Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
Note the Optional Q&A won't be available until after the live interview with the author.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Students will identify the difference between happy feelings and sad feelings.
Students will learn to use the phrase 'I can' to express ability.
Students will practice active listening during a story.
Materials
Procedure (30 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Gather students in a circle. Ask them to make a sad face and then a happy face. Briefly talk about how trying new things can be scary but fun.
(10 mins) Storytime: Watch the read-along video of 'Penelope and the Power of Positivity'. Pause to point out Penelope's expressions.
(10 mins) Mirror Activity: Pass a mirror around the circle. When a student holds the mirror, they look at themselves and say one thing they can do (e.g., 'I can jump', 'I can smile'). Give them a sticker for sharing.
(5 mins) Conclusion: Sing a simple 'I Can' song together and wiggle out the 'cannots'.
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Students will recognize negative self-talk and how to change it.
Students will create a visual reminder to stay positive.
Students will formulate questions based on visual and auditory media.
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Procedure (60 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Discuss what a 'cannot' feels like. Is it heavy? Is it dark?
(10 mins) Reading: Watch the read-along video. Ask students to raise their hands when Penelope meets a helpful friend.
(15 mins) Craft Activity: Students decorate a 'Can-Do Can' (cup or tin) with bright colors. They write or draw one thing they want to learn on a strip of paper and put it inside the can.
(5 mins) Sharing: Volunteers share what is inside their can.
(25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Explain that the author wrote this story to help kids. After watching, lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author (e.g., 'How did you choose Penelope's name?', 'Do you have a can-do can?'). This encourages curiosity about the author's process and the story.
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Students will identify traits of a supportive friend.
Students will write positive affirmations for their peers.
Students will practice inquiring about the creative process.
Materials
Procedure (60 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Brainstorm words that make us feel brave on chart paper.
(10 mins) Reading: Watch the read-along video. Focus discussion on how Penelope's friends helped her change her mindset.
(15 mins) Affirmation Activity: Each student gets a set of sticky notes. They must write positive affirmations (e.g., 'You are smart', 'You can do it') and place them on a designated 'Positivity Wall' in the classroom.
(5 mins) Reflection: Read a few notes aloud and discuss how receiving them feels.
(25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Discuss how the author might have needed positive friends to write the book. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author regarding her inspiration or challenges in writing.
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Students will understand the metaphor of growth and confidence.
Students will set personal goals using 'I can' language.
Students will analyze the author's intent and generate interview questions.
Materials
Procedure (65 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Discuss how confidence is like a plant—it needs care and positivity to grow.
(10 mins) Reading: Watch the read-along video. Discuss the 'seeds' of doubt Penelope had initially.
(20 mins) Gardening Activity: Students plant a seed in a small pot. On a popsicle stick, they write a goal they want to achieve (grow) this month and stick it in the soil.
(5 mins) Wrap-up: Place the pots on a windowsill and discuss how positive words are like water for the plant.
(25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Ask students to think about the author's career as a 'growing garden'. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author about how she grew her confidence to become a writer.
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Students will use movement to express positive emotions.
Students will collaborate to create a rhythmic beat.
Students will practice vocalizing positive chants.
Materials
Procedure (45 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Explain that today we are going to march our 'cannots' away.
(10 mins) Reading: Watch the read-along video. Encourage kids to clap whenever Penelope succeeds.
(15 mins) Preparation: Students create simple flags using cardstock and streamers that say 'Yes!' or draw a smiley face. Hand out instruments.
(10 mins) The Parade: March around the room or playground. Chant 'I can do it! Yes, I can!' to the rhythm of the instruments.
(5 mins) Cool Down: Sit in a circle and take deep breaths, imagining breathing in 'I can' and breathing out 'I cannot'.