Introduction

Self-esteem is the way we perceive and value ourselves, and it can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. Positive self-esteem enables us to believe in our abilities and maintain a sense of self-worth. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging no-prep activity that helps middle school students improve their self-esteem and self-worth, as well as discussion questions and related skills to further enhance their social-emotional growth.

No-Prep Activity: Positive Affirmation Circle

This activity requires no preparation or materials and is designed to help students practice positive self-talk and boost their self-esteem. Follow these steps:

1. Have students stand or sit in a circle.
2. Explain the importance of positive self-talk and how it can improve self-esteem and self-worth.
3. Ask each student to think of a positive affirmation about themselves. Examples include “I am loved,” “I am unique,” “I am growing,” and “I am valuable.”
4. Starting with one student, have them share their positive affirmation with the group.
5. After each student shares their affirmation, the rest of the group repeats it back to them in unison.
6. Continue around the circle until every student has shared and heard their affirmation repeated by their peers.

This activity not only encourages students to practice positive self-talk but also fosters a supportive and nurturing environment among their peers.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Positive Affirmation Circle activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussion about self-esteem and self-worth:

1. How did it feel to share your positive affirmation with the group? How did it feel to hear your peers repeat it back to you?
2. What are some situations where practicing positive self-talk can be helpful?
3. How can focusing on your self-worth improve your self-esteem?
4. What are some ways to build self-worth that are not based on external factors such as other people’s opinions or material possessions?
5. How can we support each other in maintaining positive self-esteem and self-worth?

Related Skills

Developing self-esteem and self-worth is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Here are some other related skills that can help middle school students grow and thrive:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks.
• Effective communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully.
• Problem-solving: Identifying and resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner.
• Goal-setting: Establishing and working towards personal and academic goals.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the Positive Affirmation Circle activity and its benefits for middle school students, we encourage you to explore more resources and ideas for promoting social-emotional learning. To get started, sign up for free samples of skill-building materials and activities at Everyday Speech. These resources are designed to help educators like you support the social-emotional growth of your students in a fun and engaging way.