High school can be a whirlwind of emotions, peer pressures, academic challenges, and self-discovery. One of the key pillars ensuring students navigate these years confidently is self-esteem. As a school-based mental health professional or special educator, instilling a strong sense of self-worth in teenagers can transform their high school experience. The Loving Who You Are Interactive Activity has been designed to serve this exact purpose.

The Importance of Self-Esteem in High School

High self-esteem acts as an armor against challenges. Students with high self-esteem are more resilient, can handle criticisms constructively, and generally have a positive outlook on life. These traits become even more essential during the tumultuous high school years.

Unveiling the “I Love Who I Am” Interactive Activity

At the heart of our approach is an interactive digital spinner wheel, a modern twist to traditional classroom activities. By simply spinning the wheel, students are prompted with questions about their self-worth, family, and what makes them unique.

Lesson Plan: Nurturing Self-Worth and Celebrating Individuality

Objective: By the end of this lesson, high schoolers will be more self-aware, appreciate their unique qualities, and understand the importance of self-esteem.

Materials:

• A device with internet connectivity to access the “I Love Who I Am” digital spinner wheel.

Introduction to Self-Esteem (5 minutes)

1. Initiate a dialogue about what self-esteem means.
2. Discuss the impact of high and low self-esteem on mental health and daily life.

Spinner Wheel Session (10 minutes)

1. Introduce students to the “I Love Who I Am” digital spinner wheel.
2. Allow each student to take a turn spinning the wheel and answer the question they land on.
3. Ensure an encouraging and safe environment for open sharing.

Group Discussion (5 minutes)

1. Break students into small groups.
2. Ask them to discuss the importance of self-worth and ways they can boost it.
3. Have each group share their insights with the class.

Self-Esteem Journaling (10 minutes)

1. Encourage students to jot their feelings, strengths, and areas they’d like to improve upon.
2. This journal acts as a personal space for reflection and growth.

No-Prep Activity Ideas for Continued Engagement:

1. Affirmation Day: Dedicate one day where students share positive affirmations.
2. Mirror Activity: Ask students to list down qualities they love about themselves.
3. Role-Playing: Enact scenarios where self-esteem is tested, and discuss coping strategies.

Leading with Love: A Journey of Self-Acceptance

Our journey in high school is not just about grades or friendships. It’s about discovering who we are and loving that person wholeheartedly. The Loving Who You Are Interactive Activity offers an engaging platform to foster this self-love. Let’s champion the cause of self-esteem, making every student’s high school journey memorable and empowering.

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!

Related Blog Posts:

Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: How to Teach Both

Boosting Self-Esteem: SEL Strategies for Students

Try the no-prep way to teach Self-Esteem