2. Explain to the students that they are going to create a bulletin board/handout/brochure
to stomp out negative comments. Give two sheets of construction paper to each
student. Instruct students to trace the outline of their left and right shoes (one per
sheet). If students are sensitive about shoe size, they can use shoe patterns.
3. Instruct students to cut out the shoes and write a negative comment about teaching or
education on one shoe.
4. When all students have written negative comments, the stomping begins! Tell
students to place the negative shoes on the floor, and then stomp on the negative
comments. These negative shoes are then displayed on the wall or on a bulletin
board.
5. On the other shoe, instruct the students to write a positive comment about teaching or
education. This shoe is then placed over the negative shoe comment. All the negative
comments have been stomped out!
8. Explain to the students that besides dealing with negative images relating to teachers,
we sometimes have to deal with negative situations with our family and friends.
Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group a conflict from the “Positive
Reactions to Negative Situations” handout. Have the groups role play their situation
with the fighting foul response. Allow the class to suggest a positive response to the
situation before role-playing the suggested positive response (fighting fair) written by
the author.
9. Pass out the “How to Have a Positive Attitude (for Teens)” handout. Discuss with
students and allow students to rephrase and give examples of each.
Note: This activity can also be done for attitudes with peers, attitudes about school,
college, and/or careers.
ASSESSMENT:
Choose one or both of the following methods of assessment:
1. The student will write a journal entry including the following:
a) How do negative comments harm us? The teaching profession?
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
4-18
MODULE 4:
7. Distribute copies of “Ten Ways to Maintain a Positive Attitude with Teachers” and
assign one positive strategy to each group. They will write the strategy on a large
index card. Allow them to act out their strategy for the rest of the class and post their
strategy card on the bulletin board. Encourage students to ask questions and request
further clarification when needed.
I Can Think Positively
6. This activity should be followed up with a discussion about how important a positive
attitude is and how important it is for students and teachers to establish a positive
relationship just as it is for employees and their bosses to have a positive relationship.