Opening Our Eyes to Trying New Things!

One of the weeks for our SEL curriculum, Positivity Project, was focusing on what open-mindedness is and how we show this character strength. Throughout the week, 1st graders listened to stories like Chester's Way, My Brave Year of Firsts, and Roller Coaster. Through these stories, we learned more about what it meant to have this character strength and why this character strength helps us. We had awesome conversations about these books as well as ways we can show open-mindedness. 

On Thursday, we took our knowledge of open-mindedness to the next level and used the Kagan structure Talking Chips. For talking chips, each student gets 2 “chips”. They each take turns putting a chip in, meaning they are the one who is speaking. After that, another student can put their chip in and say something about the topic. Once students have used both talking chips, they must wait until everyone has used all their talking chips before they can get their chips back. 

 

I first modeled what this would look like with 3 other students. I gave a fun topic of, “Do you like fall? Why?” Then we took turns putting in a talking chip and agreeing or respectfully disagreeing with each other’s opinions. We practiced having an “open mind” as we listened to others ideas.

Then it was their turn! They got in their table groups and each got their 2 chips ready. I told them our topic was going to be, “Have you ever tried anything new? What was it?” And then they were off! It was awesome to see students taking the turn of putting their talking chips in and connecting to other students. I loved getting to hear the students interact and share ways they will try to have an open mind.