Karen Suttle

Targeted at grades 2-3, this lesson encourages students to identify and celebrate their personal achievements from the past year. Through storytelling and collaborative discussion, they craft 'Achievement Avenue' boards showcasing their growth, reinforcing self-esteem and peer recognition.

This K-1 lesson guides students to reflect on their year by assigning colors to experiences and emotions, ultimately creating a vibrant ‘rainbow’ of memories through storytelling and art. This helps young learners process their year, practice emotional vocabulary, and celebrate growth in a creative, engaging way. Duration: 45 minutes, single session.

In this lesson, students will create a Thankful Tree by writing or drawing things they are grateful for on paper leaves. This activity fosters gratitude and reminds students of the positive elements in their lives, creating a collective art piece that symbolizes their unity and appreciation. It helps young students develop social-emotional skills by recognizing and expressing gratitude, which can enhance their overall well-being and classroom community.

This lesson helps first grade students identify and understand their emotions, and teaches strategies for managing them effectively. Understanding emotions is crucial for young students as it helps in their social interactions and emotional well-being.