Lesson 1: Why My Best Me?

Materials

My Best Me textbook, pencil, journal, paper

Resources

Student Worksheet: 4yu.info/?i=V598506 Family Engagement: 4yu.info/?i=V598556

Glossary

recording, imitating, instinct, innate, moral, alternate, conduct, manifests, brainstorm

Motivation

Humans are a unique species, and although we share many physical characteristics with animals, we also have many special characteristics that set us apart from them. Humans, unlike animals, have the ability to make moral decisions, plan for the short and long-term future, consciously decide to help others, love, appreciate beauty, celebrate life, make jokes, create meaning with words, gain wisdom, seek the meaning of life, and much more. Although all life on Earth is important, and therefore to be valued and respected, human life is set apart. Humans are responsible for the management and administration of all other creatures, of nature, and all the resources this planet provides. We have the capacity to steward this world in ways that cause it to flourish and prosper. To do so, however, we need to be morally principled and willing to sacrifice our selfish desires for the well-being of others. That is the key to humanity.

Goal

The students will be able to clearly identify the main differences between humans and animals. We are capable of making moral decisions and creating ingenious objects and services for the benefit of society.

Play: What would a __________ do in front of a camera? The students will have the opportunity to act out or describe a certain animal’s behavior with a partner. The purpose of the activity is to get students thinking about how animals behave differently than humans, and why they behave differently. Some animals share similarities, but many characteristics, such as the human brain (and its capacity) and the different dimensions of our existence, set humans apart from all other creatures. Comment: In this section, students will use the workbook questions as a guide to considerations about

Pathways

the differences and similarities between humans and animals. Motivate students to focus on the superiority of the human creature as a being. Of course, as complex beings with the ability to act in healthy and unhealthy ways, humans are also capable of inhumane acts and behavior—far worse than any animal could ever display. Help students grasp the great responsibility that goes along with the ability to make moral decisions. Feel free to use online resources for students to research this topic in more depth. And although it might seem like a simple topic, there is a lot of complexity here. Students can also create Venn diagrams, Power-point presentations, or posters to showcase their research findings. Understand: Read the Understand section together, emphasizing the differences between humans and animals (If students conducted research and presented it to the class, this may have already been discussed). Be sure to direct the students to stories and inventions that have helped people and made the world a better place. Due to our unique capacity as human beings endowed with free will, there are many heartbreaking examples of horrors caused by humans. However, we want to inspire the students to improve the world they are inheriting. We want them to take responsibility and use their dreams and abilities to impact humanity in constructive ways. Act: Honoring My Friends This is a simple act of moral decision to build the morale of another student. Each student will write a constructive letter to a classmate assigned to them. We want to make sure each and every student is honored. The goal is to honor that student and recognize their unique and special characteristics, and to motivate them to become the best they can be. This activity serves to display human characteristics at their best while honoring and uplifting a friend. Give: Conduct a ceremony in which students will exchange their letters in a significant manner, as a gift to their partner. Encourage students to receive their letters with the appropriate enthusiasm and gratitude. Reflect: Give students time to think about the questions presented. Perhaps invite them to write down some of their thoughts in their journals. You can also close this session by inviting students to share those thoughts with the class.

Willpower

An important part of understanding our world is the realization that humans are a unique species with the ability to make both healthy and unhealthy decisions. Each of us must understand the consequences of our decisions for ourselves as well as their impact on others.