Self Esteem

Author: Linda Bauck

Level/Subject: Grades K-6; Health, specifically self esteem.

Overview:
It is surprising what range of knowledge and interests our students have when we take time to find out. This activity gives students a chance to reflect on who they are and then to share that information in a fun way with the rest of the class.

Purpose:

In order for students to build self esteem they need to know who they are and what is important and unique to themselves personally. Students also need to have a concrete way in which to express this. Students can become resident 'experts' in the classroom and this is one way of finding out what the range of knowledge is among a group of students.

Objectives:

1. Students will use an appropriate way to share facts about themselves.
2. Students will become aware of the uniqueness of themselves and of others.
3. Students will describe orally to a group of peers who they are.
4. Students will find pictures or phrases to symbolize concepts of their personalities.

Resources:

1. Magazines - 2 or 3 per student; include many areas of interest
2. Construction paper of assorted colors
3. Glue
4. Scissors

Activities:

1. Individually students will cut pictures or word phrases out of magazines that represent their personal interests and abilities.
2. The pictures and words will be glued onto an 8x11 sheet of construction paper to form a collage.
3. The completed collages will be displayed and numbered.
4. Without discussion students will be given time to write down who they think each collage belongs to.

Tying it all Together:

Each collage will be identified by its owner and s/he will be allowed to explain what the symbols stand for. Students love this activity. They also like for the collages to be displayed for a couple of weeks and from time to time they will make comments about things they should have included on their own or should have been on a fellow students. Students love to find out about each other. They also love to have teacher do one!