SELF Talk
Social Emotional Learning Foundations Newsletter
Welcome Back from Spring Break Issue
Issue No. 97 April 2, 2024
Unit 6: Live to Give
"The greatest gift you can give another person is to gracefully receive whatever it is they want to give us" ~ Fred Rogers
In the last lesson, we talked about the importance of making a difference in other's lives, even in small ways, like a smile or being kind. Sometimes, when we receive help or kindness from others, we may feel uncomfortable accepting it. When we accept something in a positive way, we receive gracefully. We could simply say ‘thank you’ and smile, for example. When we do not receive gracefully, either because we think we are not worthy or do not know how to express gratitude, we may discourage someone from giving to us or to others in the future. Students will learn how to express appreciation to those who give to them and not limit themselves by not accepting gifts that come their way.
Although most people of all ages are excited to give to others, they don’t always know how to receive gifts of kindness gracefully. They may feel awkward or uncomfortable when given a compliment or an unexpected gift. Students will understand the effect that receiving has on both the giver and the recipient, the cycle of giving, and connecting with others. This lesson teaches students how important it is to give to others and to receive gracefully.
7 Mindset Lessons: Receive Gracefully
“Giving is virtuous, but so is accepting gifts gratefully.” ~ Doe Zantamata
Each lesson includes an engaging slideshow, video, and activity. Click on the link that matches your student's age or grade. You'll find a fun icebreaker, a video lesson, and some discussion questions you can use to invite your student into conversation. There's also an activity to bring the idea alive in your student's life. Have fun connecting and learning how to Receive Gracefully!
Grades: 3-5
Grades: Middle School
Grades: High School
Mindset Mondays!
Mindset Mondays are growing! If your student(s) haven't joined yet, come see what it's all about! No sign-ups ups needed; just join at the time for your student(s) age group listed below! Each session is designed to be self-contained and doesn't require students to have attended before...which means your student(s) can join at any time. Mindset Mondays are on all Mondays that school is in session.
I look forward to seeing your students in class as we explore the Live to Give mindset!
You will find the class times below. Classes are arranged by grade levels as follows:
Grades K-3: 10 AM with Kelly McIntosh Zoom link
Grades 4-6: 11 AM with Kelly McIntosh Zoom link
Grades 7-12: 1:15 PM with Kelly McIntosh Zoom link
The lessons are designed to be interactive group lessons; however, because we recognize the importance of students attending comfortably, each student may choose their level of participation in the lesson.
Big Life Journal & 7 Mindset Activities
These Big Life Journal printable activities, purchased by Cottonwood for your students, offer additional opportunities to extend learning as students focus on learning more about becoming aware of their emotions and continuing their exploration of Live to Give!
Big Life Journal Activity: Change the World with a Single Seed
Grades 6-12 Live to Give 7 Mindset Activity: Receive Gracefully
Mindset Marvel
The Cottonwood School is a 2024 Kindness Certified School! Please share with us any random act of kindness activity your family participates in to Make a Difference! Send your photos to us to celebrate all the kindness that is created!
SELF Super Stars
Please share with us any SELF Talk activity you engaged in this week! Each student who submits a photo and description depicting a completion of a 7 Mindsets lesson and activity and/or a Big Life Journal activity (or both!) will be entered into a monthly raffle to receive a SELF Superstar certificate and a fun prize! The raffle winner will be featured as a SELF Superstar in the next SELF Talk newsletter!
Email SELF@cottonwoodk12.org for submissions and questions.