In today's era of overwhelming options, introducing the concept of choice early in life is more important than ever. Children must learn that their choices matter and that they have the power to decide how to think, act, and feel in any given situation.
This evidence-based SEL lesson empowers students with the ability to make positive choices. It begins with the teacher presenting two options to first graders. These choices can be hard, silly, or serious, depending on the needs of the class. For example, the teacher might ask students if they would rather have a pet unicorn or a pet dragon or if they would rather clean their room or go outside to play. These simple choices set the foundation for more complex decision-making later in life.
"Choosing positive thoughts and actions is crucial to managing oneself. By consciously making positive choices, an individual gains a sense of control over various aspects of their life – their time, possessions, energy, talent, money, thoughts, actions, and feelings."
Next, the teacher leads a class discussion that builds on the previous unit’s concepts. The students recount how they learned to choose positive actions for a healthy mind and body, and they review the Happy Thought-Actions-Feelings Circle associated with this choice. This circle is a key concept in the *Positive Actio*n philosophy. It illustrates how one's thoughts influence one’s actions and how one’s actions, in turn, impact how one feels about oneself, leading to further thoughts.
The teacher then poses a series of questions to allow the students to reflect on whether they are making positive choices about their physical and mental well-being. By encouraging self-reflection, children develop self-awareness, one of the five core social and emotional learning competencies.
To wrap up the lesson, the class sings along to a song titled "The Treasure," which underlines a treasure within every individual: the capacity to be positive in what they choose. Indeed, while one cannot always control external circumstances, choosing how to respond and make the best out of one’s situation is always possible.
Choosing positive thoughts and actions is crucial to managing oneself. By consciously making positive choices, an individual gains a sense of control over various aspects of their life – their time, possessions, energy, talent, money, thoughts, actions, and feelings. This, in turn, helps one foster a positive self-concept and ultimately makes one feel good about themselves.
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