Improving the Mind of Grade 1 Students Through Education

Learning is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. From infancy to old age, people constantly acquire new skills and gain knowledge about the world. Formal education plays a vital role in this process, with schools serving as the primary institutions for learning.

While learning can sometimes be a difficult task requiring special effort, it is a challenge worth taking because the knowledge gained through education can greatly contribute to happiness and success. To emphasize this point, the word "Challenge" and its definition are written on the board and recited by the students several times.

When someone challenges their mind to learn new things, they choose a positive thought that can lead to positive actions. For example, one might seek out new knowledge by asking questions. The positive feelings that result from positive actions like these lead to more positive thoughts and motivate one to continue learning. This is how the Happy Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle continues.

One of the best ways to impart the significance of learning is through storytelling. In this evidence-based SEL lesson, the class listens to a tale about two curious mice, Maurice and Marrott. The two are eager to learn from Davey Doddle while he teaches Mary how to read. They come up with lots of creative ideas to get close without being seen. However, they realize their plans have problems and decide to gather more information. Maurice and Marrott check the drawings made by first graders to find more ideas. They also decide to sneak into the reading room, observe Davey and Mary, and learn all they can to devise a better plan. This story illustrates the importance of being curious, creative, and practical when learning new things.

In school, first graders learn about the world to make informed decisions in life. Learning satisfies one's curiosity, facilitates creative thinking, and helps solve problems. Therefore, everyone needs to learn how to learn. To reinforce this, the class sings a song titled "Learning to Learn," which compares learning to reading a book and climbing a mountain.

Learning new things is an intellectual positive action that makes one feel good about oneself. By taking on the challenge to learn new things in school, first graders cultivate a positive self-concept, open themselves to new opportunities, and work their way to reaching their full potential.