Can Do Attitude (Grade 1)

Adapted From Counselor Name:  Marybeth Rodriguez
Title of Lesson:  Can do Attitude
School:  Van Buskirk/Tucson Unified School District
Quarter:  1st
 
 Audience:   Classroom   Small Group
Level:    Primary (K-2)   Intermediate (3-5)
Target Grade:       
 
COUNSELING  STANDARDS
 
ACADEMIC
1.  Students will acquire attitudes, knowledge and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the life span.   

COUNSELING COMPETENCY(IES)
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of practice effort and learning.
 
MATERIALS/RESOURCES:
The book, The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper
A tape of train music or train sounds is optional.
 
ACTIVITY:
Read the book to the class and discuss the Little Train’s attitude.  Did the Little Engine show effort and a “can-do” attitude; how did the Little
Engine show these traits, could this class have a “can-do” attitude, how?  Lead them to see that they can do their work, follow the rules, and get along with others.  Next, have the class chant together out loud several times each:  “I THINK I CAN, I KNOW I CAN, AND I THOUGHT I
COULD”.  Next, make a friendship train by forming a line of students.  Tell them they are a train working hard together and going on a journey.  
The teacher, or a student, can lead the journey.  (Make train noises if you like.)  Lead students under bridges, around obstacles, through a storm,
over a mountain.  Keep chanting the phrases above.  Discuss the activity and how to have a “can-do” attitude.
 
 EVALUATION:   
Pretest/Postest:  What is a “Can do Attitude”?
 
How did the student change as a result of this lesson?  Students will exhibit a “can-do” attitude.
 
Information/Comments/Follow-up:  Mention this “can-do” attitude when something seems hard to do in class.