Explorer’s Mindset

Explorer’s Mindset TO O L K I T

Artwork by Caroline Little

Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year expedition! I hope that you found some time this summer to rest and reflect, to explore and connect.

Every back-to-school season brings with it its own nervous energy of promise and possibilities, and this year is no exception. So whether your journey began weeks ago, or your departure date is on the horizon, I hope you will take a few minutes and dive into this Back-to-School digital toolkit to harness the explorer mindset that is within all of us, educator and student alike.

Here is how I envision using the enclosed items in my classroom this year, feel free to use them as they make the most sense for you and your explorers.

• I am an Explorer Bookmark. Help your students see themselves as explorers and use bookmarks to remind them throughout their educational journey this year.

• How will my students be empowered as a result of this class? Empowerment plays a vital role in student engagement.

• Here’s how I saw you empowering your students…. Elevate the Educator Explorers in your community by writing and sharing a short note with them.

• “Explore” Hot Air Balloon. Set this up around the classroom / school near an activity to get your explorers excited.

• Why is curiosity important? Have students reflect on why this trait is essential for both explorers in the field and scholars in the classroom.

“A map is the greatest of all epic poems. Its lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.” Use this quote to help your explorers reflect on their sense of responsibility and respect for other people, cultures, and the natural world around them.

“Map of Curiosity” have students create a map of what problems they see in their community and how they would solve them. Perhaps they could even turn their map into a poem?

“Each and every National Geographic Explorer was once a student. They became who they are because of educators like you.” You are amazing. The work you do is inspiring. Put this quote somewhere so you never forget that.

• Expedition Companions Backpack. Have your students fill this out and refer back to the companions that are there to help support them throughout this school year expedition.

Remember, no one explores alone. We are all on this expedition together. Whenever you need to draw strength this school year go outside and find the twinkling stars in the night sky. Our classrooms are the sparkling lights you see. An invisible line connects us all, together we can light up the darkness with our classroom constellations.

Connect with fellow educator explorers on National Geographic’s social media for educators—and create a digital constellation with us!

Hello Fellow Educator Explorers!

Caroline Little National Geographic Certified Educator and Illustrator

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EXPLORER MINDSET TOOLKIT 3

I am an Explorer Bookmark

Explorer’s Mindset

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Transcript of Explorer’s Mindset