FOUNDATIONS

1 I CAN! ...... 1

2. GARBAGE DUMP THINKING ...... 5

3. I CAN... CLIMB THE STAIRWAY TO THE TOP! ...... 11

4. I AM SOMEBODY! ...... 21

5. MY IDEAS DO COUNT... AND SO DO YOURS! ...... …25

6. THE WEB YOU WEAVE... IS HOW YOU SUCCEED! ...... 27. 7. USE YOUR ABILITIES ...33

8. I CAN HELP CHANGE THE WORLD ...... …35

9. THE POWER OF WORDS ...... 41

10. THE LOSER'S LIMP ...... …45

11. IT'S UP TO YOU! ...... 49

12. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR SUCCESS?...... …55

UNIT REVIEW ...... 59

TEACHER RESOURCE ...... 61

I

,FOUNDATIONS

OBJECTIVE:

I CAN!

"A positive attitude will have positive results!"

To introduce the I CAN way of life and the importance of a positive life attitude.

MATERIALS:"Meet Z.Z. Buzz" poem (TR) I CAN "Stairway to the Top" transparency (TR)

Z.Z. Buzz puppetI CAN Evaluation (4-5) (Incl.)

"I CAN" song (TR)"Honey Bee" Study Outline (K-5) (Incl.)

SUGGESTEDThe Bicycle Race - Donald Crews (K-l)

LITERATURE:The Berenstain Bears and the Big Road Race - Stan & Jan Berenstain (K-1)

The Little Engine That Could - Watty Piper (K-2)

The Little House - Virginia Lee Burton (K-3)

Andrew Carnegie and the Age o f Steel - Katherine Binney Shippen (4-5)

INTRODUCTION: To introduce students to the I CAN ideas, share a story with the students from Suggested Literature or school library and/or use the poem "Meet Z.Z. Buzz." You may use Z.Z. Buzz puppet to teach the poem or distribute copies of the poem and have the students join together in a chorus or cheer. After teaching the poem, ask the students to identify Z.Z.'s goals. Then follow with this commentary:

"There is something very interesting that I would like to tell you about the bumblebee. According to the theory o f aerodynamics, the bumblebee is unable to fly! This is because the size, weight and shape of his body, in relation to his total wingspan, makes flying impossible. But the bumblebee doesn't know this! He goes ahead and flies and works and achieves, anyway! Like the bumblebee, YOU CAN IF YOU THINK YOU CAN!"

Show the students the I CAN "Stairway to the Top" transparency. Briefly explain that people with an I CAN attitude build their lives on a solid foundation of love, trust, loyalty, character, integrity, and honesty. By doing so, they "climb the steps" to successful tomorrows! Each one of the steps will be studied in future I CAN units.

Write the quote "When you believe you can, you can!" on the board and ask a student to read it aloud. Discuss the meaning, relating it to daily classroom experiences. Integrate the quote into language arts by discussing capitalization rules, punctuation, etc.

ACTIVITY:

Grades K-1

Younger students can divide a piece of construction paper into four equal parts and illustrate four separate I CAN's. Some students may want to label their pictures with descriptive sentences. Example: "I CAN read a book"... student draws a picture to illustrate. Allow the students time to share their I CAN's with classmates. Sing the "I CAN" song.

Grades 2-3 Students can compose an I CAN list that reflects the things that he/she does well.

Example: "I CAN play the piano" or "I CAN be a loyal friend." Give the students five minutes to compile their lists, then have each student share his/her favorite I CAN with classmates. Have students choose one I CAN and write a paragraph describing how they accomplish their I CAN. Compile into a class book. Sing the "I CAN" song.

Grades 4-5Have the students complete the I CAN Evaluation and design a plan of action for achieving the qualities of a positive attitude.

BONUS ACTIVITIES:

Grades K-5 Brainstorm the characteristics of the bumblebee: hardworking, loyal, fast, productive, etc. Using the "Honey Bee" Study Outline, take the class to the library to collect information, books and pictures on bees. Encourage students to bring bee ideas and information from home. The collected materials can be used to develop a resource center for "bee research." Have students write or give oral reports on bees and all the things they can do! When reports are shared with the class, relate to the qualities of a positive life attitude.

Grades 3-5 Have the students use the computer to create a "Positive Attitudes Will Have Positive Results" banner to display in the classroom. When no computers are available, butcher paper will work for original art.

CLOSING: 1. Write the phrase "A Positive Attitude Will Have Positive Results" on the chalkboard or on a chart. Discuss the meaning and ask how this knowledge helps build success today and in the future. Have each student share one thing that he/she learned from the I CAN lesson.

2. Remind the students to look for positive qualities in themselves and in others. Post these quotes in the classroom: "You Can If You Think You Can" and "Bee Your Best!"

3. When students demonstrate an I CAN attitude, reward with a bee sticker.

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