Day 20- Friday- What is Happiness- 2-11-22
Today we are going to start our exploration into Positive Psychology- I will pass out the ACTION PLAN for Happiness Guide AKA- The Happy Pack. Today we will start by trying to define what happiness means to you and from there explore the "GREAT DREAM" and starting our "Gratitude Journal". Over the course of the next two weeks we will explore themes and practice skills that seem to be related to the state of Happiness. I hope you enjoy the journey.
First we will number the pages in the Happy Pack and then start by looking at page 1-
First we will number the pages in the Happy Pack and then start by looking at page 1-
The GREAT DREAM-
We are going to take a look at the Great Dream which you can find on page 2,3,4 and 5 in the Happy Pack-
Take Time to Share your responses with a table mate or person nearby- have them place their initials by each box you share and visa versa.
Day 21- Monday- What is a Gratitude Journal and the Happy Movie all about?
2-14-22
WE ARE GOING TO START REFLECTING AND WRITING DOWN THREE THINGS THAT WE ARE THANKFUL FOR FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY- TURN TO THE "THREE GOOD THINGS" SECTION OF THE PACKET AND WRITE OUR FIRST THREE DOWN- THEN LETS DATE THE OTHER ENTRY PAGES-
Next we are going to look at the Happy Movie Part 1- I discovered this film several years ago at a random stop in Colorado on my way to Durango. I needed to stop and find the a free internet spot to send a few emails. I stopped in La Junta, Colorado for a bit to eat, a stop at a local museum (Bent's Old Fort Historic Site) and found a library
Day 22-Tuesday- How can the study of happiness be scientific? 2-15-22/2-21-22
Today we are going to start on the pages 9 and 10 in the Action Plan for Happiness Journal- Take time to reflect on three things that you were thankful for yesterday.
Next We will meet science researcher Dan Gilbert who will talk to us about the science of Happiness. I am going to have you write down five things you liked, learned or found interesting about his ted talk- - I will pass out a paper for you to record those items. Have a good day and try to start practicing Happiness.
Next We will meet science researcher Dan Gilbert who will talk to us about the science of Happiness. I am going to have you write down five things you liked, learned or found interesting about his ted talk- - I will pass out a paper for you to record those items. Have a good day and try to start practicing Happiness.
Day 23- Wednesday/Thursday- What role does forgiveness play in happiness? and What is a Blue Zone? Happy Movie part 2. 2-16-22
Open your "Action Plan for Happiness" to page 9 and reflect back on three things you were thankful from Wednesday the 17th. We will take time to discuss any of the items that you would like to share today!
Today we watch Happy Movie part 2- The questions down below can be found on page 20 and 21 in your "Action Plan for Happiness" packet. If we do not finish this film today as we are going to have to revisit it sometime next week.
The Happy Movie Part 2 Name ______________
Class- Psychology Date ______________
Instructor- Platt Hour ________
Directions- answer or read the following questions or statements
2. How does the situation of Melissa Moody (Texas horse lady) demonstrate the human ability to overcome and excel during times of crisis?
3. How many surgeries did she have to have on her face alone?
4. What traumatic events (Freud called these repressed memories) from her past came back to her memory after being triggered by her traumatic accident?
5. Tim Kasser (PhD and Prof at Knox College) makes some interesting observations about Happiness in relation to economic growth. Describe them:
6. What is the Hedonic Treadmill refer to?
7. Tim also talks about Intrinsic and extrinsic goals- list a few from each below
Intrinsic- a-
b-
c-
Extrinsic- a-
b-
c-
8. People focused on which set of goals reported being more happy according to Tim?
9. Where does Japan rank in terms of international happiness data?
10. What does “Karoshi” refer to?
12. What happened t Hiroko Uchino’s husband?
13. In Bhutan the government decided to focus on GNH and not GNP. What is GNH?
14. What do you think about Dasho Kinlej Dorji’s statement that it is a government’s responsibility to create an environment were its citizens can pursue happiness?
15. What are some rules in place in Bhutan designed to protect the physical environment and the national cultural identity?
!6. How does Denmark rank in regard to the international happiness scale?
17. What did you think would be some of the benefits and trade-offs of the co-housing ideas?
18. What interesting world record do the people of Okinawa hold?
19. Ushi Okushima (106) shares her opinions on why she thinks people live so long here. What are some of her and some of the narrations ideas of things that might be playing a role in helping people live longer here?
20. What does the word “Icharibachode” mean?
21. What does the word “Monchu” mean?
22. The film makes a couple of interesting claims- one being that cooperation is programmed to be intrinsically rewarding in humans- and given a choice humans will usually cooperate rather than compete. These claims are based on data collection. (surveys and tests)
But …… How did they show that cooperation elicits release of Dopamine the happy brain chemical (neurotransmitter)-
23. What do you think Michael Pritchard (comedian and educator) was trying to get across to the middle schoolers that he was visiting with?
24. To examine what made us happy before video games, internet, cars, electricity and television the film visits with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. What are some of the elements of their culture that seem to make this group of people happy?
25. What does the word “Ju Hoansi” refer to?
26. The research of Richard Davidson on the monk Matthieu Richard shows us an interesting relationship between happiness and meditation and compassion- describe it-
27.What do we learn from Andy Wimmer in India (He works at the convent of Mother Teresa)
28. What could or will you do to try to cultivate the “skills” of happiness in your life in the world?
Today we watch Happy Movie part 2- The questions down below can be found on page 20 and 21 in your "Action Plan for Happiness" packet. If we do not finish this film today as we are going to have to revisit it sometime next week.
The Happy Movie Part 2 Name ______________
Class- Psychology Date ______________
Instructor- Platt Hour ________
Directions- answer or read the following questions or statements
- Daniel Gilbert PHD says it is amazing how people can really be strong through times of crisis or when things go wrong-
2. How does the situation of Melissa Moody (Texas horse lady) demonstrate the human ability to overcome and excel during times of crisis?
3. How many surgeries did she have to have on her face alone?
4. What traumatic events (Freud called these repressed memories) from her past came back to her memory after being triggered by her traumatic accident?
5. Tim Kasser (PhD and Prof at Knox College) makes some interesting observations about Happiness in relation to economic growth. Describe them:
6. What is the Hedonic Treadmill refer to?
7. Tim also talks about Intrinsic and extrinsic goals- list a few from each below
Intrinsic- a-
b-
c-
Extrinsic- a-
b-
c-
8. People focused on which set of goals reported being more happy according to Tim?
9. Where does Japan rank in terms of international happiness data?
10. What does “Karoshi” refer to?
12. What happened t Hiroko Uchino’s husband?
13. In Bhutan the government decided to focus on GNH and not GNP. What is GNH?
14. What do you think about Dasho Kinlej Dorji’s statement that it is a government’s responsibility to create an environment were its citizens can pursue happiness?
15. What are some rules in place in Bhutan designed to protect the physical environment and the national cultural identity?
!6. How does Denmark rank in regard to the international happiness scale?
17. What did you think would be some of the benefits and trade-offs of the co-housing ideas?
18. What interesting world record do the people of Okinawa hold?
19. Ushi Okushima (106) shares her opinions on why she thinks people live so long here. What are some of her and some of the narrations ideas of things that might be playing a role in helping people live longer here?
20. What does the word “Icharibachode” mean?
21. What does the word “Monchu” mean?
22. The film makes a couple of interesting claims- one being that cooperation is programmed to be intrinsically rewarding in humans- and given a choice humans will usually cooperate rather than compete. These claims are based on data collection. (surveys and tests)
But …… How did they show that cooperation elicits release of Dopamine the happy brain chemical (neurotransmitter)-
23. What do you think Michael Pritchard (comedian and educator) was trying to get across to the middle schoolers that he was visiting with?
24. To examine what made us happy before video games, internet, cars, electricity and television the film visits with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. What are some of the elements of their culture that seem to make this group of people happy?
25. What does the word “Ju Hoansi” refer to?
26. The research of Richard Davidson on the monk Matthieu Richard shows us an interesting relationship between happiness and meditation and compassion- describe it-
27.What do we learn from Andy Wimmer in India (He works at the convent of Mother Teresa)
28. What could or will you do to try to cultivate the “skills” of happiness in your life in the world?
Day 24- Tuesday- Can Writing a Letter Make you Happier? 2-22-22
Today we will as always during this unit reflect on the things from yesterday that we were thankful for on page 9 of our Happy Packet. Then we will go over the answers to Happy Movie Part 2 on pages 20-21 in the Happy Packet. Next Mr. Platt will have you watch a clip from "SOUL PANCAKE" about the power of gratitude and then do the follow-up activity on page 11 of the Happy Pack. Mr. Platt will pass out note cards to write you notes. Reflect on the questions on page 11 in the happy Packet.
Day 24- Wednesday and Thursday- How do friendships and relationships impact happiness? 2-23-22. and 2-24-22
Today and Thursday we will be exploring the world of relationships and friendships in regards to the impacts on happiness. I think you will enjoy the things that you learn from this activity.
First we will turn to page page 10 and record three good things from yesterday- remember it can be anything from the smell of the rain to the chirping birds you heard while outside. Second I invite you to turn to page 15. I will read through the questions and later in the hour I will ask you to think of a person to respond to after we watch two or three video clips on relationships and friendships.
On Wednesday or Thursday you will take notes on Page 19 of your Action Plan for Happiness workbook that will cover the Video clips that we watched and New York Times link below- How to be a better friend- Include at least 5 things you learned from the link in bullet point format on page 19 in your workbook (the blank page)- We will first watch a clips on the importance of friends, how to find a friend and one on the five people (relationships) that you need in your life!
First we will turn to page page 10 and record three good things from yesterday- remember it can be anything from the smell of the rain to the chirping birds you heard while outside. Second I invite you to turn to page 15. I will read through the questions and later in the hour I will ask you to think of a person to respond to after we watch two or three video clips on relationships and friendships.
On Wednesday or Thursday you will take notes on Page 19 of your Action Plan for Happiness workbook that will cover the Video clips that we watched and New York Times link below- How to be a better friend- Include at least 5 things you learned from the link in bullet point format on page 19 in your workbook (the blank page)- We will first watch a clips on the importance of friends, how to find a friend and one on the five people (relationships) that you need in your life!
Day 25- Friday- Surfing for Happiness- explore happiness by surfing the internet- 2-25-22
Today we are going to surf for happiness. Below are the links to the websites that correspond with the paper that will be passed out by the sub on Friday. Please take notes and / or answer the questions as dictated by the number. You do NOT have to watch the Dan Gilbert Ted Talk as we already did this one in class. If we need additional time to work on this activity on Monday we can take it.
Please have a good and safe weekend and treat the sub nicely. This is her first sub job and this country needs teachers so don't scare her off.
Please have a good and safe weekend and treat the sub nicely. This is her first sub job and this country needs teachers so don't scare her off.
Below you will find the handout that goes with links above
Surfing for Happiness Name. ___________________
Class- General Psychology Hour. _________
Instructor- Platt Date. ________________
Directions- Turn on your laptops and get ready to surf.
Go to https://plattspage.weebly.com/happiness.html. Once you are here respond to the questions below by clicking on the little blue buttons and catch the wave of happiness!
a.
b.
c.
How does she define happiness
2. What did you think of the link/ button "We hug so hard it hurts"?
3. Watch “Ted Talk with happiness and Dan Gilbert”- what are your general reactions:
4. Take the “happiness quiz”- what was your score- (it will be mailed to you)
5. Read “Formula for Happiness”- What were your general impressions?
6. Look at pages 20-21 on the document “World Happiness Report”- List the TOP ten countries-
7. Watch “The secret to happiness ted talk”- What are your thoughts and reactions?
8. Look at “UK Survey”- what might be playing a role in the decline of happiness of girls and young women in the UK?
9. List the top five and bottom five states in the “top and bottom ten” button-
10. What are your two favorite happiness quotes-
11. What is the “Happiness Gap?”
12. What are the 7 habits of happy people?
13. Read “Harvard the science of happiness”. What are your general reactions-
14. What are the nine domains of Gross National Happiness
15. Click on the last blue button “What do the numbers say about….” What are some the troubles in the Bhutan/Happy-land?
Class- General Psychology Hour. _________
Instructor- Platt Date. ________________
Directions- Turn on your laptops and get ready to surf.
Go to https://plattspage.weebly.com/happiness.html. Once you are here respond to the questions below by clicking on the little blue buttons and catch the wave of happiness!
- “What is Happiness“ button- Dr. Parks tells us three things happiness is not-What are they:
a.
b.
c.
How does she define happiness
2. What did you think of the link/ button "We hug so hard it hurts"?
3. Watch “Ted Talk with happiness and Dan Gilbert”- what are your general reactions:
4. Take the “happiness quiz”- what was your score- (it will be mailed to you)
5. Read “Formula for Happiness”- What were your general impressions?
6. Look at pages 20-21 on the document “World Happiness Report”- List the TOP ten countries-
7. Watch “The secret to happiness ted talk”- What are your thoughts and reactions?
8. Look at “UK Survey”- what might be playing a role in the decline of happiness of girls and young women in the UK?
9. List the top five and bottom five states in the “top and bottom ten” button-
10. What are your two favorite happiness quotes-
11. What is the “Happiness Gap?”
12. What are the 7 habits of happy people?
13. Read “Harvard the science of happiness”. What are your general reactions-
14. What are the nine domains of Gross National Happiness
15. Click on the last blue button “What do the numbers say about….” What are some the troubles in the Bhutan/Happy-land?
Monday- Day 26- Goals of Kindness Exercise- 2-28-22
First we will turn to page 10 in our Happy Pack and list 3 good things from over the weekend. Then we will look at pages 12 and 13 in Happy Pack. On the bottom of page 12 you will see a list of 40 things you can do to help other people. You can use this list to help fill out page 13. On 13 I am going to ask you to set 7 goals for you to do through out the semester. If you remember from Happy Movie Part 2 we were told that on average acts of kindness seem to have the greatest impact on the doer in terms of the other actions that we have been talking about in this unit.
The rest of class you can finish the work you were assigned on Friday or check with a neighbor at your table to fill out any missing pages you might have in the workbook.
Tomorrow we will be looking how we can use out strengths to make us feel happier and what are strengths might actually be.
The rest of class you can finish the work you were assigned on Friday or check with a neighbor at your table to fill out any missing pages you might have in the workbook.
Tomorrow we will be looking how we can use out strengths to make us feel happier and what are strengths might actually be.
Tuesday- Day 27- What are your strengths and what does this have to do with happiness? 3-1-22
Fixed Mindsets v Growth Mindsets
Today we are going to interact with a site that will take your responses to a series of questions and generate a list of your personal strengths. I have taken the test before and will share with you my top five scores-
1. Curiosity-Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering.
2 Kindness-Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.
3 Perspective-Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself/others.
4 Social intelligence- Being aware of the motives/feelings of others and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.
5 Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence-Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
Today we are going to interact with a site that will take your responses to a series of questions and generate a list of your personal strengths. I have taken the test before and will share with you my top five scores-
1. Curiosity-Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering.
2 Kindness-Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.
3 Perspective-Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself/others.
4 Social intelligence- Being aware of the motives/feelings of others and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.
5 Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence-Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
Today's Message- Use your Strengths and Increase Your Happiness.
Wednesday/ Thursday- Day 28- The Final Day for the Happiness Unit- Did the Positive Psychology Unit Make You Happier? Plus reviewing the skills of happiness.
HAPPINESS IS A SKILL-
IF YOU HAVE LEARNED ANYTHING IN THIS UNIT THE SENTENCE ABOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE!
These are the pages that we should have finished during this unit-
Today we are going to work on completing the Action Plan for Happiness Packet-
Pages to be completed:
1- personal definitions
3/4/5- great dream
8/9/10- gratitude. (3 great things)
11- letters of thanks
13- acts of kindness goals (doing this today!!!)
14- use your strengths
15- looking for the good in people (relationships)
16/17- happy movie part one
18- gratitude walk
19- notes of relationships and friend videos
20/21- happy movie part 2
22- happiness evaluation. (doing this today in class or as homework)
You will have the weekend to make sure you have all parts completed- scan back to the web page or phone a friend for help if you need details
Happiness Evaluation- Name ___________
1. What did you think of the film “Happy”?
rank it on a scale from 1-10 (ten being the highest) ______
2. What was your favorite part of the “Happy” movie?
3. What was the most important part of the “Happy” movie in your opinion?
4. What did you think about the Happy Pack?
rank it on a scale from 1-10 (ten being the highest) _______
5. What was your favorite activity in the “Happy Pack”?
6. Did you find the experiences of the Happiness week enjoyable?
7. What Happiness skills will you try to put into your daily life?
8. Would you recommend me using this week long activity again?
IF YOU HAVE LEARNED ANYTHING IN THIS UNIT THE SENTENCE ABOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE!
These are the pages that we should have finished during this unit-
Today we are going to work on completing the Action Plan for Happiness Packet-
Pages to be completed:
1- personal definitions
3/4/5- great dream
8/9/10- gratitude. (3 great things)
11- letters of thanks
13- acts of kindness goals (doing this today!!!)
14- use your strengths
15- looking for the good in people (relationships)
16/17- happy movie part one
18- gratitude walk
19- notes of relationships and friend videos
20/21- happy movie part 2
22- happiness evaluation. (doing this today in class or as homework)
You will have the weekend to make sure you have all parts completed- scan back to the web page or phone a friend for help if you need details
Happiness Evaluation- Name ___________
1. What did you think of the film “Happy”?
rank it on a scale from 1-10 (ten being the highest) ______
2. What was your favorite part of the “Happy” movie?
3. What was the most important part of the “Happy” movie in your opinion?
4. What did you think about the Happy Pack?
rank it on a scale from 1-10 (ten being the highest) _______
5. What was your favorite activity in the “Happy Pack”?
6. Did you find the experiences of the Happiness week enjoyable?
7. What Happiness skills will you try to put into your daily life?
8. Would you recommend me using this week long activity again?
The Pages that we have completed in the Happiness Packet- 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
Wednesday and Thursday- Day 28- Can walking make you happy? What can you do to have such an experience?
Today we are going to wrap up the Action Plan for Happiness. We will do the final activity on the block day and then turn in the packet at the end of the hour- Details about how to turn it in will be presented on today (and on Tuesday)-
First we will turn to page 10 and complete day 7 of the three good things exercise- I will then read a piece about gratitude that is from the combined efforts of Oprah and Chopra- They will discuss the importance of gratitude and talk about the "gratitude walk" exercise. If weather permits we will go outside and walk around the track - after we watch two videos that talk about aspects of the walking experience. Below you will find a form to fill out will you take your walk- We will read through it before we embark on our stroll.
First we will turn to page 10 and complete day 7 of the three good things exercise- I will then read a piece about gratitude that is from the combined efforts of Oprah and Chopra- They will discuss the importance of gratitude and talk about the "gratitude walk" exercise. If weather permits we will go outside and walk around the track - after we watch two videos that talk about aspects of the walking experience. Below you will find a form to fill out will you take your walk- We will read through it before we embark on our stroll.