Every 365 Days a student you know enters yet another year holding on to some type of brokenness, insecurity, fear or inequality. These are all distractions which are increasing inadequate perceptions. These familiar emotions, and negative ideas are identified as internal attacks against the everyday thought life. Also known by Author, Kristen Hopkins as the Dangers of the Mind.

This social and emotional literacy curriculum, provides a unique perspective on issues that affect teens, due to their personal cerebral impediments. Dangers of the mind, LLC. identifies the mental breakdowns that one may face, in order to overcome their negative thoughts, and fundamentally create a sustainable progressive outcome for their future. Over the course of eighteen weeks or thirty-six weeks, students will be able to identify and engage in lessons that are designed to reach, teach and build a strong system of future pioneers that will be able to harness their internal power, and ultimately catapult into their rightful purpose.

Dangers of the Mind Facilitator’s Guide is supportive in guiding instructors in utilizing the lessons within the book, Dangers of the Mind, with young people to its fullest benefit. The Facilitator Guide is comprised of ten student lessons, a parent connection component, Building Healthy Mind assessments, and a College & Career Checklist, all focused on success in the classroom and life. The lesson menus are flexible enough to be used in 30-90 minute sessions or over a week’s time, depending upon the number of activities completed. This guide pulls together specific content for the user to empower schools and other groups, to impact youth on a new level.

Every lesson utilizes grades 6-12 Common Core State Standards, in the following areas of literacy: Utilizing Informational Text, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Many lesson activities utilize College and Career Readiness Skills, noted to align with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards. Student lessons are organized in a “before, during, and after” format, for simple use and contain activities in the following specific areas: Speaking & Listening, Informational Reading and Research & Writing.

The Participant Portfolio includes activities designed to promote engagement with the Dangers of the Mind text and help students and adults apply new knowledge in all areas of their lives. Every portfolio lesson begins with a Lesson Focus to ensure primary lesson points. The Participant Portfolio also includes a variety of participant assessments including a pre and post assessment, a checklist, and a Building Healthy Minds rubric.

The Dangers of the Mind Curriculum promotes building healthy minds, by identifying socially and emotionally detrimental setbacks. The lessons help students, create a pathway towards manifesting a positive outlook on life. Ultimately, by encouraging the youth to eliminate these attacks against their thought life, we are ushering in the future leaders of tomorrow to walk in purpose, and LIVE on purpose.