Positive Noticing Day

Overview

This lesson plan is designed for Year 6 students and aligns with the UK Primary PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) curriculum, focusing on enhancing interpersonal relationships, empathy, and communication skills. The session introduces "Positive Noticing Day," explaining its significance and guiding students in identifying positive attributes in others, preparing them to write personalised positive notices the following day.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of Positive Noticing Day.
• Recognise the importance of acknowledging positive traits in others.
• Identify positive attributes in peers to write about.

Curriculum Link

• PSHE Areas: Relationships and Living in the Wider World
• National Curriculum Goals: Develop self-awareness, empathy, and respectful communication.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes or cards for brainstorming
• Projector and screen (optional)
• Sample Positive Notice

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Greet the Class: Begin with a warm welcome and an exciting announcement about introducing a new initiative: Positive Noticing Day.
2. Context Setting: Briefly explain that Positive Noticing Day is about highlighting and appreciating the positive qualities we see in those around us, contributing to a supportive and kind classroom environment.

Explanation and Discussion (10 minutes)

1. Define the Concept:

   • Ask students: "What does it mean to notice something positive about someone?"
   • Give examples like recognising a friend's helpfulness or appreciating someone who always includes others in games.

2. Why It's Important:

   • Discuss how acknowledging positive traits can boost morale, increase confidence, and build a stronger community. Make connections to students' experiences, such as how they feel when someone compliments them.

3. Interactive Activity:

   • Have students brainstorm in pairs 2-3 positive attributes or actions they have noticed in others recently. Write these on sticky notes.

Activity Instructions (10 minutes)

1. Preparation for Writing Positive Notices:

   • Show a sample positive notice on the board: "Dear [Name], I notice that you always help your classmates with their work. It's wonderful how you make everyone feel included!"
   • Highlight the structure: Address the person, note the positive trait, explain why it matters.

2. Logistical Planning:

   • Explain that the next day, each student will give a Positive Notice to a classmate. Discuss the logistics: Everyone will randomly draw a name to ensure each student receives a notice, ensuring inclusivity and fairness.
   • Encourage students to think tonight about who’s made a positive impact on them and how they might express that in writing.

Reflection and Wrap-up (5 minutes)

1. Class Circle Discussion:

   • Ask students to share one thing they learned about Positive Noticing Day and one feeling they have about giving or receiving positive notices.

2. Concluding Remarks:

   • Reinforce the goal of creating a positive atmosphere and emphasise the power of words to uplift others.
   • Encourage students to look forward to the next day and the joy of sharing positivity.

Differentiation

• Support: Pair students who may struggle with writing or identifying attributes with a peer buddy.
• Challenge: Encourage advanced students to use more descriptive language or write multiple positive notices.

Assessment

• Participation in discussions.
• Observations during the brainstorming and reflection activities to ensure understanding and engagement.

By immersing students in the practice of positive noticing, this lesson helps cultivate a caring classroom community while enhancing students’ emotional intelligence and writing skills.