Keeping one's promises is more than mere social etiquette; it is a testament to one's integrity. When an individual consistently fulfills their commitments, it sends a powerful message about their reliability and trustworthiness. People gravitate toward those who stand true to their words, knowing they can count on them in times of need.
However, the impact of keeping promises extends beyond social interactions. It also reflects an individual’s commitment to personal growth and self-improvement. Promises, whether made to others or oneself, carry intrinsic value. When individuals honor them, they acknowledge a sense of personal responsibility and dedication to living up to their potential.
Positive Action, an organization dedicated to fostering positive behaviors and values among young minds, recognizes the critical importance of instilling self-honesty from an early age. Through Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, Positive Action aims to nurture this fundamental quality in elementary students, setting the stage for a lifetime of integrity and self-improvement.
This particular Grade 1 SEL lesson begins with a simple yet powerful word written on the board: "Integrity." The teacher introduces this word and its definition, encouraging students to recite it several times. This serves as the foundation for understanding the importance of keeping promises.
"Promises, whether made to others or oneself, carry intrinsic value. When individuals honor them, they acknowledge a sense of personal responsibility and dedication to living up to their potential."
To make the concept relatable and engaging, the teacher employs Positive Pat and Negative Ned puppets. These recurring characters discuss how, when one cannot keep a promise, they must revisit those they committed to and have an open and honest conversation about it. Through their conversation, first graders not only learn the importance of accountability but also the need to communicate effectively when facing challenges.
The teacher delves deeper into the concept of making promises that one genuinely plans to keep, can keep, and will keep. This, they explain, is the key to earning respect and trust from others and, perhaps more importantly, from oneself. By teaching children to set realistic goals and make commitments they can uphold, the teacher empowers them to build strong foundations for their self-esteem and relationships.
Further nurturing self-honesty, the lesson elaborates on an often underestimated but equally important positive action: keeping promises made to oneself. The class explores the Positive Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle, which emphasizes how keeping promises to oneself directly impacts self-concept. When individuals follow through on personal commitments, they strengthen their self-esteem and self-worth. Conversely, breaking promises to oneself can erode these vital aspects of one's self-concept.
As a practical application of the lesson, students complete an activity sheet, filling in the blanks of promise statements they have made throughout the unit. This activity encourages self-reflection and accountability and serves as a positive reinforcement for maintaining self-honesty.
Teaching this SEL lesson to first-grade students is of paramount importance. It lays the groundwork for their personal and social development, instilling a deep understanding of accountability, truth-telling, and self-respect. By learning how to make and keep realistic promises, they acquire essential skills for managing expectations and building trust, not only with others but also with themselves.
Pasela is a digital product presented by Positive Action.
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