Lesson Plan
My Body, My Story Lesson Plan
Students will be able to identify common body changes during adolescence, articulate ways to practice body respect and positive self-talk, and create personal positive affirmations.
Understanding and respecting one's body is crucial for developing healthy self-esteem and navigating the challenges of adolescence with confidence. This lesson provides tools for positive body image and self-care.
Audience
7th and 8th Grade Girls
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, slide presentation, and reflective activities.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Body Talk Slides, My Body, My Strengths Activity, Positive Affirmation Mirror Activity, and Pens/Pencils
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review the Body Talk Slides and discussion prompts.
- Print copies of the My Body, My Strengths Activity and Positive Affirmation Mirror Activity for each student.
- Ensure projector and computer are working properly.
- Arrange seating to facilitate group discussion.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up: What is 'Body Image'?
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the topic: body image and body respect.
- Ask students: "When you hear the phrase 'body image,' what comes to mind?" (Facilitate a brief, open discussion, emphasizing that all responses are valid and creating a safe space).
- Transition to the slides by saying, "Today, we're going to explore what body image really means and how we can learn to appreciate our amazing bodies."
Step 2
Understanding Body Changes (Slides & Discussion)
10 minutes
- Present Body Talk Slides 1-3, discussing common physical changes during adolescence.
- Emphasize that these changes are natural and vary greatly among individuals.
- Facilitate discussion using prompts: "What are some body changes you've noticed or heard about? How do these changes make you feel? (Acknowledge and normalize feelings of confusion, excitement, or insecurity)."
- Introduce the concept of body neutrality and body respect (Slide 4). What's the difference between body positivity and body neutrality? How can we respect our bodies even if we don't 'love' every part?
Step 3
Challenging Negative Self-Talk (Slides & Discussion)
10 minutes
- Present Body Talk Slides 5-6, focusing on media influence and identifying negative self-talk.
- Ask: "Where do we get ideas about what bodies 'should' look like? How do these ideas make us feel?"
- Introduce strategies for challenging negative thoughts (Slide 6): mindful breathing, reframing thoughts, focusing on what your body can do.
- Discuss the power of language: "How does talking positively about our bodies, or even just neutrally, change how we feel?"
Step 4
Activity: My Body, My Strengths
10 minutes
- Distribute the My Body, My Strengths Activity.
- Explain the activity: Students will write down physical and non-physical strengths they appreciate about themselves or their bodies.
- Allow students time to complete the activity individually.
- Offer an opportunity for students to share (optional) one strength they wrote down, if they feel comfortable. Reinforce positive sharing and respect.
Step 5
Activity: Positive Affirmation Mirror
7 minutes
- Distribute the Positive Affirmation Mirror Activity.
- Explain the activity: Students will brainstorm and write down positive affirmations about themselves, their bodies, and their abilities.
- Allow students time to complete the activity individually.
- Offer an opportunity for students to share (optional) an affirmation and how they might use it daily. Reinforce positive sharing and respect.
Step 6
Conclusion & Cool Down
3 minutes
- Ask students to reflect: "What is one new idea or strategy you learned today about body image or body respect?"
- Reiterate key takeaways: bodies are unique, changes are normal, and practicing respect and positive self-talk is powerful.
- Thank students for their participation and openness.
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Slide Deck
My Body, My Story
Embracing Who You Are
- What comes to mind when you hear "body image"?
- Why is it important to talk about our bodies and how we feel about them?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear 'body image'. Emphasize a safe and respectful discussion space.
Bodies Change: It's Natural!
What's Happening During Adolescence?
- Growth spurts: Getting taller!
- Body shape changes: Hips widening, waist narrowing.
- Skin changes: Acne, oilier skin.
- Hair growth: New places!
- Voice changes: For some, a deeper voice.
- Developing breasts: Different shapes and sizes.
- Periods: Starting menstruation.
Remember, everyone's body changes at its own pace and in its own way!
Discuss common physical changes during adolescence. Normalize these changes and highlight individual variations.
Your Body is Unique!
No Two Bodies Are Alike
- Just like fingerprints, every body is unique.
- These changes are a sign of growing up and becoming who you are.
- It's okay to feel different emotions about these changes.
- Celebrate your own journey!
Reiterate that all bodies are different and that these changes are part of growing up. Address any feelings of self-consciousness.
Body Respect & Neutrality
What Do They Mean?
- Body Positivity: Loving your body no matter what.
- Body Neutrality: Accepting your body for what it is and what it does for you, without needing to love every part.
- Body Respect: Treating your body with care, fueling it with good food, moving it, and listening to its needs.
Why might body respect or neutrality be a good goal?
Introduce the concepts of body respect and body neutrality. Discuss how they differ from body positivity and why they can be helpful.
Media Messages & Self-Talk
Where Do We Get Our Ideas About Bodies?
- Social Media: Filters, perfect angles, edited photos.
- Advertisements: Promoting "ideal" body types.
- Movies & TV: Limited representation of diverse bodies.
- Negative Self-Talk: The critical voice in our own heads.
How do these messages make you feel about your own body?
Discuss the influence of media and how it can create unrealistic expectations. Ask students to identify sources of body ideals.
Challenge Negative Thoughts!
Strategies for Body Respect
- Identify the thought: "I don't like my..."
- Question the thought: "Is this really true? Where did this idea come from?"
- Reframe it: Focus on what your body can do.
- "My legs carry me to school and help me play sports."
- "My hands help me create and connect with others."
- Practice mindful breathing: Calm your mind.
- Be kind to yourself: Talk to yourself like you would a friend.
Provide actionable strategies for challenging negative thoughts and focusing on the body's functionality.
Activity
My Body, My Strengths
It's easy to focus on what we don't like about our bodies. Today, we're going to shift our focus and celebrate all the amazing things about ourselves, both inside and out!
Part 1: Physical Strengths
Think about what your body does for you. What physical abilities or characteristics do you appreciate? It doesn't have to be about how you look, but about how your body functions and helps you navigate the world.
Examples: My legs help me run fast. My hands are good at drawing. My eyes help me see beautiful things.
Part 2: Inner Strengths & Qualities
Your body also helps you express who you are! What non-physical strengths or qualities do you have that make you, you? These are things your body helps you share with the world, or characteristics that define you.
Examples: I am a good listener. I am creative. I am kind to my friends. My voice allows me to share my ideas.
Reflection
After thinking about all your strengths, how does it feel to focus on what your body can do and who you are rather than just how you look?
Activity
Positive Affirmation Mirror
Words have power, especially the words we say to ourselves! In this activity, you'll create a powerful tool to remind yourself of your strength and worth every day.
Instructions:
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Think of a mirror: Imagine looking at yourself in a mirror. What positive words or phrases would you want to see reflected back?
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Brainstorm Affirmations: On the lines below, write down some positive affirmations about yourself, your body, and your abilities. These should be kind, uplifting, and true to who you are.
- Examples: My body is strong and capable. I am kind and compassionate. I am growing and learning every day. I appreciate my unique qualities.
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Choose Your Favorite: Pick one or two of your favorite affirmations that resonate with you the most.
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Practice: How can you incorporate these affirmations into your daily routine? (e.g., saying them aloud, writing them on a sticky note for your mirror, setting a reminder on your phone).
Share (Optional):
If you feel comfortable, share one of your positive affirmations with the group and tell us why you chose it.