How to Boost a Child's Physical Development with Positive Action

As parents and educators cast a keen eye on the rising trends of childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and digital addiction amongst youngsters today, there's an urgent call for innovative solutions promoting physical improvement for kids. Positive Action, an evidence-based SEL program, offers a holistic approach to addressing said issues through its comprehensive and engaging curriculum.

Positive Action's SEL lessons are designed to inspire young students to become stronger, fitter, cleaner, healthier, and more skillful individuals. These lessons equip them with the tools and mindset necessary to take charge of their physical well-being while fostering self-confidence and a positive self-concept.

One of the Positive Action program's standout elements is how it uses storytelling to engage young minds. In this particular lesson, the class reads a story titled "Doolittle Day-by-Day." The protagonist of the story, Doolittle, is a duckling who, like many children, is afraid to plunge into the unknown waters. In his journey to learn how to swim, Doolittle faces the same insecurities and doubts that many children encounter when confronted with new challenges.

Doolittle's story is a powerful metaphor for kids' struggles regarding physical activity and self-improvement. The story centers around Doolittle's innate fear of the water, which he must overcome to survive and thrive. His mother plays an essential part in encouraging Doolittle to believe in himself and take it one step at a time.

The story brilliantly illustrates the transformative power of positive thoughts and actions in overcoming obstacles and self-doubt. Ultimately, Doolittle conquers his fear and learns how to swim, an achievement that is celebrated not only by him but the entire class.

Following the story, the class engages in a series of discussion questions, allowing them to explore the principles and concepts that underlie Doolittle's journey to success. These discussions help students understand how positive thoughts, actions, and feelings are interconnected and can lead to personal growth and achievement.

Finally, the students complete the first row of the "Self-Improvement Chart." In this chart, they fill in the first column with their physical improvements. This could range from running faster or jumping higher to eating healthier and being more active. In the second column, they list the positive actions they can take to further enhance their physical growth and development.

In the end, Positive Action's approach to physical improvement extends beyond the body and positively impacts a child's physical self-concept and overall self-esteem. By teaching students that they have the power to take action and improve themselves, Positive Action empowers young individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices and reach their full potential.