To instill the importance of a positive classroom community small groups create a collage out of magazine clippings that highlight three characteristics of self-awareness. Written examples accompany the finished product. Groups turn in their collages then reflect on two questions in a journal. 

Concepts

positive thinking, self-awareness, character traits, building community, classroom community, education community, school community, communities, collages

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Pose reflection questions on a classroom blog—direct pupils to answer each question using complete sentences and reply to at least one peer 
• Brainstorm and assign other roles within cooperative learning groups 
• Create an anchor chart that defines self-awareness, display it alongside collages 

Classroom Considerations

• Preview magazine to confirm the material is appropriate before allowing class members to browse them 
• The first of three lessons that focus on positive thinking 
• The plan indicates a counselor leads the lesson; however, a classroom teacher can also 

Pros

• An opening character catches learners' attention 
• Participants work in cooperative learning groups and make use of jobs

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.5.1.b SL.5.1.c SL.5.1.d SL.5.2 SL.5.4 SL.5.5 SL.5.6