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
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:
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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