How We Make (and Break) Habits
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about habits.
- Talk about our habits.
- Read a story about someone who changed a habit.
- Listen to a doctor talk about breaking bad habits.
- Write about a habit we want to change or make stronger.
Key Words:
- Habit: Something you do often without thinking about it.
- Routine: A series of actions you do regularly.
- Cue: A signal that makes you want to do a habit. (Examples: Feeling stressed, seeing your phone)
- Reward: The good feeling you get after doing a habit. (Examples: feeling relaxed, having fun)
- Change: To make something different.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some of your good habits? (Example: brushing your teeth, exercising, reading.)
- What are some habits you want to change? (Example: eating too much junk food, watching too much TV.)
- Why do you think it’s hard to change habits?
Let’s Read a Story!
Sarah wanted to start exercising every morning. It was hard at first, but she made a plan. Every morning, she set her alarm for 6 a.m. (her cue). When it went off, she put on her running shoes and went for a jog (her routine). Afterwards, she always felt more awake and proud of herself (her reward). After a while, exercising became a habit for Sarah.
Questions About the Story:
- What was Sarah’s goal?
- What was her cue, routine, and reward?
- How did she make exercise a habit?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of a psychologist talking about how to break bad habits. Focus on simple tips like identifying cues and replacing bad habits with good ones.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you has a bad habit you want to break. The other gives advice.
Example:
- Person 1: “I bite my nails when I’m nervous. How can I stop?”
- Person 2: “Maybe you can try to notice what makes you nervous and do something different instead of biting your nails, like squeezing a stress ball.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a habit you want to change. What is the cue, routine, and reward for this habit? What is your plan for changing it?
Extra Fun:
Make a list of your daily routines. Can you identify any cues and rewards for your habits?
