Lesson Plan
Mirror of Worth Lesson Plan
Students will identify and challenge negative body image beliefs and create personal affirmations to foster a body-positive mindset.
Adolescents face body image pressures; cultivating positivity and resilience supports their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Discussion, reflection activities, and personal affirmation creation.
Materials
Projector or display system, - Sticky notes, - Markers, - Index cards, - Body Positivity Slide Deck, - Mirror Template Handout, and - Body Image Reflection Worksheet
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print copies of Mirror Template Handout and Body Image Reflection Worksheet.
- Load and review the Body Positivity Slide Deck.
- Gather markers, sticky notes, and index cards.
- Arrange the classroom so students can see the projected slides and have space for individual work.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the session topic: body image and self-worth.
- Explain the objective: to explore personal perceptions and build body-positive affirmations.
- Activate prior knowledge by asking: "What shapes the way we see our bodies?"
Step 2
Icebreaker: Positive Mirror
10 minutes
- Distribute sticky notes to each student.
- Ask students to write one positive word they associate with themselves.
- Have students stick notes on a wall or whiteboard labeled "Positive Mirror."
- Briefly review some examples and emphasize respect and confidentiality.
Step 3
Group Discussion
15 minutes
- Project discussion prompts from Body Positivity Slide Deck.
- Prompts: "What messages do we receive about body image from media, peers, family?" and "How do these messages affect us?"
- Facilitate a guided discussion, encouraging diverse perspectives.
- Record key ideas on chart paper or whiteboard.
Step 4
Mirror Template Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute Mirror Template Handout.
- Instruct students to write positive affirmations or qualities reflecting their worth inside the mirror outline.
- Encourage creativity with drawings or colors.
- Circulate the room to support and prompt deeper reflection.
Step 5
Reflection and Sharing
10 minutes
- Hand out index cards.
- Ask students to write down one affirmation they created and one insight about their body image.
- Invite volunteers to share their affirmation and insight with the group.
- Acknowledge courage and reinforce positive feedback.
Step 6
Closing
5 minutes
- Summarize the session's key takeaways.
- Encourage students to place their mirror template somewhere visible for daily reminders.
- Provide the Body Image Reflection Worksheet as a take-home to continue reflection.
- Thank students for their participation and bravery.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Mirror of Worth: Body Positivity
Welcome to our 60-minute session on exploring body image and celebrating self-worth. Today, we’ll define key ideas, reflect on influences, and create personal affirmations.
Greet students as they enter. Introduce yourself and the session title. Emphasize that this is a safe, respectful space to talk about body image.
What Is Body Image?
• Body image = our perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about our body’s appearance and function
• It’s shaped by both internal beliefs and external messages
Explain that “body image” is how we see and feel about our bodies. Invite a couple of volunteers to share their definitions before presenting the slide content.
Why Body Image Matters
• Influences self-esteem and confidence
• Affects mental and emotional health
• Shapes how we interact with others
• Guides our choices around self-care
Highlight why a healthy body image matters. Link positive body image to confidence and overall well-being.
What Shapes Our Body Image?
• Media and advertising
• Social media and influencers
• Peers and family messages
• Cultural and societal expectations
Use real-world examples: social media ads, friends’ comments, family remarks. Encourage students to name brands or people they’ve noticed.
Group Discussion Prompts
- What messages do we receive about body image from media, peers, or family?
- How do these messages affect the way we think or feel about ourselves?
Explain that you’ll project these prompts and guide a group discussion. Encourage students to speak one at a time and listen respectfully.
Icebreaker: Positive Mirror
- Write one positive word or quality you associate with yourself on a sticky note.
- Place your note on the “Positive Mirror” wall.
- Read a few examples aloud (anonymously) to set a positive tone.
Distribute sticky notes and explain the activity steps. Walk around to support students and ensure confidentiality.
Mirror Template Activity
• Distribute the Mirror Template Handout.
• Inside the mirror outline, write at least three affirmations or qualities that reflect your worth.
• Decorate with colors or drawings to personalize.
Show the blank mirror template handout. Model with your own example: draw colors and write “Resilient,” “Kind,” etc.
Reflection & Sharing
- On an index card, write one affirmation you created and one insight about your body image.
- Volunteer to share your affirmation and insight with the class.
- Celebrate each speaker with applause and positive comments.
Hand out index cards. Encourage voluntary sharing. Highlight courage and positive feedback for each speaker.
Closing & Take-Home
• Place your mirror on display as a daily reminder of your strengths.
• Complete the Body Image Reflection Worksheet at home to continue your journey.
• Thank you for your openness and participation!
Remind students they can revisit these affirmations daily. Provide the take-home worksheet and explain its purpose.
Worksheet
Mirror Template Handout
Your Mirror of Worth
Instructions:
- Inside the mirror outline below, write at least three positive affirmations or qualities that reflect your worth.
- Decorate your mirror with colors, drawings, or patterns to make it uniquely yours.
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Tip: Write each affirmation in a different color or style. Feel free to add small doodles around your words!
Worksheet
Body Image Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet to continue reflecting on your body image and affirmations. Complete each prompt thoughtfully and truthfully.
- Think about one message about body image you encountered today (from media, peers, or social media). What was it, and how did it make you feel?
- List three things you genuinely like about your body. Explain why each one is important to you.
- Write a positive affirmation you will repeat to yourself each morning. Then describe how repeating this affirmation might influence your thoughts or actions throughout the day.
- Identify a negative thought you sometimes have about your body. Rewrite that thought into a positive, supportive statement.
- How can you encourage someone else to develop a positive body image? Provide a specific example of something you could say or do.
- Plan one self-care activity you will do this week that supports a healthy body image (e.g., journaling, mindful movement, creating art). Explain why you chose this activity and when you will do it.
Keep this worksheet in a safe place. Revisit your responses in a few weeks to notice how your thoughts and feelings about your body have grown. You can also use your Mirror Template Handout as a daily reminder of your strengths and affirmations.