Students will be able to identify personal values as things that make them happy and feel good inside, connecting these feelings to personal happiness and well-being.
Understanding what makes us happy helps us make good choices, feel proud of who we are, and build a strong sense of self. It teaches children that their feelings are important guides.
Audience
1st Grade Class
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, interactive sorting, and reflection.
Begin by asking students: "What makes your heart sing? What things make you feel super happy and good inside?" - Show the first few slides of the My Heart's Happy Things Slide Deck to spark ideas and introduce the idea of 'values' as things that are important to us and make us feel good. - Explain that today, we're going to explore what makes each of our hearts sing – our own 'happy things' or 'values.'
Step 2
Value Card Sort Activity
15 minutes
Distribute the Value Card Sort cards to each student or small groups. - Instruct students to look at the pictures and words on the cards. - Explain that they should sort the cards into two piles: 'Makes My Heart Sing!' (things that make them happy and feel good) and 'Doesn't Make My Heart Sing Right Now.' - Circulate and assist students, encouraging them to talk about why they place certain cards in the 'Makes My Heart Sing!' pile. - Bring the class back together and ask a few students to share one or two cards from their 'Makes My Heart Sing!' pile and explain their choices.
Step 3
My Heart's Values Reflection
8 minutes
Distribute the My Heart's Values Worksheet or blank paper and drawing supplies. - Ask students to draw or write about one or two things they identified in the card sort that truly make their heart sing. - Encourage them to think about how these things make them feel. - If time permits, invite students to share their drawings or writings with a partner or the class.
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Our Happy Hearts
2 minutes
Conclude by reiterating that everyone has different things that make their heart sing, and that's what makes us special. - Emphasize that knowing what makes our hearts happy can help us make choices that bring us joy and good feelings. - Show the final slide of the My Heart's Happy Things Slide Deck with a positive concluding message.
Slide Deck
What Makes Your Heart Sing?
Let's discover what makes us happy inside!
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic with an exciting tone. Ask them to think about things that truly make them happy.
What Are 'Happy Things'?
These are the special things that make us feel:
Joyful!
Proud!
Warm and fuzzy inside!
Explain that 'Happy Things' are like treasures in our hearts. They are things that make us feel good, joyful, and proud.
Look! What Makes These Hearts Sing?
Playing with friends
Helping someone
Reading a good book
Being outside in nature
Learning new things
Show these examples and ask students to name other things that make their hearts sing. Encourage a brief brainstorm.
These are our Personal Values!
Our 'Happy Things' are also called Personal Values.
They are what is most important to us!
Introduce the idea of personal values as our 'heart's happy things.' Transition to the card sort activity.
Your Heart Sings a Special Song!
What makes YOUR heart sing? It's special to YOU!
Knowing your happy things helps you make choices that make you feel good.
As students complete the worksheet, reinforce that everyone's 'heart song' is unique and special. Conclude with a positive message.
Activity
Value Card Sort: What Makes Your Heart Sing?
Instructions: Cut out each card below. Sort the cards into two piles:
Makes My Heart Sing! (These things make me feel happy and good inside!)
Doesn't Make My Heart Sing Right Now. (These things are okay, but they don't make my heart super happy.)
Talk with your friends about why you put cards in each pile!
Cards to Cut Out:
Card 1
Card 2
Card 3
Helping Friends
Playing Outside
Reading Books
Card 4
Card 5
Card 6
Being Kind
Learning New Things
Being Honest
Card 7
Card 8
Card 9
Being Brave
Family Time
Being Fair
Card 10
Card 11
Card 12
Art & Creating
Music & Dancing
Quiet Time
Teacher Note: You can add relevant images to each card before printing to make the activity more engaging for 1st graders.
When you are done sorting, pick your favorite cards from the "Makes My Heart Sing!" pile and be ready to share why!
Worksheet
My Heart's Values
Name: ________________________
What makes your heart sing the loudest?
Draw a picture or write about one or two things that make your heart feel super happy and good inside! These are your special values!
