Lesson Plan: Positive Attitudes and Challenges
Subject: Health
Year Level: 1
Duration: 90 minutes
Learning Objective
Students will understand the importance of positive attitudes when facing challenges and learn how to approach difficulties with a constructive mindset.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Chart paper
- Colouring pencils and crayons
- Storybook related to positive attitudes (e.g., "The Little Engine That Could")
- Challenge Cards (simple challenges on slips of paper)
- Stickers for rewards
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
-
Greeting and Warm-up:
Begin with a friendly greeting. Lead a short class activity where students share one positive thing that happened to them this week.
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Introduction to Topic:
Explain what a positive attitude is in simple terms. Discuss with the students about challenges they might face in daily life, like learning something new or making friends.
2. Story Time (20 minutes)
- Read Aloud:
Read "The Little Engine That Could" or a similar story that showcases perseverance and a positive attitude.
- Discussion:
After the reading, ask guiding questions:
- How did the little engine feel when he faced the hill?
- What did he say to himself to help him keep going?
- Can you think of a time you worked hard to achieve something?
3. Group Activity: Challenge Cards (20 minutes)
- Introduction:
Distribute Challenge Cards with simple challenges (e.g., "Draw a picture of your favourite food" or "Try to build the tallest tower with blocks").
- Group Work:
Divide the class into small groups. Each group draws a card, discusses how to approach the challenge with a positive attitude, and then works together to complete it.
- Sharing:
Allow the groups to share their challenge and how they worked through it.
4. Art Activity: Positive Thoughts (20 minutes)
- Creative Expression:
Have students create a ‘Positive Thoughts’ poster. Each student can draw a picture that represents something positive and write a positive phrase or word that inspires them.
- Example phrases: "I can do it!", "I am a good friend!", "I will try my best!"
5. Conclusion and Reflection (15 minutes)
- Wrap Up:
Gather students together. Ask them to share their favourite part of the lesson or a positive thought they created.
- Reflection on Attitudes:
Discuss how having a positive attitude can help them with challenges in their everyday lives.
- Reward:
Hand out stickers as a reward for participation and sharing their ideas.
Assessment
- Observe students during the activities for understanding of positive attitudes and participation.
- Collect the ‘Positive Thoughts’ posters to assess understanding of the concept.
Adaptations
- For students needing extra support, pair them with a buddy during group activities.
- Provide additional time and resources for those who require it.
Follow-up
Encourage parents to reinforce positive attitudes at home by talking about challenges their children face and how they can approach them positively.
Note: Ensure that lessons comply with New Zealand’s Health Education curriculum and cultural contexts.