From Resistance to Radiance: How 100+ 4th and 5th graders at Del Aire Elementary Became Intrinsically Motivated in Just One Workshop

At Del Aire Elementary School, Dr. Nooshin Valizadeh showed that meaningful personal development work with students doesn’t require voluntary participation. It requires relevance, connection, and strategy.

Principal Jessica Lubs had participated in Wiseburn School District’s professional development series, where Dr. Nooshin led monthly values-based curriculum design workshops for teachers and counselors.

Together, they designed a session that would help students close the year feeling inspired, focused, and ready to lead positive behaviors by example. Principal Lubs believed in taking a creative, strengths-based approach, not a punitive one, and trusted Dr. Nooshin’s methods to bring that vision to life. What began as a mandatory end-of-year assembly became a powerful experience in self-direction, motivation, and community-building.

The secret? Start with students’ real-world interests and speak their language.

5 key success factors for Del Aire Elementary School

1. Credibility over authority. Students responded to real-world achievements they could respect.

2. Connection over correction. Behavior change comes from seeing the impact of current actions on future dreams, fostering intrinsic motivation.

3. Choice within structure. Within a mandatory workshop, there are choices for the level of participation, which dreams to focus on, and whether to share.

4. Immediate relevance. Activities are connected to either their stated dreams or their immediate transition into the leaders of the elementary school.

5. Practical takeaways. Students left with concrete tools and plans, not just temporary inspiration.

The engagement strategy: Meet them where they are

It was the end of the school year, energy was scattered, and there was only one shot to capture the attention of 100 fourth- and fifth-graders and help them envision their futures.

At the recommendation of Principal Jessica Lubs, the school invited Dr. Nooshin to lead a workshop that could motivate students and strengthen their sense of community and responsibility.

To spark curiosity and credibility, one of the staff members shared that Dr. Nooshin had once performed in front of 25,000 people and won a hip-hop education battle at Columbia University in New York City, instantly grabbing the students’ attention.

Once that connection was made, students saw someone who understood their world. She had succeeded in something they admired, which opened the door for genuine engagement.

Workshop engagement strategy:

• Remove the pressure. Students don’t have to share publicly if they don't want to

• Add incentives. Participation could earn them candy and potential spots in the open mic

• Connect to their reality. Link future dreams to current classroom relationships

The workshop: "Manifesting Dreams, Building Character"

The session centered on three connected ideas that fourth- and fifth-graders could easily grasp and act on:

1. Big future dreams as today’s goals. Students shared dreams like becoming pro athletes, YouTubers, artists, or scientists. Dr. Nooshin used these as starting points for practical conversations.

2. Becoming their future self today. Students connected their big dreams to everyday character development. For example:

• Want to be a veterinarian? → Practice discipline and focus for medical school.

• Dream of being an entrepreneur? → Strengthen communication skills with peers.

• Aspire to teach? → Start helping others learn now.

  
  

3. Actionable steps toward goals. Each student left with tangible steps they could begin right away - turning dreams into habits.

The transformation: From skeptical to inspired

The shift happened when students realized this wasn’t another lecture about behavior. It was about them, their goals, and the kind of classmates and leaders they wanted to be.

The workshop created student investment in their own growth – something rare in a mandatory school program. 

The take-home impact: More than just a good day

Every student left with a personalized take-home guide designed specifically for their age group, including:

• Age-appropriate prompts that fourth and fifth graders could actually complete

• Vision board activities focused on achievable next steps

• Character development exercises tied to their stated dreams

• Summer planning tools with concrete action items

  
  

The open mic moment: When dreams get voiced

The workshop culminated in an optional open mic where students could share their creative work, business ideas, or key takeaways from the day.

The participation was remarkable. Students who had started the day disengaged were lining up to: 

• Share their vision boards

• Read their creative writing

• Talk about their newly clarified dreams.

  
  

Students were genuinely excited about the possibilities they hadn’t considered before. Many even stayed after the session ended, eager to keep sharing.

The outcome went beyond the goal…

The school’s original focus on behavior became an entry point for something greater: helping students connect their actions today to who they’re becoming tomorrow.

As they linked character to purpose, positive behavior followed naturally.

→ When students understand that being kind to classmates today builds the foundation for the creators, leaders, and innovators they’ll become tomorrow, classroom dynamics shift naturally.

The impact was lasting. Students expressed excitement about continuing the work, and plans are underway for a follow-up session this fall to reinforce their growth and leadership skills.

Ready to transform your school culture?

The bridge between where your students are now and where they dream of being can be built in a single powerful workshop.

When we start with their dreams and help them see practical pathways forward, even the most resistant audiences become the most engaged participants.

Book a Free 15-Minute Strategy Call

Share your goals, timing, and campus needs. Dr. Nooshin Valizadeh will help you design a workshop that meets students where they are and moves them where they’re headed.

Email nooshinv3@gmail.com to schedule your free strategy call.