As educators, one of our key objectives is to help our students develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. Middle school can be a challenging time for any student, but it is particularly important for students with special needs to feel empowered and believe in themselves. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and activities to foster confidence and self-worth in middle schoolers. We will also provide a comprehensive lesson plan, including a worksheet activity, that you can implement in your classroom.
Teaching Confidence and Self-Worth
Before diving into practical strategies, let’s discuss why building confidence and self-worth is crucial for our students. When students have a positive self-perception, they are more likely to take risks, engage in learning, and overcome obstacles. It impacts their academic success, social interactions, and overall well-being. By focusing on building confidence, we can equip our students with the tools to navigate challenges and develop resilience.
Self-Worth Lesson Plan
Lesson Objective: To develop students’ self-worth and confidence through self-reflection and positive affirmations.
Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard/Chart paper and markers
- Everyday Speech Worksheet: “Building Confidence and Self-Worth”
Lesson Steps:
- Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by explaining the importance of self-worth and confidence.
- Share personal anecdotes or success stories to engage students and make the topic relatable.
- Guided Discussion: Recognizing Strengths (10 minutes):
- Ask students to brainstorm their strengths, talents, and achievements.
- Write their responses on the whiteboard or chart paper, creating a visual representation of their abilities.
- Worksheet Activity: “Building Confidence and Self-Worth” (15 minutes):
- Distribute the worksheet to each student.
- Instruct them to fill in the sections with their strengths, talents, and achievements.
- Encourage students to be specific and provide examples.
- Circulate the room, offering assistance and positive reinforcement.
- Conclusion and Follow-Up (5 minutes):
- Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and confidence.
- Assign a follow-up activity, such as a weekly journal entry where students write positive affirmations or a “Confidence Challenge” to practice their newly acquired skills.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!
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