Thinking Heroes
Curriculum  

Curriculum for 5 & 6 Year-Olds:
Developing Character Skills Through Fun and Engaging Activities

Overview

This curriculum is designed for 5 &6 year-olds to help them find utility in their character skills by practicing discipline, hard work, empathy, cooperation, and resilience. Through various cognitive team games and sports, children will not only have fun but also learn essential life skills.

 

Weekly Themes and Activities

Discipline and Hard Work

• Understanding Discipline
   

• Activity: "Red Light, Green Light"

  • Focus on listening skills and self-control.

  • Children learn to follow instructions and wait for their turn.
     

Practicing Hard Work

• Activity: Basic Basketball Drills

  • Dribbling, passing, and shooting exercises.

  • Emphasis on practicing regularly to improve skills.
     

Team Cooperation

• Activity: Relay Races

  • Children work in teams to complete the race.

  • Learn the importance of working together and cheering for teammates.
     

Empathy and Cooperation

• Understanding Empathy
   

Activity: Role-Playing Games

• Children take turns acting out different scenarios.

• Discuss feelings and how to be kind to others.
   

Cooperative Play

• Activity: Building Blocks Challenge

  • Children work in groups to build a game plan.

  • Emphasize sharing and listening to each other's ideas.
     

Helping Others

• Activity: “Buddy System” Tasks

  • Pair children to complete small tasks together.

  • Encourage helping and supporting each other.
    
     

Handling Failure and Building Resilience

• Learning from Mistakes
   

• Activity: "Try Again" Challenges

• Set up tasks that are challenging but achievable with effort.

• Discuss how making mistakes helps us learn.
   

Building Resilience

• Activity: Obstacle Courses

  • Encourage children to complete an obstacle course.

  • Focus on trying again and not giving up.
     

Celebrating Effort

• Activity: Story Time and Discussion

  • Read a story about a character who overcomes challenges.

  • Talk about how effort and perseverance are important.
     

Thinking Abilities and Expert Skills

Curiosity and Investigation
 

• Activity: Choice-Making Experiments

  • Fast-paced games where quick and correct decision-making is required.

  • Encourage asking questions and exploring.
     

Team Problem-Solving

• Activity: Riddle Solving

  • Group riddles that require cooperation and discussion.

  • Highlight the importance of teamwork in problem-solving.
     

Learning from Experts

• Activity: Guest Speaker Session

  • Invite a scientist or another professional to talk about their work.

  • Discuss how they use their skills and work in teams.
    
     

Daily Structure:

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

   • Fun, easy stretches and movements to get started.
      

2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

   • Themed activity focusing on the day's skill set
      

3. Adaptive reading (5 min )​

   • Reading a story or text related to the day's theme.

   • Engage children with questions and discussions about the story to reinforce the skill.
      

4. Reflection and Dialog (5 minutes)

   • Talk about what was learned and how it felt to practice the skills.
      

5. Match Play and Social Time (10 minutes)

   • Allow children to play real matches, fostering social interaction and relaxation.
      

Parental Involvement:

• Encourage parents to talk to their children about the day's activities.

• Provide tips for reinforcing these skills at home.

• Suggest family activities that align with the weekly themes.
   

By following this curriculum, children will develop essential character skills in a fun and supportive environment, setting a strong foundation for their future growth and success.