Imagine how focused people can be if they magically cut out everything that is happening around them and all they can see is the task that is in front of them! This exercise accompanies the storybook I Just Want to Do It MY WAY! from the series BEST...

Students will determine how they will have a GONNA-GET-IT-DONE mindset in their own lives. Having a GONNA-GET-IT-DONE mindset helps to have a positive attitude, stay determined and gain the skill of being responsible. This exercise accompanies the...

Students will complete Random Acts of Kindness to help create an artistic display of a tree while learning the importance of applying compassion and kindness towards their peers. This activity can be done as a whole class, grade or entire school. The...

Students will display zest by showing enthusiasm and optimism while finding various “wonders” in nature. They will practice keeping property in its place and utilize strategies to self-correct their behavior if needed. The activity...

Students will practice zest by showing enthusiasm, optimism, and pride in their accomplishments when creating and sharing their “Zest Books.” This activity will help to identify what zest is and is not. Read the book ZEST: Live...

Watch as students show enthusiasm while they practice waiting patiently for their turn. During class, students will be asked to brainstorm definitions or ideas of the word "zest." Once that step is completed, the next step in the lesson is an activity...

Students will display effort as they perform tasks and will gain an understanding of the advantages of delaying gratification. Students will also display grit by continuing to work at accomplishing tasks, even after experiencing failure. Enjoy the book...

Students will stay on task while trying to move a heavy object. They will have the opportunity to keep trying very hard to complete the task even after experiencing failure, which in turn, students will learn to practice self-control. Enjoy the book GRIT...

Students will learn that a team is only as strong as its individual members! From Julia Cook’s BEST ME I Can Be! series is an engaging activity to accompany her storybook Teamwork Isn’t My Thing, and I Don’t Like to Share! This...

Teach the skill of working as a team with this unique activity called “Spaghetti and Marshmallows.” This amusing exercise will keep students engaged through all three rounds by creating their own structures. Discussion questions are offered...

This activity is designed to teach students to give more specific details and deliver them slowly. It can also teach students to listen more critically to instructions. From Julia Cook’s BEST ME I Can Be! series is an activity that accompanies her...

Students will gain the knowledge of learning how to ask for help to complete even the most simple of tasks. Get students up and out of their seat for this physical demonstration based off of Julia Cook’s storybook I Just Want to Do It MY...

Students will have to determine whether certain scenarios demonstrate good or bad sportsmanship. Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose? storybook explains the importance of teamwork and fairness. Put to use the...

Students will become creative when discussing and being reminded to always show good sportsmanship. Start off by reading Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose? storybook to your class. Once the story has been...

This activity is designed to teach students to be aware of behaviors that are distracting. Use the tips laid out in Stephie McCumbee’s storybook The Garden in My Mind to help with this activity. Students will break into small groups, work together...

Students will learn the skills of accepting 'No' for an answer and disagreeing the right way with this activity that accompanies Julia Cook's storybook I Just Don't Like the Sound of NO! from the BEST ME I Can Be! series. Extend the learning with I...