PART 1- 5 MINUTES

Rationale

propensity to delay gratification was positively correlated with SAT scores, educational attainment and good health, while being inversely related to rates of crime and substance abuse (Shoda, Mischel & Peake, 1990). It is clear that those who could resist the short term temptation were much better off later in life on a large number of measures.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners should:

understand the meaning of "delayed gratification"
explain how delayed gratification influences performance
explain how delaying gratification may impact their own performance in at least 2 areas

PART 2- WATCH AND RECORD- 10 MINUTES

Enjoy this clip as we watch these young kids try to delay the gratification of a marshmallow! Listen and record 2-3 dot points about what the research found.

PART 3- DISCUSSION- 5-10 MINUTES

For class discussion:
What does it mean to "delay gratification"?
Why do you think those who are able to delay gratification achieve more in each of the following areas:

health and wellbeing
school and study
work lives
relationships

PART 4- KNEE TAG- 5 minutes

Check out a video of this activity here.

Stop clip after 1 minute and have a try with a partner- keeping score. Swap partners and have another go if you have time.

PART 5- workbook and partner discussion- 15 MINUTES

CAN YOU WAIT FOR THE MARSHMALLOW?

In your workbook, record two or three things in your own life at present that will require your ability to delay gratification. At least one of these should be related to your school work.
Explain how your results may differ based on your actions- It might take this form: "if I am able to delay the gratification of ...., my results are like to be improved because ..."
Share your responses with your partner from "knee tag".

PART 6- 3 MINUTES (WATCH IF YOU HAVE TIME)

Cookie Monster spoofs Icona Pop's hit song "I Love It" in this hilarious new video! Cookie Monster, the poster-child for someone needing to master self-regulation skills, attempts to explain these concepts while devising personal strategies on waiting to eat a cookie. Go to www.sesameworkshop.org/season44 for information on Sesame Street's 44th season.

HOW TO ACCESS MORE OF THESE RESOURCES…

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