Affective

ALL ABOUT ME BOOK

Goal: Identify characteristics and qualities that make them unique.

Materials: Paper, scissors,magazines, writing tools

Procedure: Have the children describe themselves on paper, then bind the pages together in a book. eg: “This is Me”- a self-portrait, “This is my family,” “Here is my hand,” “Some things I can do,” “My favorite foods,” “My favorite animal.”

To Simplify: Have the student tell you about themselves, create fewer pages.

To Extend: Have students write about each page (eg. Here is my hand. Ten things I can do with my hands are...sorting silverware from the dishwasher…). Illustrate each page.

I Can! (for older or more experienced children) 

Goal : Evaluate their accomplishments and set new standards and goals.

Materials: Large empty juice cans, colored paper strips, markers, blank booklets, paste, or glue

Procedure: Provide or have children each bring in a large empty juice can that has been washed and checked for any sharp edges. Have them place a label around the can that says, “I CAN!” and then decorate the can so that each is individual. As they learn and demonstrate a new skill, have them fill out a special colored paper strip, dictating or writing the skill and dating it. Have them put the strips in the can.

To Simplify: Watch for children who fail to recognize their accomplishments. Remind these children that small gains also need to be recorded, and help them identify some of these gains or set goals that can be accomplished.

To Extend: At the end of each month, have the children transfer their “I CAN!” slips into an ongoing booklet, denoting the beginning of each month (in November I learned to do these things) and pasting in the strips following the heading. The pages could also be illustrated in some way. The booklets become a vehicle for children’s self assessment. They can also become one piece of a portfolio, shared with a portfolio buddy or the entire group, and shared with parents at conferences or open house.

We Get Angry (For children of all ages)

Goal : Understand how circumstances and events influence personal emotions.

Materials: Children’s books about anger (e.g. When I’m Angry, by Barbara Gardiner and Jane Aaron; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Judith Viorst; Attila the Angry, by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat; Let’s Be Enemies, by Janice May Udry; The Sorely Trying Day, by Russell Hoban; The Hating Book, by Charlotte Zolotow

Procedure: After you have read some books about anger and have discussed with them the feeling of anger, have the children share examples of moments and events when they have felt angry. Discuss ways in which the characters deal with the situations to help them get rid of the angry feelings. Talk about positive and negative strategies people use when they are trying to get rid of angry feelings.

To Simplify: After reading the stories, talk about what made the main character angry or upset.

To Extend: Write the title “We Get Angry When…” at the top of a large sheet of paper on easel. List examples or write a class experience story as the children share their ideas. Older children could write and illustrate individual “I get Angry When…” booklets.

I miss you: A first look at Death

Goal: Dealing with the death of a loved one or pet.

Materials: I miss you book, writing paper, envelopes, writing and drawing materials.

Procedures: The class pet has died. Read the book I miss you with the class. After reading the book and having a discussion about death with the class, have students write down a memory of themselves with the class pet, or a happy time they noticed another student having with the class pet. After the students have finished their letters, hold a class vigil letting each of the students share their memories about the pet. Memories can be collected and put into a book with pictures of the students and the class pet.

Extension: Have the students prepare for the vigil by creating a program or order of events that will take place.

Adaptation: If students need help coming up with a memory help them think of different things that the class did together with the pet. Remember when... Then let them go from there.

When I grow up -

Goal: Imagine & speak of future potential for themselves.

Materials needed: The book "When I grow up" by Al Yankovic, paper, colored pencils/crayons.

Procedures: Read the book, "When I grow up" by Al Yankovic. Talk about how everyone will be something different when they grow up and that everyone has the potential to reach their goals. Have the students imagine what they are going to be when they grow up and draw a picture of what they want to be.

Adaptation: Have the students tell the teacher about what they want to be.

Extension: Have students write a paragraph about what they want to be when they grow up and why.