Grade 1 students are introduced to eight personal resources they must learn to manage throughout the *Positive Actio*n curriculum. Among these, their thoughts — the first component of the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings (TAF) Circle — are crucial in shaping their outlook on life and interactions with others.
To initiate this SEL lesson on thought management, the teacher employs the "Thoughts Gift Card" visual aid and the "Birthday" poster. By presenting these captivating visuals, the teacher captures the attention of the young minds, creating an atmosphere of curiosity and enthusiasm. The teacher then writes the word "Thoughts" on the board, alongside its definition, and encourages the students to recite it together multiple times. This repetition helps reinforce the concept in their minds and establishes a common understanding.
After this, two puppets, Positive Pat and Negative Ned, debut in the classroom. Positive Pat embodies the art of thinking positively, focusing on constructive thoughts about others and life events. On the other hand, Negative Ned represents the consequences of dwelling on negative or pessimistic thoughts. Through interactive dialogue and scenarios, the puppets share their contrasting thoughts, showcasing the impact of their mindsets on their overall experiences.
"The class is reminded of the "Stop, Choose, Go" poster, a practical framework for thought management. This visual aid illustrates the three-step process: stopping and reflecting on one's thoughts, consciously selecting positive thoughts, and translating them into corresponding positive actions."
The class is reminded of the "Stop, Choose, Go" poster, a practical framework for thought management. This visual aid illustrates the three-step process: stopping and reflecting on one's thoughts, consciously selecting positive thoughts, and translating them into corresponding positive actions.
To deepen their understanding, the class listens to a captivating story about Judy, a once happy and positive young girl who encounters a distressing event at school. Her best friend, Sara, suddenly turns against her, hurling hurtful words and negative comments. As a result, Judy's thoughts about herself turn negative, and she begins to doubt her worth. However, with the support of her teacher and parents, who reassure her of her beauty and value, Judy regains her positive thoughts and restores her positive self-concept.
Following the story, the teacher poses reflection questions to the class, encouraging them to internalize the lesson. Through thoughtful discussions, students learn to identify their thought patterns and understand the connection between their thoughts, actions, and feelings. The teacher underscores the idea behind the Positive TAF Circle: managing positive thoughts leads to positive actions, which lead to good feelings about oneself.
Overall, this lesson equips young learners with the necessary skills for self-management, one of the five social-emotional learning core competencies. As they continue their self-discovery and personal growth journey, they can leverage these skills to navigate their thought landscape successfully and live a fuller, happier life.
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