Activity Overview
Self management is the ability to control one’s own actions. Some examples of this are self motivation, exercising self control, setting goals for oneself, and recognizing when one needs a break, time alone, or to take a deep breath. In the story Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice by Julia Cook, Isabella’s teacher teaches her about controlling the level of her voice, and tells her that it is up to her to be in charge of how loud she is, and when to use certain volumes. When Isabella realizes that she is able to control her own voice, she feels happy and confident.
After listening to the story, students will discuss how being able to control her own voice is now a strength of Isabelle’s whereas before it was not; she was unaware of how loud she was being and that was a weakness of hers. The teacher should discuss how we all have weaknesses and that identifying them is the first step to working on them and turning them into strengths. Students will then examine their own weaknesses, and choose one to illustrate. For the activity, students will create a 2 cell storyboard. The first cell will include a brief description of their weakness, and the second will describe how that weakness can be changed into a strength.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Self Management
- Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker
- Fergal is Fuming by Robert Starling
- The Good Egg by John Jory
- My Heart by Corinna Luyken
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 2 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes a weakness of yours.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a brief description for each cell, describing a weakness and how to manage it or make it into a strength.
- Create an illustration that represents the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Self management is the ability to control one’s own actions. Some examples of this are self motivation, exercising self control, setting goals for oneself, and recognizing when one needs a break, time alone, or to take a deep breath. In the story Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice by Julia Cook, Isabella’s teacher teaches her about controlling the level of her voice, and tells her that it is up to her to be in charge of how loud she is, and when to use certain volumes. When Isabella realizes that she is able to control her own voice, she feels happy and confident.
After listening to the story, students will discuss how being able to control her own voice is now a strength of Isabelle’s whereas before it was not; she was unaware of how loud she was being and that was a weakness of hers. The teacher should discuss how we all have weaknesses and that identifying them is the first step to working on them and turning them into strengths. Students will then examine their own weaknesses, and choose one to illustrate. For the activity, students will create a 2 cell storyboard. The first cell will include a brief description of their weakness, and the second will describe how that weakness can be changed into a strength.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Self Management
- Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker
- Fergal is Fuming by Robert Starling
- The Good Egg by John Jory
- My Heart by Corinna Luyken
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 2 cell storyboard that illustrates and describes a weakness of yours.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a brief description for each cell, describing a weakness and how to manage it or make it into a strength.
- Create an illustration that represents the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice Strengths and Weaknesses
How can I teach students to use their '6 inch voice' in different classroom situations?
Model using a quiet, indoor voice for partner work, group discussions, and lining up. Demonstrate the difference by exaggerating a loud voice versus a '6 inch voice' so students can hear and see the contrast.
Practice voice levels with fun role-play activities.
Invite students to act out scenarios (e.g., story time, recess, assemblies) and choose the right voice level together. Encourage them to reflect on how it feels to use each voice.
Create visual reminders for classroom voice levels.
Display a voice level chart in the classroom, labeling each level with examples and pictures. Refer to the chart during transitions and group work to remind students of expectations.
Give specific praise when students use the right voice.
Notice and celebrate students when they remember to use their '6 inch voice.' Positive feedback helps reinforce good self-management habits.
Reflect on progress with quick daily check-ins.
Ask students to self-assess or share when they used their '6 inch voice' well. Encourage honest reflection and set goals for next time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice Strengths and Weaknesses
What is the main lesson of Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice?
Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice teaches children about self-management by showing how Isabella learns to control her voice volume. The key lesson is understanding and managing your own actions, turning weaknesses into strengths through awareness and practice.
How can teachers use Decibella and Her 6 Inch Voice to teach self-control in the classroom?
Teachers can read the story aloud, discuss with students how Isabella manages her voice, and lead activities where students identify personal weaknesses and brainstorm ways to transform them into strengths. This approach encourages self-reflection and practical self-control skills.
What is a 2 cell storyboard activity for self-management lessons?
A 2 cell storyboard activity asks students to illustrate and describe a personal weakness in one cell and show how it can become a strength in the second cell. This visual activity helps students reflect on self-improvement in a simple, creative way.
Why is it important for students to identify their weaknesses?
Recognizing personal weaknesses is crucial because it is the first step toward self-improvement. When students can name a challenge, they become more empowered to work on it and develop important life skills like resilience and self-awareness.
What are some other picture books for teaching self-management to elementary students?
Great picture books for teaching self-management include Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker, Fergal is Fuming by Robert Starling, The Good Egg by John Jory, and My Heart by Corinna Luyken.
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