September marks the beginning of the school year and is the perfect time to talk about attitude. I will be teaching students that although they don't always have the power to choose what happens to them, they can choose how they respond to it, or what their attitude will be.
In Kindergarten and first grades we will be reading and talking about "The Pout Pout Fish." This book is about a fish who has a pout pout face all of the time. His friends ask him why he is always pouting and he responds that that's just the way he is, he is meant to spread "dreary wearies all over the place." In the end of the story, the pout pout fish learns that he can choose to be a kiss kiss fish instead. Just because his face looks a certain way, does not mean he has to choose to be pouty all of the time.
In grades two through six, we will be reading "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." This book talks about Alexander who has a horrible day, and his bad attitude keeps his day from getting any better. The students and I will be discussing some things Alexander could have done to turn his attitude around. We will be talking about how we could change the book into being "Alexander and the Amazing, Exciting, Very Good Day."
Attitude at home- if you would like to expand on some of the things we are learning in school, here are some ideas for you to try with you student at home:
- Ask your child questions like "what was something good that happened at school today?" or "what was your favorite part of the day?" this allows your child to start thinking about their day and activities in a positive light.
- Try to be conscious about your own attitude. Remember that children learn by example, and you are their greatest example!
- Catch your child being good, praise them and be specific. If your child is exhibiting a positive attitude, compliment them on it and let them know how much you appreciate it.
- If your child is feeling overwhelmed by a project and is starting to develop a negative attitude, break the project up to help them get a grasp on it. This will help your child develop a "yes I can" attitude instead of a "no I can't" attitude.
- Tell your child often how much you love them. It's much easier to have a positive attitude when you know you're loved!
- Let your child know that you love and support them even when they don't win, or get the best grade. Your encouragement will not only make your child want to do their best, but it will help them in developing a positive attitude.
- Read bedtime stories with your child about feelings and attitudes, and talk about how the character's attitude might change. With older kids, make up stories or give them a situation and let them finish the story in a way that gives the character an excellent attitude.
- Discuss the song on the play list, "Life's what you make it." How does this song talk about having a positive attitude?
