Self management is the ability to control one’s own actions. Some examples of this are self motivation, exercising self control, setting goals for oneself, and recognizing when one needs a break, time alone, or to take a deep breath. In the story Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice by Julia Cook, Isabella’s teacher teaches her about controlling the level of her voice, and tells her that it is up to her to be in charge of how loud she is, and when to use certain volumes. When Isabella realizes that she is able to control her own voice, she feels happy and confident.
After listening to the story, students will discuss how being able to control her own voice is now a strength of Isabelle’s whereas before it was not; she was unaware of how loud she was being and that was a weakness of hers. The teacher should discuss how we all have weaknesses and that identifying them is the first step to working on them and turning them into strengths. Students will then examine their own weaknesses, and choose one to illustrate. For the activity, students will create a 2 cell storyboard. The first cell will include a brief description of their weakness, and the second will describe how that weakness can be changed into a strength.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a 2 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes a weakness of yours.
Student Instructions
Model using a quiet, indoor voice for partner work, group discussions, and lining up. Demonstrate the difference by exaggerating a loud voice versus a '6 inch voice' so students can hear and see the contrast.
Invite students to act out scenarios (e.g., story time, recess, assemblies) and choose the right voice level together. Encourage them to reflect on how it feels to use each voice.
Display a voice level chart in the classroom, labeling each level with examples and pictures. Refer to the chart during transitions and group work to remind students of expectations.
Notice and celebrate students when they remember to use their '6 inch voice.' Positive feedback helps reinforce good self-management habits.
Ask students to self-assess or share when they used their '6 inch voice' well. Encourage honest reflection and set goals for next time.
Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice teaches children about self-management by showing how Isabella learns to control her voice volume. The key lesson is understanding and managing your own actions, turning weaknesses into strengths through awareness and practice.
Teachers can read the story aloud, discuss with students how Isabella manages her voice, and lead activities where students identify personal weaknesses and brainstorm ways to transform them into strengths. This approach encourages self-reflection and practical self-control skills.
A 2 cell storyboard activity asks students to illustrate and describe a personal weakness in one cell and show how it can become a strength in the second cell. This visual activity helps students reflect on self-improvement in a simple, creative way.
Recognizing personal weaknesses is crucial because it is the first step toward self-improvement. When students can name a challenge, they become more empowered to work on it and develop important life skills like resilience and self-awareness.
Great picture books for teaching self-management include Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker, Fergal is Fuming by Robert Starling, The Good Egg by John Jory, and My Heart by Corinna Luyken.