Change is inevitable. Kindergarteners discuss coping skills to properly manage changes that can occur outside the family.  Scholars reflect on their life changes after starting kindergarten. They discuss their feelings and draw a picture. Pupils sing the song, "I Can Change," to the tune of "Three Blind Mice."

Concepts

self-awareness, responsible decision-making, social-emotional learning, back to school, schools, school community, school environment, reflections, self reflection

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Accompany the lesson with books about children starting school
• Invite the principal to speak to the class about changes that come with entering a new grade and offer a friendly entry to talk
• Add pictures to learners' end-of-year portfolio to look back on and discuss what further changes have occurred

Classroom Considerations

• The final lesson in a series of two explores life changes
• The lesson mentions a counselor; however, a classroom teacher can also conduct the lesson
• Requires drawing paper and tools
• Pictures look best copied in color

Pros

• Encourages social and emotional development, particularly self-awareness and responsible decision-making
• Coping skills benefit participants now and in the future

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.K.6