Introduction

Self-esteem is the way individuals perceive and value themselves, which can be either positive or negative. Positive self-esteem enables us to respect ourselves, while self-worth is the belief that we are deserving of love and respect from others. These two concepts are crucial in promoting social-emotional learning and overall well-being. This blog post will guide educators through an easy, no-prep activity to nurture self-esteem and self-worth in students, provide discussion questions, and explore related skills.

No-Prep Activity

This simple activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Ask your students to sit comfortably and close their eyes. Guide them through the following steps:

1. Take a few deep breaths to relax and focus.
2. Think of a situation in which they felt confident and successful.
3. Visualize themselves in that situation, recalling the positive emotions they experienced.
4. Repeat positive affirmations to themselves, such as “I am loved,” “I am unique,” “I am growing,” and “I am valuable.”
5. Slowly open their eyes and return to the present moment, carrying those positive feelings with them.

This activity helps students practice positive self-talk and reinforces their self-esteem and self-worth by focusing on their strengths and accomplishments.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it essential to have both self-esteem and self-worth? How do they complement each other?
2. What are some examples of negative self-talk? How can we replace these thoughts with positive ones?
3. How can we identify situations where we feel confident and use them to boost our self-esteem?
4. What are some strategies to practice self-compassion and self-love?
5. How can we support our peers in developing their self-esteem and self-worth?

Related Skills

In addition to self-esteem and self-worth, there are other relevant skills that contribute to social-emotional learning and personal growth. These include:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which fosters supportive relationships.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, helping us maintain a positive self-view.
• Communication: Expressing ourselves effectively and listening to others, which can strengthen self-esteem and foster healthy relationships.
• Goal-setting: Identifying and working towards personal objectives, which can build confidence and self-worth.

Next Steps

To continue exploring self-esteem, self-worth, and other related skills, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with additional tools and activities to support your students’ social-emotional learning journey.