Responsible Decision Making – Grade 6 – Lesson 1
Objectives:
- Students will understand the impact of their attitudes on themselves and others.
- Students will differentiate between positive and negative attitudes and recognize their consequences.
- Students will analyze the influence of positive and negative environments.
Introduction:
To start the lesson, we will explore the power of attitudes through a unique activity. The teacher will pretend to be in a negative and complaining mood, making statements like the following:
You know, it took me almost twice as long as usual to get here today. Traffic was was so slow that I barely made it on time. And then people kept stopping me to ask questions! You guys just have no idea what I go through to get here every day. Well, I guess we should get started. I’m really not prepared because my dog ate the lesson plan, but it doesn’t really matter anyway. You might not even notice if I know what I’m doing or not.
Afterward, the teacher will ask the students to describe how they felt about the statements made and encourage them to identify the messages conveyed through the teacher’s body language and tone of voice. The teacher will then discuss the effect of such words on the students’ perception of the teacher and their expectations for the class.
Activity 1: Attitude Power
Next, engage the students in a discussion about the power of attitudes. The students will share their experiences with positive and negative attitudes, both from their own actions and the behavior of others. The teacher will encourage the students to reflect on how positive attitudes can lead to better outcomes and more enjoyable experiences, while negative attitudes can have the opposite effect.
We’re going to talk about attitude today because attitude affects everything you do and all of the people around you.
Group Exercise:
To further reinforce the concept, the students will participate in a group exercise. They will be divided into small groups and given scenarios where individuals display either positive or negative attitudes. Each group will discuss the possible consequences of those attitudes on the person themselves and the people around them. Afterward, they will present their findings to the class.
Explain to students that they are going to experience how their attitudes can affect their ability to succeed.
Ask two volunteers to wait outside the classroom. Divide the remaining students into two teams – the “Cans” and the “Cannots.”
Remind students that attitude is a state of mind. Each team will create an atmosphere that will affect someone’s state of mind. The two volunteers will be given one minute to write all of the words they can think of that begin with the letter “B.”
The task of the “Cans” is to create a positive environment in order to elicit a positive attitude in one of the volunteer students. Ask students to think of how this might be done. Examples include:
- Making supportive, encouraging comments
- You can do it!
- Lots of words begin with B!
- Good Word.
- Speak with enthusiasm, sincerity, and energy.
The task of the “Cannots” is to create a negative environment in order to elicit a negative attitude in one of the volunteer students. Ask students to think of how this might be done. Examples include:
- Making discouraging comments
- B is a hard letter!
- There are hardly any words that begin with B!
- This is impossible.
- Speak in whiny, complaining tones of voice.
The “Cannots” should not use insults during the activity. Their task is to focus on making the activity seem difficult to complete.
Have the volunteers come into the room and sit with one of the teams. Explain that the volunteers have one minute to write as many words as possible that begin with the letter B.
Class Discussion:
In the last part of the lesson, the teacher will lead a class discussion about the influence of positive and negative environments on attitudes. The students will explore how their surroundings can impact their mood, behavior, and decision-making. The teacher will emphasize the importance of choosing to maintain a positive attitude even in challenging circumstances.
- Word Production: How many words did each team generate?
- Team Success: Which team demonstrated greater success, and what factors contributed to their success?
- Volunteer Reflection: How did your teammates’ influence impact your thinking and ability to succeed during the activity?
Conclusion:
To conclude the activity, summarize the key points about the power of positive attitudes. Encourage students to be mindful of their attitudes, recognizing that their outlook can affect their experiences and interactions with others. Additionally, encourage them to create a positive environment around them to promote constructive attitudes in themselves and their peers.
Activity 2: Exploring Positive vs. Negative Attitudes
Attitude Examples: Ask students to provide various examples of attitudes that people can have, which will be listed on the board. To ensure a balanced list, encourage students to suggest different types of attitudes.
Class Discussion:
Guide students in observing the attitudes listed and determining whether they are positive or negative. This can be done through a show of hands or by physically moving to the positive or negative side of the class.
Reflecting on Activity 1, lead a discussion on the consequences of positive attitudes and ask questions like:
- How do you think the volunteer assigned to the “Cans” group felt?
- Was the volunteer’s attitude positive or negative?
- What factors enabled the volunteer to maintain and display a positive attitude?
- How do you typically react to people with positive attitudes?
- How do you think others react to you when you have a positive attitude?
Repeat the questions for negative attitudes.
Emphasizing Choice: Highlight that attitudes are powerful and can influence our motivation and ability to succeed. Reinforce that we have the power to choose our attitude and how we respond in various situations.
Activity 3: Transforming Negative Attitudes
This activity can be completed individually, in pairs, or as a group to create a shared poster for the class.
Draw a three-column chart on the board.
- Brainstorm Negative Attitudes: As a class, brainstorm situations that might trigger negative attitudes in students, and list their suggestions in the first column.
- Identify Negative Attitudes: In the second column, have students identify the negative attitudes they might exhibit in response to the listed situations.
Consequences of Negative Attitudes: Discuss how negative attitudes can worsen the situations identified, especially in stressful circumstances.
Promoting Positive Responses: In the third column, have students come up with positive ways to respond to the situations listed, such as:
- Making encouraging affirmations.
- Developing confidence: “I can handle this” or “I’m ready for this test.”
- Practicing gratitude: Writing down what they are thankful for.
- Focusing on progress: Identifying the first step they need to take.
- Seeking support: Talking about fears with someone they trust.
- Positive influences: Listening to uplifting music.
Conclusion:
Lead a discussion on how attitudes can significantly impact actions and outcomes. Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing that attitudes are powerful and can influence success. Encourage students to maintain a positive attitude by focusing on their strengths and believing in their ability to succeed.
- The Power of Attitudes: Attitudes are potent as they directly impact outcomes by shaping our actions and responses.
- Motivating Force: A positive attitude serves as a powerful motivator, empowering individuals and enhancing their capacity to achieve success.
- Cultivating Positivity: To maintain a positive attitude, concentrate on recognizing your strengths and nurturing unwavering confidence in your capability to accomplish your goals.