At Phoenix School, we are excited about a new program that we will be teaching called Positive Action, a curriculum to enhance self-concept.

Simply put, self-concept is the way that we feel about ourselves. Positive Action teaches that when we act in positive ways, our self-concept improves. The program seeks to promote total wellness, competency and healthy lifestyles in each of our children. Children who feel good about themselves and more self-disciplined, get along better with others and have more motivation. That means that the children will be healthier, more responsible and more fun to be around!

At Phoenix School, we are strongly committed to academic excellence. We know that children with poor self-concepts often under-achieve and lack motivation, social skills and self-confidence. Their academic progress is likely to suffer because they do not see themselves as successful students.

We believe that Positive Action will give our pupils a better chance to thrive. Positive Action reinforces basic skills, teaching personal and social responsibility, and provides a positive mood in the classroom. Students will learn how friends and family influence their self-concept. They will discover how their own thoughts and actions contribute to how they feel about themselves.

Although the activities differ for each year group, every class will be working on the same concepts at approximately the same time with activities, stories, projects and discussions written specifically for pupils of that age.

During the year, you will hear about some special Positive Action activities, for example:

• Positive Action awards (stickers, tokens, certificates and others) to reinforce positive behaviours. These will be given in assemblies, classrooms, the dinner hall, on the playground and anywhere else.
• Positive Action updates in the school newsletter highlighting the Positive Action activities in the classrooms and all around the school.
• Special activities in class

We hope that you will encourage your child’s positive behaviour and growth. Your interest and support will help your child get the most out of Positive Action. There will be times that your child will need your help with a Positive Action assignment. Assist and encourage but let your child take responsibility for these. Also, look for ways to reinforce these concepts at home.

Unit One is all about self-concept – the way I feel about myself.

• I am as positive as my actions
• I feel good when I act in positive ways
• Positive makes positive; negative makes negative
• I don’t feel good when I act in negative ways
• Thoughts, actions and feelings are all connected
• My friends and family influence my self-concept.