Lesson Plan
Building the Self-Esteem Tree
Understand and illustrate self-esteem through the metaphor of a tree, identifying roots, trunk, and branches.
This lesson helps students visualize and understand self-esteem, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Use metaphorical tree to explore self-esteem.
Materials
Parts of the Self-Esteem Tree (Slide-Deck), Self-Esteem Tree Creation (Project), Tree Reflection Worksheet (Worksheet), and Tree Project Rubric (Rubric)
Prep
Prepare Materials and Review
15 minutes
- Review the "Parts of the Self-Esteem Tree" slide deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the "Tree Reflection Worksheet" for each student.
- Prepare materials for the "Self-Esteem Tree Creation" project, ensuring all necessary supplies are available.
- Review the "Tree Project Rubric" to understand assessment criteria.
Step 1
Introduction to Self-Esteem Tree
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion on self-esteem and its importance.
- Introduce the metaphor of the self-esteem tree, explaining how each part represents different aspects of self-esteem.
Step 2
Exploring the Parts of the Tree
15 minutes
- Use the "Parts of the Self-Esteem Tree" slide deck to explain the roots (personal strengths), trunk (core values), and branches (aspirations).
- Encourage students to think about their own strengths, values, and goals.
Step 3
Self-Esteem Tree Creation
20 minutes
- Distribute materials for the "Self-Esteem Tree Creation" project.
- Guide students in creating their own self-esteem trees, illustrating their roots, trunk, and branches.
- Encourage creativity and personal reflection during the activity.
Step 4
Reflection and Sharing
15 minutes
- Hand out the "Tree Reflection Worksheet" and ask students to reflect on their self-esteem trees.
- Allow students to share their trees and reflections with the class if they feel comfortable.
- Use the "Tree Project Rubric" to provide feedback and assess understanding.
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Slide Deck
Introduction to the Self-Esteem Tree
Self-esteem is like a tree, with roots, a trunk, and branches. Each part represents different aspects of who we are and how we see ourselves.
Introduce the concept of self-esteem and its importance in personal development. Explain that we will use the metaphor of a tree to explore self-esteem, which will help students visualize and understand the concept better.
Roots: Personal Strengths
The roots of the self-esteem tree symbolize our personal strengths. These are the qualities that ground us and give us confidence.
Discuss how the roots of the tree represent personal strengths. These are the qualities and skills that form the foundation of our self-esteem.
Trunk: Core Values
The trunk of the self-esteem tree stands for our core values. These are the beliefs that support our self-esteem and guide our decisions.
Explain that the trunk of the tree represents our core values. These are the principles and beliefs that support our self-esteem and guide our actions.
Branches: Aspirations
The branches of the self-esteem tree symbolize our aspirations and goals. These are the dreams and ambitions that help us grow.
Describe how the branches of the tree represent our aspirations and goals. These are the things we reach for and strive to achieve, which help us grow and develop.
Reflecting on Your Self-Esteem Tree
Think about your own self-esteem tree. What are your roots, trunk, and branches? How do they shape who you are?
Encourage students to reflect on their own self-esteem tree. Ask them to consider what their roots, trunk, and branches might look like.
Project Guide
Self-Esteem Tree Creation Project Guide
Objective
Create a visual representation of your self-esteem through the metaphor of a tree, illustrating your roots (personal strengths), trunk (core values), and branches (aspirations).
Materials Needed
- Paper or poster board
- Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Magazines or printed images (optional for collage)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
- Choose a large sheet of paper or poster board as the base for your tree.
- Decide whether you want to draw, paint, or create a collage for your tree.
Step 2: Create the Roots
- Think about your personal strengths. What qualities or skills make you who you are?
- Illustrate these strengths as the roots of your tree. You can write them down, draw symbols, or use images.
- Be creative and make sure the roots are strong and visible.
Step 3: Build the Trunk
- Reflect on your core values. What principles guide your actions and decisions?
- Represent these values as the trunk of your tree. This part should be sturdy and central.
- Use words, drawings, or symbols to express your core values.
Step 4: Add the Branches
- Consider your aspirations and goals. What do you hope to achieve or reach for in the future?
- Illustrate these aspirations as the branches of your tree. Let them extend outward and upward.
- Feel free to use words, images, or symbols to depict your goals.
Step 5: Personalize Your Tree
- Add any additional elements that represent who you are or what you aspire to be.
- Use colors, patterns, or textures to make your tree unique.
Step 6: Reflect
- Once your tree is complete, take a moment to reflect on what each part represents.
- Consider how your strengths, values, and aspirations shape your self-esteem.
Step 7: Share
- If comfortable, share your self-esteem tree with classmates.
- Discuss what you learned about yourself through this project.
Reflection Questions
- What did you learn about your personal strengths?
- How do your core values influence your daily life?
- What are some of your most important aspirations?
- How does this tree represent your self-esteem?
Assessment
Your self-esteem tree will be assessed based on creativity, reflection, and understanding of the metaphor. Use the "Tree Project Rubric" to guide your work and ensure all parts of the tree are represented clearly.
Space for Reflection
Roots: Personal Strengths
Trunk: Core Values
Branches: Aspirations
Overall Reflection
Worksheet
Tree Reflection Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on your Self-Esteem Tree. Take your time to think about each part of your tree and what it represents about you.
Roots: Personal Strengths
-
What are some of the personal strengths you identified as the roots of your tree? Why are these important to you?
-
How do these strengths help you in your daily life?
Trunk: Core Values
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What core values did you choose to represent the trunk of your tree? Why did you choose these values?
-
How do these values guide your actions and decisions?
Branches: Aspirations
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What aspirations or goals did you illustrate as the branches of your tree?
-
How do these aspirations motivate you to grow and develop?
Overall Reflection
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How does your Self-Esteem Tree as a whole represent who you are?
-
What did you learn about yourself through this project?
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How can you use this understanding of your self-esteem to improve your personal growth?
Take a moment to review your reflections and consider sharing your insights with a classmate or teacher if you feel comfortable. Remember, understanding yourself is a powerful step towards personal growth and self-improvement.
Rubric
Tree Project Rubric
This rubric is designed to assess the Self-Esteem Tree project, focusing on creativity, reflection, and understanding of the metaphor. Each criterion is scored on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest level of performance.
| Criteria | 4 - Excellent | 3 - Good | 2 - Satisfactory | 1 - Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creativity | Demonstrates exceptional creativity and originality in the design and presentation of the tree. Uses a variety of materials and techniques. | Shows creativity and originality in the design and presentation of the tree. Uses some variety in materials and techniques. | Displays some creativity in the design and presentation of the tree. Limited variety in materials and techniques. | Lacks creativity in the design and presentation of the tree. Minimal variety in materials and techniques. |
| Reflection | Provides deep and insightful reflections on personal strengths, core values, and aspirations. Clearly connects these to the self-esteem metaphor. | Offers thoughtful reflections on personal strengths, core values, and aspirations. Connects these to the self-esteem metaphor. | Provides basic reflections on personal strengths, core values, and aspirations. Some connection to the self-esteem metaphor. | Reflections are superficial or missing. Little to no connection to the self-esteem metaphor. |
| Understanding of Metaphor | Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the self-esteem tree metaphor, effectively illustrating roots, trunk, and branches. | Shows a good understanding of the self-esteem tree metaphor, illustrating roots, trunk, and branches. | Displays a basic understanding of the self-esteem tree metaphor, with some illustration of roots, trunk, and branches. | Lacks understanding of the self-esteem tree metaphor. Incomplete or incorrect illustration of roots, trunk, and branches. |
| Overall Presentation | The project is exceptionally well-organized and presented. All elements are clear and easy to understand. | The project is well-organized and presented. Most elements are clear and easy to understand. | The project is somewhat organized and presented. Some elements are unclear or difficult to understand. | The project is poorly organized and presented. Many elements are unclear or difficult to understand. |
Total Score: ______ / 16
Comments:
This rubric will guide students in understanding how their Self-Esteem Tree project will be evaluated, encouraging them to focus on creativity, reflection, and a deep understanding of the metaphor.