Kids Look Back and Reflect on Their Journey of Self-Honesty

Congratulations are in order!

In this evidence-based SEL lesson, kindergarten students finally disembark from their boats as they victoriously exit Lake Self-Honesty and Positive Action Unit 5. In reaching the end of this voyage, they have successfully learned how to tell themselves the truth, embrace themselves as they are, and pursue self-improvement.

Two lovable puppets, Picks-It Raccoon and Nix-It Panda, introduce the lesson. They open with a fun class discussion on keeping promises as a rule of being honest about oneself. Then, they praise the students for a great job finishing the unit.

As a reward for students' dedication to learning and behaving positively, the puppets award them their keys to Lake Self-Honesty. This is the fifth key that the students have received throughout the curriculum. These keys serve as positive reinforcement for completing every unit, and at the end of the year, students can use these to open Castle Self-Concept.

Upon accepting and holding the keys, students look back on their fun adventures of self-honesty and self-discovery. They then remember the four rules of telling themselves the truth. These are learning about themselves by trying new things, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, admitting their mistakes, and keeping their promises.

Afterward, kindergarten students reflect on what the keys represent for them. They learn that their keys symbolize their commitment to being truthful about their thoughts, actions, and feelings. At the end of the lesson, students color their keys and attach them to their key rings.

Overall, this effective SEL lesson aims to engage kindergarten students in self-reflection and the realization that self-honesty improves their thoughts, behavior, and emotions. By being honest about their feelings and intentions, they can reach out for help if necessary and not resort to negative actions.

Moreover, self-honesty empowers students to resist negative peer pressure. For instance, if they are honest about their abilities or boundaries, they can assertively decline participation in activities that may compromise their well-being or values.