Character+Education+Lesson+47


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 * Today's Objective**: To cultivate the positive character trait of **optimism.**


 * Essential Questions/Topic Starters**: Alexander Jodorosky, Chilian filmmaker, once said, //"One day, someone showed me a glass of water that was half full. And he said, 'Is it half full or half empty?' So I drank the water. No more problem."// Jodorosky placed humor into the half full/half empty situation, but how would you respond to the question? Are you a pessimist or an optimist?


 * Class Format:** Journalizing, Whole-group discussion


 * Time Allotment**: One 15-Minute Session


 * Today's Activities**:
 * 1 minute
 * Define **Optimism** (and write or display definition on the board). Definition: The inclination to take a hopeful view or think that all will work out for the best.
 * 2 minutes
 * Discuss the Essential Question: Alexander Jodorosky, Chilian filmmaker, once said, //"One day, someone showed me a glass of water that was half full. And he said, 'Is it half full or half empty?' So I drank the water. No more problem.//" Jodorosky placed humor into the half full/half empty situation, but how would you respond to the question? Are you a pessimist or an optimist?
 * 5 minutes - Role-Play
 * Role-Play: Choose two advisory students to act out this role-play by showing **optimism** in their actions or words. //Ben and Joe are hanging out in the commons the next day after a ballgame. Their team did not win. Ben negatively comments, "We practiced hard all week and still lost the game. Looks like it is going to be a lousy season." Have Joe respond to Ben in a positive way that encourages Ben and makes the discussion a positive one.//
 * Remaining Session
 * Whole-group Discussion: Discuss the role-play and have students identify situations that are often negative and have the students identify ways students can show optimism, positivity, and encouragement--even during tough times.
 * Homework: Strive to be hopeful and positive in your beliefs about yourself, others, and the future.

**Key Terms**: Optimism, Positive, Hope
 * Quote:** //"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else."// - Winston Churchill, Prime Minister
 * Funny Quote:** //"No sense in being pessimistic. It wouldn't work anyway!"// - Unknown

Resources**: [|Martin J. Marrazo], [|Quotations by ThinkExist], [|About.com]**

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