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Self-Esteem Boost

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Lesson Plan

Self-Esteem Boost Plan

Student will identify three personal strengths, practice positive self-talk, and set one SMART confidence-building goal to boost self-esteem.

Developing self-esteem helps students recognize their value, build resilience, and maintain a positive mindset, supporting academic and personal success.

Audience

8th Grade Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection, affirmation practice, and goal-setting.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and ask how they’re feeling today.
  • Introduce the session’s purpose: building self-esteem.
  • Student rates current self-esteem on a scale of 1–10 and explains their choice.

Step 2

Strength Exploration

10 minutes

  • Provide the Self-Reflection Worksheet.
  • Student lists three personal strengths and describes an example for each.
  • Prompt with questions such as:
    • “What makes you most proud?”
    • “How have you used this strength to help someone else?”

Step 3

Positive Self-Talk Practice

7 minutes

  • Introduce the Positive Affirmations Cards.
  • Student selects three cards and reads each affirmation aloud.
  • Practice converting a common negative thought into a positive statement using provided prompts.

Step 4

Goal Setting

5 minutes

  • Present the Goal-Setting Template.
  • Guide the student to create one SMART goal for enhancing confidence:
    • Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
  • Have the student write down concrete action steps and a timeline.

Step 5

Assessment & Cool-Down

3 minutes

  • Student shares their SMART goal and favorite affirmation aloud.
  • Teacher reviews completed worksheets and observes student engagement.
  • Provide verbal feedback, highlighting strengths and next steps.
  • Accommodations for Tier 3 support:
    • Use simplified language and visual cues.
    • Offer additional wait time and prompts as needed.
    • Provide ongoing positive reinforcement and encouragement.
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Slide Deck

Self-Esteem Boost

One-on-one session | 8th Grade | 30 minutes

Welcome! Today we’ll explore your self-esteem through reflection, affirmation, and goal setting. I’ll guide you step by step so you walk away feeling empowered and confident.

Warm-Up: How Are You Feeling?

• Greet and check in
• Rate your self-esteem (1–10)
• Share why you chose that rating

Begin by asking how they feel today. Explain that understanding current feelings helps track growth. Encourage honesty and openness.

Explore Your Strengths

• Open the Self-Reflection Worksheet
• List 3 personal strengths
• Provide an example for each
• Prompts:
– What makes you proud?
– How have you used this strength?

Hand over the Self-Reflection Worksheet. Ask the student to think of real examples and share them aloud. Probe with “Tell me more” as needed.

Practice Positive Self-Talk

• Choose 3 Positive Affirmations Cards
• Read each affirmation aloud
• Identify a negative thought
• Reframe it into a positive statement

Show the Affirmation Cards. Model converting a negative thought like “I’m not good enough” into “I’m learning and growing every day.” Then let the student practice.

Set a SMART Confidence Goal

• Use the Goal-Setting Template
• Craft a goal that is:
– Specific
– Measurable
– Achievable
– Relevant
– Time-bound
• List action steps and timeline

Guide them through each SMART criterion. Offer examples: Specific (“Ask a question in class once a week”), Measurable, etc. Help refine until it feels achievable.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Share your SMART goal
• State your favorite affirmation
• Reflect on key takeaways
• Discuss next steps and support

Have the student share their SMART goal and favorite affirmation. Reinforce progress made today and outline next steps for ongoing support.

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Worksheet

Self-Reflection Worksheet

Part 1: Identify Your Strengths

Below, list three personal strengths you have. For each strength, write a brief description and then provide a real-life example.

  1. Strength #1: ____________________________________________



    Example:





  2. Strength #2: ____________________________________________



    Example:





  3. Strength #3: ____________________________________________



    Example:





Part 2: Reflect on Your Strengths

  1. Which of these strengths makes you most proud, and why?










  2. How have you used this strength to help someone else?










  3. What new opportunities could you create by using your strengths in the future?










Great work! Keep this worksheet handy to remind yourself of the strengths you bring to every situation.

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lenny

Activity

Positive Affirmations Cards

Print and cut out each affirmation below along the lines to create your own deck of positive reminders:

1. I believe in myself and my abilities.

2. I am worthy of respect and kindness.

3. I embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

4. I am proud of who I am becoming.

5. My voice and ideas matter.

6. I am capable of achieving my goals.

7. I deserve to feel happy and confident.

8. I learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward.

9. I am strong, resilient, and courageous.

10. I choose to focus on the positive.

11. I am enough just as I am.

12. I trust myself to make good decisions.

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Worksheet

Goal-Setting Template

Use this worksheet to create one SMART goal for boosting your confidence. Follow each criterion and then plan your next steps.

S – Specific

What exactly do you want to achieve? Be clear and detailed.





M – Measurable

How will you know you’ve achieved your goal? What will you track or count?





A – Achievable

Why is this goal realistic for you right now? What skills or resources will help you succeed?





R – Relevant

How does this goal link to your self-esteem or long-term growth? Why does it matter?





T – Time-Bound

What is your deadline for achieving this goal? Include a specific date or time period.





Write Your SMART Goal Below

“My goal is to ____________________________________________________________.”





Action Steps

List the steps you will take to reach your goal. Include small, concrete tasks.

  1. Step 1: _____________________________________________________


  2. Step 2: _____________________________________________________


  3. Step 3: _____________________________________________________


  4. (Optional) Additional steps: _________________________________


Timeline and Check-Ins

When will you start? When will you check your progress?

Start Date: _____________________ End Date: _____________________



How often will you review your progress? ____________________________


Keep this template handy and revisit it regularly to track your progress and celebrate your successes!

lenny
lenny