Optimistic Thinking
Classroom Guidance
Grades PreK-1st
Goal
Students will develop a positive attitude toward themselves and others.
Questions Before you Begin
Building Background
Today we will be talking about some big words. Those words are Optimistic Thinking. What part of our body do we use when we are thinking? That’s right! Our brain. So we are using our brain for this lesson. What does the word Optimistic mean? That’s a hard one. (allow students to try to figure it out).
The word optimistic means to stay positive. That may mean not giving up when something is hard. Or trying to stay positive when we may be upset about something. The reason this lesson is important is because when you are an adult someday, you are going to do things that are difficult for you. But what I want you to remember is that if something is difficult or hard for you, you will be able to overcome that difficulty if you stay positive and keep trying.
Watch "Ormie and the Cookie Jar"
Watch The Dot
Questions after Watching
Fear of failure, Risk Taking
Self-confidence, Risk Taking
Perfectionism
Support System
Activity
Make Your Mark
Materials needed: Large white dot for each student (Small paper plates), crayons, poster board
Expectations:
September 15th is International Dot Day. This day is meant to encourage everyone to “Make your mark; see where it takes you.” Hand out a white dot to each participant. Have the students design their dots and then place them on the group’s bright poster board to hang in their classroom.