OPtimism and hope

[JoJo]

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I am "hoping" someone can help me. I'd really like to do a unit/ theme on optimism/ hope/ positive thinking etc with my year 6/7 class.

I want to use the fantastic book "the red tree" as my springboard but need some suggestions of other books/ poems/ songs which may be relevant.

In this day and age of such uncertainty i beleive the children need to be encouraged to have hope for the future.

Cheers and Thanks
Jo
Perth Australia :)

[Unregistered]

Are you familiar with the work of psychologist Martin Seligman on Positive Psychology? Check out his AuthenticHappiness.com website. The virtues you are talking about are very much a part of the program now being piloted in my high school in conjunction with Seligman. Other people, too, are thinking about how to make kids more optimistic. Good luck. ~Steph

[terirose22]

The book "Make Lemonade" by Virginia Wolfe is excellent, and would probably fit in with your age group. There are some mature themes (teen preganancy, poverty) but it's all about a young girl who helps out a slightly older girl that has 2 children. She writes poems about how the other girl takes her bad situation (lemons) and makes a better life for herself (lemonade). Might be good as an optional book, rather than a required one.

[jomo963@hotmail.com]

Hi,
I don't suppose this is much help but I remember a couple of positive thinking sayings from when I was a salesman in a 'previous life'.
Enthusiasm versus talent:-
"It is Attitude, not Aptitude, that determines Altitude"
Much simpler and understandable by most age groups:-
"Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, - you're right!"
Best wishes,
John
A Middle School in China.

[Unregistered]

I just read Studs Terkel's latest book "Hope Dies Last". It is a collection of interviews where people (mostly community activists) address the definition of and importance of hope in their lives. It is good in that you can pick and choose chapters...each is a little story in itself. Some of them may be above the level of your kids but you can decide that.

[Katrina in Florida]

I assume that a 6/7 classroom refers to grade 6 and 7, just like here.

Obvious suggestions would be "The Diary of Anne Frank," "The Outsiders," "The Skin I'm In," "Because of Winn Dixie," "Holes," and any number of short stories similar to "Chicken Soup for the Teenaged Soul"

[Unregistered]

Dear JoJo,
Since my husband was diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago, I have met some of the most hopeful people in the world--cancer patients! If there is a cancer treatment center in your area, then there is likely a library or resource center loaded with material bolstering hope. Not everything in a cancer library is specific to cancer. That is where I first read the story of the real "Patch Adams", portrayed in the movies several years ago by Robin Williams. He was the doctor who set the world of medicine on its ear by introducing humor into the treatment of his patients. I am certain your students would enjoy and learn something from at least parts of that film. So don't overlook hospital libraries. "Choose HOPE; dismiss despair" is our family theme or mantra that I borrowed from the first book I read about cancer. That is an important lesson: Hope can be chosen! Many students don't believe that being hopeful and optimistic is a choice! A friend made bracelets for our family (both male and female) with HOPE beads that we faithfully wear. Have you seen the yellow "Live Strong" bracelets worn in honor of Lance Armstrong? Perhaps your students would want to work together to think of uplifting sayings to be posted around the school. They may want to design bracelets and make a pact with one another to be harbingers of hope to each other, their school, their families, your community. If the bracelets were sold very reasonably in your school, the money could be used to fund worthwhile projects that offer people hope. I can see this leading to some very rewarding community service projects with burn victims, working with the homeless, food pantries, children's hospitals, etc. Congratulations for choosing this much ignored area in social and emotional health. By starting now, you are helping the next generation to be healthier, happier and a blessing to all. Good luck and have fun with this!
Kathy in Missouri

[star]

Are any of the books on the themes of optimism and hope good for short reading and discussion (5 minutes of classtime daily) for 8th grade?

[Unregistered]

Dear Teacher ,
I must say that positive thinking is infectious
Is your attitude worth catching?
You seem to be in the dark as to whether your lesson is going to turn out well.I am saying it will.
I am sure a thousand people will reply to your letter giving this book and that,If I were you I wouldn't be toubled.The children will make hope-out situations and turn them into positive situations.
I AM SURE THEY WILL
BYE,
SHAHZADI