Our self esteem develops as we grow and changes as we get older and we take on new roles. Self esteem also affects our relationships with others. Positive or high self esteem (if we like who we are) will make us value ourselves and others. Negative or low self esteem (if we don’t like ourselves) will make us withdrawn, and we may treat ourselves and others poorly. In this activity, students will illustrate the effects of positive and negative self esteem on decisions they may make. Students will be asked to understand how self esteem impacts the outcomes of their decisions.
At a young age, our self esteem may impact our decisions. If we value and believe in ourselves, we will be more likely to take risks and be more outgoing. Life is all about going out on a limb while weighing the consequences over the rewards. If we lack the confidence to take on the risk, we may never challenge ourselves or others. Staying stagnant isn’t what we want our youth doing. Have students create a storyboard where they are faced with a decision and how self esteem may impact the outcome.
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Student Instructions
Show the impact of self esteem by creating a comparison storyboard.
Affirmations are positive statements that help students build confidence and self-worth. Starting the day with them can set a positive tone and encourage students to believe in themselves.
Kick off each day by leading the class in a short affirmation session. This creates a welcoming, supportive environment from the start.
Share your own affirmation and explain how it can boost self esteem. Modeling shows students it's normal and valuable to speak kindly about themselves.
Let students pick statements that resonate with them, like “I am a good friend” or “I can handle challenges.” Personalizing makes affirmations more meaningful and effective.
Post a rotating set of student-chosen affirmations on a wall or bulletin board. This visual reminder keeps positive self-talk top of mind all day.
Invite students to share how affirmations have helped them feel braver or try new things. This reinforces the power of positive self esteem and encourages ongoing practice.
Positive self esteem helps students value themselves and others, making them more confident and outgoing. Negative self esteem can cause students to withdraw, avoid challenges, and treat themselves or others poorly, impacting their relationships and decisions.
Self esteem influences how students approach risks and challenges. Those with high self esteem are more likely to take healthy risks and try new things, while low self esteem can lead to avoidance, missed opportunities, and less growth.
One effective activity is creating a comparison storyboard where students illustrate outcomes of choices based on low vs. high self esteem. This helps them visualize how self esteem shapes decisions and consequences in real-life scenarios.
Understanding self esteem helps students navigate new roles, build healthy relationships, and make positive decisions during a critical developmental period. It supports emotional growth and academic success.
Signs of low self esteem include withdrawal from peers, reluctance to participate, negative self-talk, avoiding challenges, and treating themselves or others poorly. Teachers can look for these behaviors to offer support.