Use these tips whenever you feel test anxiety coming on. With practice, you’ll learn to stay calm, do your best, and show what you know!