How to Teach Pre-K Students to Keep Their Promises: SEL Lesson

An educational and relatable story, titled "Keeping Promises" opens this SEL lesson. It follows Kayla and Mai as they learn how to keep their promises and be truthful to themselves.

Here, although unwilling, Kayla and Mai promise to set out paper cups and dishes to help with the big community picnic. Suddenly, they think of an idea of how to get out of their promise—by hiding in a mulberry bush. Just as they thought they had gotten away with it, Mr. Jazzman catches them in the act. He takes the opportunity to set a good example for the young ones, showing them why keeping promises is so important.

In this lesson, pre-kindergartners learn that their promises are as important as anybody else’s. Others rely on their promises, just as much as they rely on others’ promises. This is why they need to keep their promises; it is about staying true to their words and to themselves.

To reinforce the lesson, the students participate in an SEL activity that enhances their social-emotional skill of self-honesty and keeping their promises. The activity helps them realize that keeping their word and telling themselves the truth can help them build a positive self-concept.

Pre-kindergartners need to learn that a promise is a commitment they make to themselves and their words. By making promises, they intend to stay true to their words and show that they are honest, reliable, and trustworthy. In doing so, they practice self-honesty which helps improve their behavior, relationships, and overall positive development.