Managing Personal Belongings: An SEL Lesson for Grade 1

From the moment children are born, they begin accumulating possessions — their favorite stuffed animals, their beloved baby blankets, and the toys that accompany them throughout childhood. These things are a source of comfort and joy, helping shape their memories and experiences. As they grow older, they need to learn to take responsibility for these belongings and understand the importance of treating them with care.

In this evidence-based SEL lesson, the teacher first introduces the concept of possessions to students using the "Possessions Gift Card" visual aid and the “Birthday” poster. The teacher also writes the word “Possessions” along with its definition on the board and asks students to recite it several times. This approach provides an excellent opportunity for the children to engage with new vocabulary and solidify their understanding of the concept.

Next, the class listens to a story about Alice, who is very excited as it is her first day in first grade, and she has a whole new set of school supplies! As the day goes on, however, Alice finds herself misusing or misplacing her things one by one. In the end, she is left with nothing but a sad face. All her possessions are now either gone or ruined. Seeing her so upset, her teacher walks to her desk and reminds her that tomorrow is another day, a new chance to manage her possessions better.

After the story, the class reviews the positive thoughts, actions, and feelings that Alice could have practiced throughout her day. This exercise helps first graders establish a connection between the story and their own lives. It enables them to understand ways to manage their possessions better. Ultimately, they learn that when they manage their possessions wisely, they feel good about themselves.

To help the students remember the lesson concepts, they sing along to a song titled "I’m Responsible," which emphasizes the importance of being responsible and taking care of personal and shared possessions.

Teaching young students the importance of possessions helps set them on a path toward responsible ownership. They learn not only to be accountable and care for their belongings but also to respect the possessions of others. With proper guidance and positive reinforcement, students can develop a healthy relationship with their possessions and cultivate the habit of caring for them.