Kindergarten activities

I think I can, I know I can - (Able)

Purpose: To introduce goal setting to young children.

Materials: The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, chart paper, stick it stars

Activity Description:

Read the book The Little Engine That Could (or if you do not have this book, find a similar story or make up a story about a struggle, effort and success). After reading the story, reflect with the students about the courage and strength the engine had to have to believe in itself. Ask students to think about examples in real life that connect to using courage and finding strength.

Using chart paper, create a big chart. On one side write: I THINK I CAN; on the other side write: I KNOW I CAN.  Have the class come up with different examples and then students sign the chart and place a star sticker when they have achieved a goal.

For example:

Variations: The class can set goals and aim to have everyone get their name written on the chart and put a star in the I KNOW I CAN side.

Guiding Questions:

1. What are you most proud of yourself for doing?
2. How did you feel when you achieved your goal?
3. How did you feel seeing other classmates learn new things?

This Me is the Best I Can Be - (Belonging)

Purpose: To create a visual replica of themselves to track goals they have achieved or tasks they are proud of.

Materials: Newsprint roll, crayons, scissors

Activity Description: Students lay down on the paper and have a friend trace their silhouette on the newsprint. Next, students cut out the shape of their silhouette and add details with crayons to make it resemble them (blue eyes, glasses, brown curly hair, favourite purple shirt etc.).  Silhouettes are posted around the room and the child adds a picture, word or phrase based on their ability level when they have achieved something.

For example:

• Got outside clothes on all by myself
• Kicked the soccer ball into the goal at recess
• Ate my healthy snacks first
• Was a good friend
• Helped my teacher
• Told someone they looked nice
• Shared toys

Guiding Questions:

1. Have you learned something about a friend by looking at the silhouettes?
2. Did any of your friends do the same things as you?
3. How could you recognize the good work of a friend?

Pass the compliment - (Caring)

Purpose: To raise awareness of the purpose of compliments and how they can make others feel good.

Materials: A soft squishy ball or stuffed animal, music (The At My Best® CD works great!)

Activity Description: Students stand in a circle on the floor passing the ball back and forth as the music plays. When the music stops the person that is holding the ball gives a compliment to the person who passed it to them. Start the music and repeat the steps. Students can pass the ball side to side, randomly around the classroom, criss-cross across the circle etc.

Guiding Questions:

1. How did you feel when someone gave you a compliment?
2. Does it take a lot of energy to give someone a compliment?
3. How does the group work together in this game?

Hip Hip Hooray for us today! - (Belonging)

Purpose: To highlight and focus on successes throughout the day.

Materials: None needed

Activity Description: At the end of the day, once students are ready to go home, the Teacher chants “HIP HIP HOORAY FOR US TODAY!”  Then students take turns offering to say something they enjoyed about their day. After each suggestion, the whole class chants HIP HIP HOORAY! (You can make actions too.) This is an energizing and quick way to leave the school day feeling great!

Guiding Questions:

1. Why is it important to remember the good things you do each day?
2. How did it make you feel when the whole class was cheering together?
3. What are some other ways you can make others feel good?

Share and Care - (Caring)

Purpose: To recognize students who are showing others they care and those who are opting to share.

Materials: Two medals or two necklaces, Hawaiian leis etc., two items that can easily be passed around and are easy to wear.

Activity Description: When you see someone sharing with another classmate or caring for another classmate by helping and being kind, you pass along the item and congratulate them on a job well done. As the day goes by, they then have the responsibility to pass along the medal or lei to classmates they see sharing and caring.

Guiding Questions:

1. What did you share with others today?
2. How do we show we care about others in this activity?
3. Why is it hard to share sometimes?