Positive Actions for the Mind: An Introductory Lesson for Grade 1

When it comes to staying healthy, most people think about physical positive actions like eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. However, there's more to it than just that. Positive Action, an evidence-based health education program, teaches that there are also intellectual positive actions that contribute to one's overall well-being.

This grade 1 SEL lesson starts with the teacher using age-appropriate language to share scientific facts about the brain with their students. They discuss how the brain works even during sleep and sends signals to the body to perform different actions. By recognizing the power and importance of their brains, students begin to understand the need to take care of them just as they would their bodies.

The mind thinks thousands of thoughts a day, and it’s essential for first graders to learn how to choose thoughts that are positive and empowering. To help them understand this better, the teacher walks them through the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle. Here, a core concept in *Positive Actio*n’s philosophy – positive thoughts and actions lead to positive feelings about oneself – is emphasized.

Next, the teacher gives a brief overview of the intellectual positive actions discussed in this unit, which include being curious, thinking creatively, gaining new information, solving problems, and strengthening memory. These actions allow individuals to improve their cognitive abilities, expand their knowledge, and care for their mental health.

To wrap up the lesson, the teacher introduces the concept of wellness to students by writing the word and its definition on the board and having the class repeat them several times. This creates an understanding that wellness is multidimensional and sets a foundation for future conversations.

Positive Action recognizes that the mind and body are intrinsically linked, and as such, any approach to wellness must be holistic. For this reason, the program provides learning resources for intellectual, physical, social, and emotional health. It allows individuals to explore various avenues for improving their well-being and become empowered to make positive changes in their lives.