Every individual wants a positive self-concept, which is the way one thinks and feels about oneself. It is their key motivation to take action and improve themselves, solve problems, and make good friends with others.
To nurture a positive self-concept, one must realize that it’s an ever-changing aspect influenced by thoughts and interactions with others, especially with friends and families. When thoughts and social interactions are filled with positivity, respect, and kindness, one’s self-concept thrives. Conversely, if negativity like doubt and anger dominate, one develops a negative self-concept and feels bad about oneself.
Understanding this relationship gives individuals the power to choose how to think and act in response to different situations. More importantly, it empowers them to control how they can grow and change for the better.
For instance, they can recognize that disagreeing with family will result in negative feelings. Following the disagreement with negative thoughts will result in negative actions they will soon regret. So, instead of causing more negativity, they can engage in positive, healthy communication.
Choosing to do something positive when faced with a challenging situation will result in self-improvement and a positive self-concept. *Positive Action *recognizes this essential truth and teaches it to young students in this evidence-based SEL lesson for kindergarten to improve their behavior, academic performance, and overall character.
Teaching self-improvement and self-concept development as early as kindergarten is crucial. Children quickly absorb the ideas and values they are learning in these formative years. More importantly, at this stage, they can easily transform the positive actions they are learning into healthy habits that are difficult to break.
"To nurture a positive self-concept, one must realize that it’s an ever-changing aspect influenced by thoughts and interactions with others, especially with friends and families. When thoughts and social interactions are filled with positivity, respect, and kindness, one’s self-concept thrives."
The lesson uses an engaging puppet play to discuss and review the meaning, importance, and formation of self-concept with students. It features Picks-It Raccoon and Nix-It Panda, two puppets who have made good friends with the young learners.
During the puppet show, the puppets engage the students in a discussion on how much they have grown and changed for the better. They have learned a lot of things they did not know before. They have honed their self-management skills, got along well with others, and sharpened their intellectual abilities.
Before the puppet show and discussion end, Picks-It leaves these wise words that sum up the significant lesson *Positive Action *wants to impart:
"You are the one who must make the best of you." These words teach kindergarten students that they hold the key to their transformation toward becoming the happiest, most positive, and best versions of themselves. Following these words, Picks-It shares an exciting announcement: the kindergarten students are now ready to enter Castle Self-Concept, where the secret to happiness and success lies.
Self-improvement, self-concept development, personal transformation — these concepts can be too complex, especially for young students such as kindergartners. However, introducing these ideas early on is crucial as they build the foundation for a child’s understanding of themselves, their behavior, and their place in the world.
With Positive Action, schools and educators can teach these concepts and help improve students’ behavior using age-appropriate teaching methods. The self-development program nurtures and promotes positive behavior by offering effective and reliable lessons that instill self-awareness and intrinsic motivation.
Pasela is a digital product presented by Positive Action.
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