How to Develop a Healthy Self-Concept Through Positive Actions

The Positive Action program inspires students to improve their self-concept and stay in the Positive Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle. Through engaging activities and relatable stories, it illustrates the importance of doing positive actions to achieve these two goals.

A standout feature of this curriculum are Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) review lessons on Unit 7. Maurice — not your typical academia figure but an amiable mouse character loved by Grade 1 students — presents this particular lesson. He reviews one essential aspect with students: self-concept.

Maurice revisits a mirror in his story that reveals the viewer's self-concept — a metaphor for how our actions reflect who we are. The curious mouse advises his young friends that having good self-concepts requires performing positive actions. He emphasizes that these affirmative behaviors lead individuals not only to feel good about themselves but also to make those around them enjoy their company more.

Following Maurice’s enlightening appearance come thought-provoking discussion questions where learners actively recall how the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle works. Each student demonstrates comprehension through contextual examples. They share a positive thought followed by a positive action that aligns with the thought and, consequently, the resulting positive feeling. This practical demonstration of understanding helps students internalize and practice these concepts daily.

Subsequently, learning extends beyond discussion with an engaging SEL activity designed as a tangible expression of self-concept. The teacher gives each student an activity sheet — the first page of their review booklet. Here, students write down their names and then illustrate a happy picture of themselves doing positive actions.

This interactive portion nurtures creativity and reinforces Maurice's earlier input: having a positive self-concept calls for continuously taking positive actions. It can be anything from helping out peers, speaking up against unkindness, or nurturing good habits such as eating healthily.

At its heart, this powerful review lesson serves more than just academic purposes; it promotes personal and social growth, strengthening students' self-awareness and ability to act positively towards themselves and others. Positive Action’s compelling activities support the broader goal of building kinder, more confident individuals not only within classroom walls but extending far beyond.