Lesson Plan
Happy Life's Surprising Science
Students will be able to define positive psychology and identify the key elements of well-being.
Understanding the science of happiness can empower students to proactively cultivate their own well-being and resilience, leading to more fulfilling lives.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, individual reflection, and group activity.
Materials
Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology? (slides-positive-psychology), "Happiness Myths" Worksheet (happiness-myths-worksheet), and Personal Well-Being Journal (well-being-journal)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Happy Life's Surprising Science Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, "Happiness Myths" Worksheet, and Personal Well-Being Journal.
- Print copies of the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet (one per student).
- Prepare to project the Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?.
Step 1
Welcome & Icebreaker: What Makes You Happy?
5 minutes
- Begin with a quick warm-up. Ask students to share one thing that genuinely makes them happy, either in a quick written response or a show of hands/one-word answers.
- Facilitate a brief discussion about the variety of responses. (Slide 1, 2)
Step 2
Introduction to a New Way of Thinking: Positive Psychology
10 minutes
- Introduce the concept of positive psychology and the idea that happiness isn't just luck, but a skill we can develop.
- Define key terms: 'positive psychology' and 'well-being.'
- Briefly introduce the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) as a framework for well-being. (Slide 3-6)
Step 3
Interactive "Happiness Myths" Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet.
- Have students work individually or in small groups to evaluate common myths about happiness (e.g., "Money buys happiness," "Happiness means never feeling sad").
- After completing the worksheet, bring the class together to discuss their findings and reasoning. Encourage debate and critical thinking. (Slide 7, 8)
Step 4
Group Discussion and Reflection
10 minutes
- Lead a whole-class discussion, asking students to share insights from the activity.
- Connect the debunked myths back to the scientific approach of positive psychology and the PERMA model.
- Ask students: "How does understanding these myths change your perspective on happiness?"
- Introduce the Personal Well-Being Journal as a tool for ongoing reflection. (Slide 9)
Step 5
Goal Setting for the Weeks Ahead
5 minutes
- Encourage students to think about one small action they can take this week to enhance their well-being, based on the PERMA model.
- Have students write down their goal in their Personal Well-Being Journal.
- Conclude by emphasizing that well-being is a journey, not a destination. (Slide 10)
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Slide Deck
What Makes You Happy?
Share one thing that brings you joy or makes you feel happy!
Welcome students and prepare for an interactive start. Ask students to quickly share one thing that makes them genuinely happy. This can be a show of hands, a quick written response, or a one-word share. The goal is to get them thinking about personal happiness and to see the diversity of what brings joy.
So Many Ways to Be Happy!
From big moments to small joys, happiness looks different for everyone.
Today, we're going to explore the science behind it!
Acknowledge the variety of responses and highlight that happiness can come from many different sources. This sets the stage for discussing that there isn't one single path to happiness.
Beyond Just 'Being Happy'
What if happiness wasn't just luck or a mood, but something we could understand and even learn?
That's where Positive Psychology comes in!
Introduce Positive Psychology as a field. Emphasize that it's not just about being positive all the time, but about understanding what allows individuals and communities to thrive.
What is Positive Psychology?
The scientific study of what makes life most worth living.
It focuses on human strengths, virtues, and optimal functioning rather than just problems or illnesses.
Provide a clear, simple definition of positive psychology. Contrast it slightly with traditional psychology, which often focuses on illness; positive psychology focuses on strengths and well-being.
What is 'Well-Being'?
It's more than just a fleeting feeling of happiness!
Well-being is a state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Introduce the concept of 'well-being' as a broader, more sustainable state than just 'happiness.' Define it as a state of health, comfort, and happiness.
The PERMA Model: Keys to Well-Being
Psychologist Martin Seligman identified 5 core elements of well-being:
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Achievement
Briefly introduce the PERMA model as a framework. Explain each letter simply: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement. No need to go into deep detail, just an overview.
Happiness Myths: Fact or Fiction?
What do you think makes people happy? Sometimes our assumptions aren't quite right!
Let's explore some common 'happiness myths' and see what the science says.
Transition to the activity. Explain that many ideas about happiness aren't quite right. The upcoming worksheet will help them think critically about these 'myths.' Distribute the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet now.
Time for the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet!
Work through the questions on your worksheet. Think critically about each statement. Is it a fact or a myth?
Allow time for students to work on the worksheet, either individually or in small groups. Circulate and assist as needed. After they've had sufficient time, prepare to bring the class back together for discussion.
Discussing the Myths
What did you discover?
- Which myths were the most surprising?
- How does the science of well-being challenge these ideas?
- What's one new insight you gained?
Facilitate a class discussion about the worksheet. Encourage students to share their answers and the reasoning behind them. Connect their insights back to the PERMA model and the scientific approach of positive psychology.
Your Well-Being Journey
Well-being is an ongoing journey, not a destination!
Let's set a small goal for this week to boost our well-being. Write it down in your Personal Well-Being Journal.
Wrap up the lesson by encouraging future action. Introduce the Personal Well-Being Journal as a tool for continued self-reflection and goal setting. Ask them to set a small, actionable goal for the week ahead.
Worksheet
Happiness Myths Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
Instructions: Read each statement below. Decide if it is a FACT (true) or a MYTH (false) according to what we discussed about well-being and positive psychology. Then, explain your reasoning in the space provided.
1. Money buys happiness.
Fact or Myth? _________________________
Reasoning:
2. Happiness means you never feel sad or negative emotions.
Fact or Myth? _________________________
Reasoning:
3. Some people are just naturally happy, and others aren't.
Fact or Myth? _________________________
Reasoning:
4. You need to achieve big things to be truly happy.
Fact or Myth? _________________________
Reasoning:
5. If you work hard enough, you can find a perfect, constant state of happiness.
Fact or Myth? _________________________
Reasoning:
Reflection Question:
How does understanding these common "happiness myths" change your perspective on what it means to live a happy and well life?
Journal
My Personal Well-Being Journal
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
Instructions: This journal is a space for you to reflect on your own well-being journey. Use the prompts to think deeply about what contributes to a happy and fulfilling life for you.
Journal Entry 1: Reflecting on Happiness
Think about our discussion on positive psychology and well-being. What does a "happy life" mean to you personally, now that we've explored some myths and scientific ideas? How might your definition be different from what you thought before?
Journal Entry 2: My PERMA Check-in
Consider the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement). Pick one or two elements that feel most present in your life right now, and one or two that you'd like to strengthen. Explain why, and how you might nurture those areas.
Journal Entry 3: Setting a Well-Being Goal
Based on what we discussed and your reflections, what is one small action you can take this week to improve or maintain your well-being? Make it specific and achievable. How will you know if you've met your goal?
My Well-Being Goal: _________________________________________________________________
How I will achieve it:
How I will know I achieved it:
Journal Entry 4: My Positive Moment
Describe a positive experience you had recently. What happened? How did it make you feel? What elements of the PERMA model were present in that moment (e.g., connection with others, a sense of accomplishment, pure joy)?