Positive Attitude Toward Self and School

Description of the Lesson(s) or Program

Positive Attitude Toward Self and School (PATSS) is a series of classroom guidance lessons developed at Waseca Junior High School by Pam Kimball, Deb Hoelmer, Gary Meurer, Irene Mulcahey, Lonnie Buschow, and Jim Helms to assist middle school and junior high school students (grades 5-8) in fostering a sense of community by developing self-esteem, respect for ourselves and others and a sense of identity within each individual.  The yearlong program is a collection of lessons developed and adapted by the different educators within the school system.  Each lesson is designed to be delivered within a 45-minute period.

A typical lesson follows.

Goin’ Fishin’

Learning Objective:

The students will learn how to prioritize different values and to share what certain values mean to different individuals.

Materials Needed:

The students will need the worksheet “Fishin’ Hole” and also a pencil.  The worksheet about 18 fish in a lake with different values written inside each one (i.e. strength, humor, faith, beauty, creativity, excitement, wealth, power, common sense, friendliness).

Procedure:

1.                  Hand out Activity Sheet (Fishin’ Hole) and make sure that everyone has something to write with.

2.                  Give the following instructions:

a.      If you could catch any five fish in the pond, which would you choose?  Circle your choices.

b.      When you pick up your string of fish, one falls off into the dirt.  Cross out one of your choices.

c.      On the way home you meet a poor man and his hungry family.  You give them two fish.  Cross out two more choices.

d.      As you walk into your yard a stray cat jumps out and swipes a fish.  Cross out another one of your choices.

e.      You may keep the one remaining fish.

3.                  Divide into small groups and discuss this activity – focusing on the following questions:

a.      Which fish did you keep?

b.      Why did you keep that particular fish?

c.      In what order did you give your fish away?  Why?

d.      How did you feel about sharing your fish?

e.      Was it difficult to decide which five fish to “catch”? 

Connections to Related Standards, Competencies, and Domains

Goin’ Fishin’ directly relates to Minnesota Graduation Standard Numbers 7 and 8 (People & Cultures and Decision Making).

All of the lessons for PATSS are reflective of the Educational, Career, and Social developmental domains of the Minnesota School Counselors’ Model of Developmental Guidance and Counseling.

For Further Information

Jim Helms

Professional School Counselor

Waseca Junior High School

Waseca, Minnesota

Email  helj@waseca.k12.mn.us