LESSONS FOR LIFE
Units 21-30
This section includes six visits with our TEAM doctor, Dr. Middos, to inculcate lessons extracted from Pirkei Avos that will ingrain the children with the preciousness of mitzvos, middos, and important life values. In addition, the last four units prepare the children for a safe and happy summer.
Introductory Mini Presentation:
Children will be introduced to Dr. Middos, who will explain the purpose of his Mitzvah Muscles Medical Center and what his goals are for his patients. He will become acquainted with the children and implore them to help him out with his Middos Simulator.
Unit 21: Pirkei Avos, Chapter 1: Upstanders, Please Rise!
Children will learn how to be an "upstander," which means standing up for what's right, when a friend asks them to become a partner in carrying out a mean idea toward another, or when witnessing one friend acting mean toward another. Children will feel pride at doing the right thing.
Unit 22: Pirkei Avos, Chapter 2: Every Mitzvah Matters
The children will understand that even a seemingly small mitzvah performed is as important to Hashem as a big mitzvah, with a special focus on honesty.
Unit 23: Pirkei Avos, Chapter 3: Don’t Embarrass; Be Friendly
The children will understand the damage caused by embarrassing another, and learn ways to be friendly to each person no matter how they look. They will gain awareness of a variety of special challenges that children similar to them struggle with, while gaining an appreciation for the abilities Hashem has blessed them with.
Unit 24: Pirkei Avos, Chapter 4: Self-Control and Patience
Τhe children will learn the value of self-control during times of frustration and be given invaluable tools in exercising patience.
Unit 25: Pirkei Avos, Chapter 5: My Thinking Glasses
Children will meet two of Hashem’s creations and learn some important lessons about true strength and zrizus (alacrity). In addition, they will gain skills at looking beyond the surface of all they see and experience, searching for deeper meaning and lessons to apply in their service of Hashem.
Unit 26: Pirkei Avos, Chapter 6: My Thinking Camera
Children will be able to recognize the thought process involved in sprouting feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction with one's possessions and abilities. They will learn how to use positive imagery to be happy with what they have. They will gain additional positive imagery tools to help calm themselves when they feel afraid, angry, or sad.
Unit 27: Hashem's Treasurers
As a follow-up to Theme 21: Upstanders, Please Rise!
Children who have been hurt by purposely aggressive or hurtful behavior will gain tools to heal from the experience, tools to decrease similar negative experiences in the future, and the ability to withstand them with little or no damage to their self-image.
Bonus Lesson: A child who finds himself acting aggressively will gain tools to develop strength of character to overcome his/her strong impulses.
Unit 28: Join the Safety Team! (Part 1)
A hands-on theme depicting the dos and don’ts of personal safety. Children will learn whether or not they need to report a hurtful or negative behavior to an adult.
Unit 29: Join the Safety Team! (Part 2)
Children will master a new approach to stranger safety, while demystifying the term "stranger." They will learn about the three types of adults they encounter in their lives and the appropriate safety measures necessary for various situations.
Bonus Lesson: Children will learn how to respond when feeling sad as a result of being taken advantage of or if they are lost.
Unit 30: Respecting Hashem’s Outdoor World
Children will meet the insects, leaves, and trees who will teach them about the special reason they were created. They will learn how to protect Hashem’s creations and about the special mitzvah of tza’ar ba’alai chayim.