Keep It Positive
Making a difference
by Philippa Rae
Suitable for Whole School (Sec)
Aims
To consider some examples of positivity and the impact that they can have on our lives.
Preparation and materials
- You will need the PowerPoint slides that accompany this assembly (Keep it Positive) and the means to display them.
Assembly
- Show Slide 1.
Ask the students to think about the people they meet every day, and then ask them to consider the type of people that they like to be around.
Point out that some people seem to lift us up in some way. It could be that they do something as simple as saying a cheerful hello or giving a happy smile. Or perhaps they speak to us kindly, giving us their full attention. They make us feel better about the day and about life in general. - Show Slide 2.
Explain that positivity can be demonstrated in many ways.
Point out that we can all learn from good examples and display the same attitude to people we know. - Show Slide 3.
Ask the students what they see in this picture. - Show Slide 4.
Read through the slide, explaining the meaning of the phrase ‘Is the glass half full or half empty?’ - Point out that there are times when people may display negativity. There could be many reasons for this: they might simply be having a bad day, they might feel ill or tired, or they might be worried about something.
- Show Slide 5.
Read through the points on the slide.
Point out that when someone around us is negative all the time, it can be very draining on our own energy and outlook. Someone else’s bad mood can easily influence us. - Explain that sometimes, displaying a can-do attitude ourselves can have a positive impact on people who are feeling negative. Doing something simple like being kind and listening can sometimes help people to move from feeling negative to having a more positive outlook.
It’s important to have people in our lives who are a positive influence too. A good mood is infectious, just like a bad mood is! - Show Slide 6.
Point out that positive people show gratitude and highlight the good qualities in others. Receiving appreciation can be a great motivator to help us try harder or keep on persevering. It makes us feel that what we are doing is worthwhile.
Positive people don’t stamp on our dreams, however unrealistic they might seem to be. They point us in the right direction so that we can get good advice about our dreams and challenges. - Show Slide 7.
Explain that it can be hard to show positivity if someone achieves something that we hoped for ourselves, but didn’t achieve. However, it’s always good to celebrate a friend’s good fortune.
Time for reflection
Show Slide 8.
Christians believe that this verse in Matthew 7.12 is a good principle to follow: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’
We all experience times when we feel sad, and we need to talk to someone who will care for us and help us. However, let’s remember that our positive attitudes towards each other can make a big difference. Let’s be people who encourage others and make them feel good about themselves.
There’s an old saying: ‘If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.’
Ask the students to pause and think about this saying.
Encourage them to make an effort to say good things this week that build people up and encourage them to keep going.
Prayer
Dear God,
Please help us to be good friends.
Please help us to celebrate the good times and give support during the bad times.
Please help us to be lights in other people’s lives.
Please help us to be grateful for all that we have.
Amen.
Song/music
‘Getting on with life’ by Philippa Hanna, available at: https://youtu.be/IOv5yhxJ1I0 (4.14 minutes long)
