Boosting Self-Esteem & Coping Skills

Sara Forward

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Boosting Self-Esteem & Coping Skills

Increase self-esteem and coping strategies

This six-week lesson plan is designed to help 8th-grade boys at risk of substance use increase their self-esteem and develop effective coping strategies for stress. Through a combination of game-based learning, trauma-informed teaching, active learning, and experiential learning, students will engage in activities, discussions, and quizzes to reinforce their understanding and application of these concepts. The lesson plan includes a video component to provide visual and practical examples of self-esteem boosting exercises.

Audience

8th grade boys at risk of substance use

Time

45 mins each week for six weeks

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning, Experiential Learning

Materials

Video: Ways to Boost your Self Esteem, Discussion Questions, Self-Esteem Activity Worksheet, Coping Strategies Quiz, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome students and introduce the topic of self-esteem and coping strategies.
Briefly explain the importance of these skills in managing stress and avoiding substance use.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the video Ways to Boost your Self Esteem.
Encourage students to take notes on key points and exercises mentioned in the video.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and personal experiences related to self-esteem and stress.

Step 4

Activity: Self-Esteem Exercises

10 mins

Distribute the Self-Esteem Activity Worksheet.
Guide students through exercises such as doing something they've been putting off, practicing gratitude, and treating themselves like their best friend.
Encourage students to reflect on how these exercises make them feel.

Step 5

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

10 mins

Introduce students to mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or guided meditation.
Lead a short session where students practice these techniques to help manage stress.
Discuss the benefits of mindfulness in daily life and how it can improve self-esteem and coping skills.

Step 6

Quiz: Coping Strategies

5 mins

Administer the Coping Strategies Quiz to assess students' understanding of the coping mechanisms discussed.
Collect and review the quizzes to provide feedback.

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to practice the self-esteem exercises and coping strategies in their daily lives.
Remind students of the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.

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Discussion

Self-Esteem and Coping Discussion

A guided discussion to explore students' thoughts and experiences related to self-esteem and coping strategies.

What are some things you do to boost your self-esteem?

Encourage students to think about activities or habits that make them feel good about themselves.

How do you usually cope with stress?

Discuss different coping mechanisms and their effectiveness.

Why is it important to treat yourself like your best friend?

Explore the concept of self-compassion and its impact on mental health.

Worksheet

Self-Esteem Activity Worksheet

A worksheet with exercises to help students practice self-esteem boosting activities.

List one thing you've been putting off and plan to do it this week.

Think about a task or activity that you've avoided but know will make you feel accomplished.

Write down three things you are grateful for today.

Consider people, experiences, or things that bring you joy.

Describe how you would treat yourself like your best friend.

Think about how you would encourage and support a friend in a similar situation.