Monday, August 22, 2016

Help Students Find Their Passion with THRIVELY!

Among the many edtech tools, websites, apps, etc. that educators can choose to use is one very unique website called Thrively. Thrively, an innovative company that works with schools and families to help students find their passions, interests and strengths. Thrively strives to put each student on the right path on the JOURNEY of life. 

I began using Thrively with my students in May 2015 and we were immediately hooked. Here is a short video four of my students created on the last day of school just a few months ago (with no help from me) about why they love Thrively:
There are many parts to Thrively that students and teachers love, but it all starts with the Strength Assessment. Students (and adults!) enjoy taking the 25-minute 80-question assessment developed by two neuropsychologists. 

After the assessment is completed, the students receive an uplifting report about their top 5 strengths

In addition, after the assessment is completed, a unique website is created for each student based on his/her strengths, chosen career paths and interests. 


Thrively has curated hundreds of activities, videos, apps, and websites the students can explore that are interesting to them. The site even provides information on suggested activities in the student's local area.

There is a dedicated section for students to explore different career paths as well:

There are also "Values and Skills" lessons and courses that the students can complete in the categories of Social Emotional Learning, Social Responsibilities and the 4 C's (Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking)

In addition, students can create a Digital Portfolio throughout the year by adding highlights and tracking goals. 

Teachers can set up "Projects" for collaborative online group work as well. This is a perfect feature for any content area or Genius Hour project. 


Students also are encouraged to write journal entries about everything they explore on Thrively. These journal entries can be accessible to each student throughout the year, and the teachers can view all their students' journal entries to keep track of their progress!

Finally, teachers can view data of their students' strengths, interests and career paths with the click of a button! 

If you have not begun YOUR Thrively journey yet, please check it out: www.thrively.com/classroom Here is a three-minute video to give you an overview: https://vimeo.com/167043210

I would love to tell you more about how we can help your students reach their fullest potential.   Feel free to connect with me on Twitter at @ArinKress if you have any questions or would like help getting started! Thrively's twitter account is @Thrively.