Introduction
Self-esteem refers to the set of beliefs that individuals hold about themselves. High self-esteem leads to feelings of pride, acceptance, and confidence in one’s abilities, even in the face of failure. Developing positive self-esteem is crucial for middle school students, as it helps them feel confident in trying new things, interacting with friends, and building upon their talents. Low self-esteem, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a tendency to give up easily when faced with challenges. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging no-prep activity, thought-provoking discussion questions, and related skills to help educators support their students in building positive self-esteem.
No-Prep Activity: Positive Affirmation Circle
This activity requires no preparation or materials and is designed to help students recognize and appreciate their own qualities and those of their peers. To begin the activity, have students sit in a circle. Starting with one student, ask them to share a positive affirmation about themselves, such as “I am a good listener” or “I am creative.” Next, the student to their left will share a positive affirmation about the first student, such as “You are very kind to others.” Continue around the circle, with each student sharing a positive affirmation about themselves and the person to their left. Once the circle is complete, encourage students to reflect on the positive affirmations they received and how it made them feel.
Discussion Questions
- How does recognizing your strengths and abilities contribute to building positive self-esteem?
- In what ways can having a growth mindset help you overcome challenges and develop self-esteem?
- How do the people you spend time with influence your self-esteem? What qualities should you look for in friends to help build your self-esteem?
- How does helping others contribute to building your own self-esteem?
- Can you think of a time when you struggled with low self-esteem? What strategies did you use to overcome it?
Related Skills
Building positive self-esteem is closely related to other essential social-emotional learning skills, such as:
- Growth mindset: Embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities for growth can help students develop resilience and maintain positive self-esteem.
- Goal setting: Setting and working towards achievable goals can boost students’ confidence in their abilities and contribute to a stronger sense of self-worth.
- Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others’ emotions can help students build supportive relationships, which in turn can strengthen their self-esteem.
- Communication: Effective communication skills can help students express their needs, feelings, and opinions, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.
Next Steps
Building positive self-esteem is an essential component of social-emotional learning for middle school students. As an educator, you can make a significant impact on your students’ self-esteem by incorporating activities and discussions that promote self-awareness, growth mindset, and supportive relationships. To access free samples of skill-building materials, including those related to self-esteem and other crucial social-emotional learning skills, sign up at Everyday Speech. Empower your students to develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed in school and beyond.
