Optimism is a mental attitude that reflects hope in a positive outcome. Everyone knows that if you approach an activity or task with a positive and fun attitude, it will be more enjoyable and you are more likely to get a positive result. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful – a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Showing gratitude can make us feel happier and more fulfilled. By understanding the benefits of optimism and gratitude, students will feel more confident to practise them and make their transition to secondary school smoother and more successful.
Learning Intention
Students will learn the meaning and benefits of optimism and gratitude and how to practise these skills throughout their transition.
Key Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- define ‘optimism’, and explain how an optimistic attitude can affect their lives
- define ‘gratitude’, and identify some benefits of gratitude
- practise gratitude.
activity 01
Class discussion: Optimism versus pessimism 10 min
- Draw a line on the board.
- Label one end ‘Optimism’ and the other end ‘Pessimism’.
- Ask students:
- What is optimism?
- What is pessimism?
- Why can these things be represented on a continuum?
- Is someone always pessimistic or always optimistic?
- Can a person change depending on how they are feeling that day?
- If someone seems pessimistic about something, what might they be saying?
- If someone is feeling optimistic, what might they be saying?
- If we are approaching something new, do we want to do so with a pessimistic or an optimistic approach? What impact can our approach have?
- Ask students to think about how they are feeling today. Are they feeling more optimistic or more pessimistic? Ask them to explain to someone nearby how they are feeling and why.
- Conclude the discussion with some practical examples of how optimism can help us to get through things. Challenge students to adopt an optimistic attitude. Emphasise that if they approach an activity with a positive and fun attitude, it will be more enjoyable and they will be more likely to get a positive result.
Create an account to view the resource
Create an account to access all of our resources and recieve our newsletter with health tools & tips, and upcoming teaching resources.
Create accountAlready have an account? Log in here.