CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Optimism – A Lesson in Optimism

Optimism is a way of viewing the world positively. By taking an optimistic view, we have the power of positivity on our side.

Optimism
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Responsibility
  • Fairness
SEL Skills
  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management
Academic Skills
  • Curiosity and Passion
  • Diligent Learner

Definitions

Responsibility
  • Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
  • Persevere. Keep on trying.
  • Be self-disciplined.
  • Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
  • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.
Fairness
  • Play by the rules.
  • Take turns and share.
  • Be open-minded. Listen to others.
  • Don’t take advantage of others.
Self-Awareness

Identify and understand emotions, values, attitudes, motivations, mindsets, and personal attributes.

Self-Management 

Regulate emotions, attitudes, and actions and resist negative emotions and impulses.

Curiosity and Passion 

Enthusiastic to understand more about themselves, others, and the world around them.

Diligent Learner

Have a growth mindset and is willing to learn from mistakes.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
Share This Activity
The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News

Students will explore the concept of optimism and how our optimism affects others.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What is one positive thing that has happened to you this week?
  • What does it mean to be optimistic?
    • When we are optimistic, we are hopeful and confident about the future.
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

Click here for the shortened video (best for secondary students).

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • In the video, how did Brianna show she has an optimistic view of the world?
  • How can viewing the world through more optimistic eyes benefit you in life?
  • How can a positive outlook increase your chance of success?
  • How does optimism help you appreciate minor or everyday things in life?
materials

Materials

  • Two clear cups
  • Water
  • Optional: food coloring
activity

Activity: Half-Full or Half-Empty?

  • Fill two cups halfway with water. Make sure to put the same amount of water in each cup. 
    • Optional: add a drop of food coloring to make it easier for students to see the water.
  • Have each student privately vote if the glasses are half-full or half-empty.
  • Split the class in half. One side will represent “half-full,” and the other will represent “half-empty.”
  • Each team will have three minutes to prepare to support their stance.
  • Students will present why they believe the cup is half-full or half-empty.
  • Have the class vote again to see if anyone was persuaded to see the other side’s perspective.
  • Follow-up question:
    • Why would optimists see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • What is one positive thing that has happened to you this week?
  • How can your positivity make others feel?
  • When is it difficult to be optimistic?

6-12

  • “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t…you’re right.”- Henry Ford
    • How does this quote relate to seeing the world from an optimistic perspective?
  • How has optimism helped you achieve your goals or deal with a difficult situation?
  • How can being positive affect your daily life?
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about optimism.

  • What was the most impactful moment of Briana Carci’s story?
  • How can you use optimism to help you deal with a problem?

Activity

  • As a family, share things that give you hope and make you smile.
  • Create a list of the things that bring positivity into your home.
  • Post this list to the fridge so you can be reminded of the positive things in your life.

More Kindness 101

CHARACTER COUNTS! Lessons and Activities

 

2702 Forest Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50311

515-271-1910

RayCenter@Drake.edu

Character Counts
DONATE TO OUR MISSION
Facebook Twitter Instagram Tiktok Youtube
Contact Us

(C) 2024 The Ray Center at Drake University is proud to be the home of CHARACTER COUNTS! CHARACTER COUNTS!, the Six Pillars of Character, and Pursuing Victory with Honor are trademarks of the Josephson Institute. CHARACTER COUNTS! was founded by Michael Josephson through the Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics.