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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 1

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 1

September 2, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

"Mom, I had the worst day at school. I was walking up to do a math problem on the board and I tripped over Lionel's backpack. I totally wiped out-in front of the whole class. I looked like a total dork. I'm never going to volunteer for boardwork again. And I'm going to have to spend all day tomorrow trying to make myself invisible and hoping people forget about it. Why am I such a klutz?!"

"Kyra, I think you're being pretty tough on yourself. I bet everyone in that class has done something that makes them feel silly and embarrassed. I'm sorry you had a rough day, but you shouldn't get so upset about what happened today that it ruins tomorrow, too. 'Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.' Rather than being upset about today, try thinking of all the wonderful things you'll do tomorrow."

I still feel pretty grumpy about today, but I know that my mom's right. No matter how bad today is, "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it." And that's something worth looking forward to…

This week's maxim is "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it."  

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it."
    L.M. Montgomery

Featured character trait

  • Optimism - Even when I make mistakes, I see goodness in myself and believe that things can get better.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Hope - I believe in the goodness of the future.
  • Strength - I am able to withstand difficult times; I may get disapppointed, but I do not get oervwhelmed.
  • Peace -I deal with troubles with patience and calm.
  • Acceptance-I recognize my imperfections, but I am able to see the goodness as well.
  • Self-respect- I recognize that I am not perfect, but I still know that I have value and am a good person.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Is it harder to forget your mistakes or the mistakes of others?
  • Are you more patient and forgiving of yourself or towards others?
  • What are some ways to deal with situations like what happened to Kyra (tripping in front of your entire class)? What are some healthy ways to react to embarrassing situations?
  • Kyra is very concerned about what other people might think of her. Do you think many kids at this school feel that way?
  • What do you think is more problematic-caring too much about others' opinions of you or caring too little? Why?
  • What might Kyra's friends have done to help her feel better?
  • How would you want others to help you if you were embarrassed? Would you prefer them to ignore the situation, try to make you laugh, etc? How can you let them know how you want them to help?
  • What makes this week's maxim particularly helpful at the start of the new school year?
  • Kyra makes one mistake and immediately gets very upset with herself. Do you think most kids have that kind of reaction to their mistakes? Why or why not?

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

 Create a three-column chart. In the first column, have students list examples of different kinds of mistakes. In the middle column, list the different feelings those mistake evoke. In the final column, have students list appropriate ways to deal with those emotions. For ex: one row across might read: "Drop your lunch tray in front of everyone" then "Embarassed" and finally "Laugh at yourself--bow and smile along with everyone." Students can come up with examples and explanations for any of the three columns. Have them work in pairs or trios. By analyzing mistakes, students are less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to handle the situation in a productive way in the future.