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Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!

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Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!

Students will be able to define self-esteem, identify its components, recognize factors that influence it, and apply strategies to foster a positive self-image and resilience.

Developing healthy self-esteem is crucial for navigating academic pressures, social relationships, and future career challenges. This lesson provides practical tools to enhance students' confidence and overall well-being.

Audience

11th and 12th Grade

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, self-reflection, and practical strategy building.

Materials

  • Warm Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot, - Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!, - Reading: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem, - Worksheet: My Self-Esteem Toolkit, - Discussion: Real Talk: Self-Esteem in My World, - Activity: Affirmation Station, - Game: Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge, - Quiz: Self-Esteem Check-Up, - Answer Key: Self-Esteem Check-Up, - Journal: My Self-Esteem Journey, - Project Guide: My Personal Growth Plan, - Rubric: Personal Growth Plan Rubric, and - Cool Down: One Word, One Thought

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review all generated materials: Lesson Plan: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!, Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!, Script: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!, Warm Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot, Reading: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem, Worksheet: My Self-Esteem Toolkit, Discussion: Real Talk: Self-Esteem in My World, Activity: Affirmation Station, Game: Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge, Quiz: Self-Esteem Check-Up, Answer Key: Self-Esteem Check-Up, Journal: My Self-Esteem Journey, Project Guide: My Personal Growth Plan, Rubric: Personal Growth Plan Rubric, and Cool Down: One Word, One Thought.
  • Ensure projector/display is set up for the Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!.
  • Print copies of the Warm Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot, Worksheet: My Self-Esteem Toolkit, and Reading: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem (one per student), if using physical copies.
  • Prepare any materials for the Activity: Affirmation Station (e.g., sticky notes, markers, large paper).
  • Familiarize yourself with the Game: Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge rules and scenarios.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Warm Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot.
  • Instruct students to briefly write down their initial thoughts about self-esteem.
  • Briefly discuss a few student responses to gauge prior knowledge, as outlined in the Script: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!.

Step 2

Introduction & Defining Self-Esteem

10 minutes

  • Use the Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! and Script: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! to introduce the topic of self-esteem.
  • Facilitate a class discussion to collectively define self-esteem and differentiate it from related concepts like self-confidence.
  • Present the components and influences on self-esteem using the slide deck.

Step 3

Exploring Pillars of Self-Esteem (Reading & Discussion)

15 minutes

  • Distribute Reading: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem.
  • Allow students to read individually or in pairs.
  • Lead a Discussion: Real Talk: Self-Esteem in My World based on the reading, prompting students to connect concepts to their own experiences. Refer to the Script: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! for guidance.

Step 4

Building Your Self-Esteem Toolkit (Worksheet & Activity)

15 minutes

  • Introduce the Worksheet: My Self-Esteem Toolkit.
  • Guide students through identifying personal strengths and areas for growth.
  • Transition into the Activity: Affirmation Station, where students create positive affirmations. Refer to the Script: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!.

Step 5

Applying Strategies (Game)

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups for the Game: Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge.
  • Students will work together to apply self-esteem building strategies to hypothetical situations.
  • Briefly debrief the game as a whole class, sharing successful strategies.

Step 6

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Cool Down: One Word, One Thought.
  • Have students reflect on a key takeaway or feeling from the lesson.
  • Briefly review the main points and introduce the optional long-term assignments: Journal: My Self-Esteem Journey and Project Guide: My Personal Growth Plan with its Rubric: Personal Growth Plan Rubric. Inform students about the Quiz: Self-Esteem Check-Up and its corresponding Answer Key: Self-Esteem Check-Up for assessment.
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Slide Deck

Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!

Understanding and Building Self-Esteem

  • What is self-esteem?
  • Why is it important?
  • How can we grow it?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Explain that today is about understanding and building self-esteem, a vital life skill. Briefly mention the warm-up activity they are about to do. This slide serves as an engaging introduction to the lesson.

What is Self-Esteem, Anyway?

It's how you value and respect yourself.

  • Self-esteem: Your overall opinion of yourself.
  • Self-confidence: Your belief in your ability to succeed at something.
  • Self-efficacy: Your belief in your ability to accomplish a specific task.

Explain that self-esteem is how we value and respect ourselves. Differentiate it from self-confidence (belief in abilities) and self-efficacy (belief in success at a specific task). Ask students to share some initial thoughts from their warm-up (without putting anyone on the spot).

What Shapes Our Self-Esteem?

Many things! Internally and externally.

  • Experiences: Successes, failures, challenges.
  • Relationships: Family, friends, teachers, peers.
  • Social Media: Comparison culture, curated realities.
  • Personal Beliefs: Your inner dialogue, self-talk.
  • Physical & Mental Health: How you feel day-to-day.

Discuss the various factors that can influence self-esteem, both positively and negatively. Encourage students to think about how these factors might play out in their own lives. Ask guiding questions: 'How do social media messages impact how you see yourself?' or 'Who are the people in your life who truly lift you up?'

The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem

What are the core components that build a strong sense of self-worth?

  • Self-Acceptance
  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Responsibility
  • Self-Assertion
  • Purpose

Introduce the concept of 'pillars' of self-esteem. Explain that the upcoming reading will delve deeper into these. Encourage active reading to identify these key components.

Building Your Toolkit: Affirmations!

What are affirmations?

  • Positive statements that challenge negative thoughts.
  • Used to encourage and motivate yourself.
  • They help rewire your brain for positivity.

Example: Instead of "I'm not good enough," try "I am capable and I can learn."

Explain the 'Self-Esteem Toolkit' worksheet. Guide students to identify their strengths (what they are good at, what they like about themselves) and areas where they'd like to grow. Emphasize that growth is a continuous process. Then, introduce the affirmation activity and explain its purpose.

Challenge Accepted: Real-Life Scenarios

How would you handle these situations?

  • Work in groups.
  • Apply self-esteem building strategies.
  • Share your solutions!

Introduce the game: Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge. Explain that they'll work in groups to apply the strategies discussed. Briefly go over the rules. This slide is a quick transition to the activity.

Reflect & Grow!

Self-esteem is a journey, not a destination!

  • Keep practicing positive self-talk.
  • Surround yourself with supportive people.
  • Celebrate your progress!

Optional: Dive deeper with your Journal: My Self-Esteem Journey or create a Project Guide: My Personal Growth Plan.

Let's do a quick Cool Down: One Word, One Thought!

Conclude the lesson by summarizing the main takeaways: self-esteem is crucial, it's influenced by many factors, and we can actively build it. Introduce the optional journal and project for continued learning. Explain the cool-down activity as a final reflection.

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Script

Script: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked!

Warm-Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're diving into a topic that affects all of us: self-esteem. Before we get started, I'd like you to take a few moments to complete this Warm Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot handout. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest thoughts. Briefly write down what comes to mind when you hear the term 'self-esteem' and why you think it's important. You have about three minutes for this."




Teacher: (After 3 minutes) "Alright, let's hear a few initial thoughts. Can anyone share one word or a short phrase that came to mind when thinking about self-esteem?" (Call on 2-3 volunteers, affirming all responses.) "Thank you for sharing. It's clear this is something many of us think about, and it touches on various aspects of our lives."

Introduction & Defining Self-Esteem (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 1: Title Slide) "Today, our goal is to unlock a deeper understanding of our self-worth. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to define self-esteem, understand what shapes it, and learn practical ways to build it up."

(Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 2: What is Self-Esteem, Anyway?)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is self-esteem? At its core, self-esteem is how you value and respect yourself. It's your overall opinion of who you are. Now, it's often confused with other terms, so let's clarify:

  • Self-confidence is your belief in your ability to succeed at something, like being confident you can ace a test.
  • Self-efficacy is even more specific – it's your belief in your ability to accomplish a specific task, like believing you can learn to play a new song on an instrument.

Self-esteem is broader; it's about your fundamental sense of worth as a person. Why do you think having a healthy sense of self-esteem is important for high school students like yourselves? How does it impact your daily life, your decisions, or your relationships?" (Facilitate a short discussion, encouraging students to share their perspectives.)

(Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 3: What Shapes Our Self-Esteem?)

Teacher: "Many things influence our self-esteem, both from within us and from the world around us. Think about the bullet points on the slide: our experiences, relationships, even social media. Can you think of a time when one of these factors significantly impacted how you felt about yourself, either positively or negatively? (Give an example, e.g., 'Getting a compliment from a friend boosted my self-esteem, or seeing perfect lives on Instagram made me feel less than.')" (Allow 2-3 students to share brief, non-personal examples if comfortable, or have them reflect quietly.)

Exploring Pillars of Self-Esteem (Reading & Discussion) (15 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 4: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem)

Teacher: "Just like a building needs strong pillars to stand tall, a healthy self-esteem is built on several key components. I'm going to hand out a Reading: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem that explores these in more detail. Please take about 7-8 minutes to read this individually or with a partner. As you read, think about which of these pillars resonate most with you."

(Distribute reading. After 7-8 minutes.)

Teacher: "Alright, now that you've had a chance to read about the pillars, let's have a Discussion: Real Talk: Self-Esteem in My World. How do these pillars connect to your own experiences? Which pillar do you think is most challenging to cultivate, and why?" (Lead the discussion, prompting deeper thinking. Refer to the discussion prompts in the Discussion: Real Talk: Self-Esteem in My World material.)

Building Your Self-Esteem Toolkit (Worksheet & Activity) (15 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 5: Building Your Toolkit: Affirmations!)

Teacher: "Great discussion! Now that we understand what self-esteem is and what builds it, let's start actively strengthening it. I'm handing out a Worksheet: My Self-Esteem Toolkit. On this worksheet, I want you to first list some of your personal strengths – what are you good at? What do you like about yourself? Don't be shy! Then, think about one or two areas where you'd like to grow or improve your self-perception."

(Allow 5 minutes for students to complete the first part of the worksheet.)

Teacher: "Excellent. Now, let's talk about affirmations. The slide explains what they are: positive statements that can help challenge negative thoughts and rewire our brains. They're not about denying reality, but about focusing on positive truths and what you can do. For example, if you often think, 'I'm not good at public speaking,' an affirmation could be, 'I am capable of communicating my ideas clearly.'

For our next part, the Activity: Affirmation Station, you'll create a few personal affirmations based on your strengths and growth areas. Write them down clearly and positively. You can write them on the worksheet or, if we have sticky notes, you can create a few to keep with you. I encourage you to use these regularly!" (Circulate and assist students as they write their affirmations.)

Applying Strategies (Game) (10 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 6: Challenge Accepted: Real-Life Scenarios)

Teacher: "Alright, it's time to put your new toolkit to the test! We're going to play a Game: Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge. I'll divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a scenario that challenges self-esteem. Your task is to discuss the scenario and come up with practical strategies, using what we've learned today, to navigate it positively. You'll have about 5 minutes to discuss, then we'll share." (Divide students into groups and distribute scenarios/game instructions.)

(After 5-7 minutes of group work)

Teacher: "Let's bring it back together. Can one person from each group quickly share their scenario and one strategy they came up with?" (Facilitate quick sharing and provide positive feedback, reinforcing the application of strategies.)

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: Your Self-Worth: Unlocked! - Slide 7: Reflect & Grow!)

Teacher: "Fantastic work today, everyone. To wrap up, please take out your Cool Down: One Word, One Thought handout. I'd like you to write down one word that describes how you feel about self-esteem after this lesson, and then one key thought or takeaway you'll remember."

(Allow 2 minutes for cool-down.)

Teacher: "Thank you for your engagement and honesty today. Remember, building self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. It takes practice, self-compassion, and surrounding yourself with supportive influences. Keep practicing positive self-talk and celebrating your progress.

For those interested in continuing this exploration, I've also prepared an optional Journal: My Self-Esteem Journey with prompts for ongoing reflection, and a Project Guide: My Personal Growth Plan with an accompanying Rubric: Personal Growth Plan Rubric if you'd like to create a more in-depth plan. We will also have a short Quiz: Self-Esteem Check-Up to assess your understanding, with an Answer Key: Self-Esteem Check-Up for review.

Any final questions?"

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Worksheet

My Self-Esteem Toolkit

Having a healthy sense of self-esteem means you value and respect yourself. It's a key ingredient for navigating life's challenges and building strong relationships. Use this worksheet to explore your unique strengths and identify ways to boost your self-worth!


Part 1: My Strengths & Qualities

Think about all the wonderful things that make you, you! List your personal strengths, positive qualities, and things you are proud of. These can be related to your personality, skills, talents, relationships, or anything else!

My Strengths & Positive Qualities:
















Which of these strengths do you use most often in your daily life? How do they help you?








Part 2: Areas for Growth

It's perfectly normal to have areas where we want to grow or feel more confident. Identify one or two aspects of your self-perception that you'd like to improve. This isn't about criticizing yourself, but about setting positive goals for growth.

Areas I'd like to grow in terms of my self-perception:








Part 3: Crafting Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that help challenge negative thoughts and build a stronger, more positive self-image. For each area of growth you identified above, create a positive affirmation. Make it present tense, positive, and personal.

Example: If your growth area is 'feeling less confident in speaking up in class,' your affirmation could be: 'I am a confident and articulate speaker, and my voice matters.'

My Affirmations:

  1. Based on my first growth area:





  2. Based on my second growth area:





Bonus Affirmation: Write one general affirmation that makes you feel strong and capable!












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Reading

The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is more than just feeling good about yourself; it's a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being. It influences our choices, relationships, and overall quality of life. While many factors contribute to our self-esteem, psychologists identify several

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Discussion

Real Talk: Self-Esteem in My World

This discussion is designed to help us connect the concepts of self-esteem to our real lives and experiences. Remember, there are no wrong answers, and your perspective is valuable. Please listen respectfully to others.


Discussion Prompts:

  1. Connecting the Pillars: From the Reading: The Pillars of Positive Self-Esteem, which 'pillar' of self-esteem (Self-Acceptance, Self-Awareness, Self-Responsibility, Self-Assertion, Purpose) resonates most with you? Why do you think that one is particularly important?












  2. External Influences: We discussed how external factors like social media, friends, and family can influence self-esteem. Can you share (without revealing personal details you're uncomfortable with) how external expectations or comparisons have impacted your self-esteem, either positively or negatively?












  3. The Role of Self-Talk: How aware are you of your own inner dialogue or 'self-talk'? Do you notice if it's generally positive, negative, or neutral? How do you think this self-talk influences your daily feelings about yourself?












  4. Building Resilience: Self-esteem isn't about never having doubts, but about how you recover from them. What are some healthy ways you've seen people (or yourself) bounce back when their self-esteem takes a hit?












  5. Supporting Others: How can we, as a community, better support each other in developing and maintaining healthy self-esteem? What actions or words can make a real difference for our peers?












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Activity

Activity: Affirmation Station

Positive affirmations are powerful tools for building self-esteem. They are short, positive statements you repeat to yourself to challenge negative thoughts and reinforce positive beliefs about yourself. The more you use them, the more you can shift your mindset!


Instructions:

  1. Reflect on Your Strengths: Look back at your Worksheet: My Self-Esteem Toolkit and the strengths you identified. Think about the positive qualities you possess.

  2. Address Growth Areas: Consider the areas for growth you listed. How can you reframe any negative thoughts around these areas into positive, empowering statements?

  3. Brainstorm Affirmations: Using the examples below, create 3-5 personal affirmations. Make them:

    • Positive: Focus on what is or what you want to be, not what you don't want.
    • Present Tense: Write them as if they are already true (e.g., "I am...", "I can...").
    • Personal: Make them about YOU and what YOU can control.
    • Believable: Even if you don't fully believe it yet, make it something you could believe.

    Examples of Affirmations:

    • "I am capable and strong."
    • "I am worthy of love and respect."
    • "I trust my abilities to learn and grow."
    • "My voice matters, and I speak with confidence."
    • "I am resilient and can overcome challenges."
  4. Write Your Affirmations: Write your affirmations below. If you have sticky notes, you can write them out to place somewhere you'll see them daily (e.g., mirror, notebook, locker).

















How to Use Your Affirmations:

  • Repeat Daily: Say them aloud to yourself in the morning, before a challenging situation, or whenever you need a boost.
  • Write Them Down: Keep them in your journal, on your mirror, or as a note on your phone.
  • Feel It: As you say them, try to feel the truth of the statement. The emotion behind the words makes them more powerful.

Share (Optional): If you feel comfortable, share one of your favorite affirmations with a partner or the class and explain why you chose it.

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Game

Self-Esteem Scenario Challenge

Objective: To apply self-esteem building strategies to real-world social situations.

Instructions:

  1. Divide into small groups (3-4 students).
  2. Each group will receive one scenario card.
  3. Read your scenario carefully.
  4. As a group, discuss the situation and brainstorm at least three strategies from our lesson today (e.g., affirmations, self-awareness, setting boundaries, positive self-talk, seeking support, focusing on strengths) that the person in the scenario could use to boost their self-esteem and navigate the situation positively.
  5. Be prepared to share your scenario and strategies with the class.

Scenario Cards (Cut into individual cards or assign to groups):

Scenario 1: The Social Media Comparison Trap

Your friend Sarah spends hours scrolling through social media, constantly comparing her life, looks, and achievements to others. She often feels inadequate and anxious after being online, even though she knows it’s not always real. She sometimes avoids social gatherings because she feels like she doesn't measure up.

  • How can Sarah boost her self-esteem in this situation?
  • What specific actions or thoughts could help her?












Scenario 2: The Critical Voice

Mark is a talented artist, but whenever he finishes a drawing, he immediately focuses on its flaws, convincing himself it’s not good enough. He rarely shares his work and often gives up on projects halfway through, even when others tell him how good his art is. His inner critic is very loud.

  • How can Mark challenge his inner critic and improve his self-esteem as an artist?
  • What advice would you give him about self-acceptance?












Scenario 3: Dealing with a Setback

Chloë studied really hard for a big math test, but when she got her grade back, it was much lower than she expected. She feels devastated and starts thinking, "I'm just not smart enough for this class" and "All my hard work was pointless." She's losing motivation to try anymore.

  • What strategies can Chloë use to prevent this setback from destroying her self-esteem?
  • How can she practice self-compassion and resilience?












Scenario 4: Peer Pressure and Self-Assertion

Liam's friends often make fun of his passion for creative writing, calling it "nerdy" and pushing him to spend more time on activities he doesn't enjoy. Liam wants to spend more time writing but feels pressured to go along with his friends to be accepted. He feels like he has to hide a part of himself.

  • How can Liam assert himself and maintain his self-esteem while navigating peer pressure?
  • What is the importance of self-assertion in this situation?












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Quiz

Self-Esteem Check-Up

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Answer Key

Self-Esteem Check-Up Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct responses and explanations for the Quiz: Self-Esteem Check-Up.


1. Which of the following best defines self-esteem?

  • Correct Answer: Your belief in your overall worth and value as a person.
  • Explanation: Self-esteem is a broad evaluation of oneself, encompassing feelings of personal worth and significance. The other options describe self-efficacy or self-confidence, which are more specific.

2. Name two factors that can positively influence a person's self-esteem.

  • Correct Answers (any two from this list or similar): Positive experiences, supportive relationships, achieving goals, practicing self-care, engaging in positive self-talk, setting and achieving personal boundaries, contributing to something meaningful.
  • Explanation: Self-esteem is shaped by a combination of internal and external factors. Positive experiences and strong relationships provide validation and a sense of belonging, while personal achievements and healthy internal dialogue build confidence and self-worth.

3. An affirmation is primarily used to:

  • Correct Answer: Challenge negative thoughts with positive statements.
  • Explanation: Affirmations are intentional positive statements designed to counteract negative self-talk and reinforce a positive self-image. They are not about denying reality but shifting focus and mindset.

4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "My self-esteem is fixed and cannot be changed."

  • Correct Answer: 1 - Strongly Disagree (or 2 - Disagree)
  • Explanation: Self-esteem is not a fixed trait; it is dynamic and can fluctuate. Through conscious effort, practicing healthy habits, and utilizing strategies like affirmations and self-reflection, individuals can significantly develop and improve their self-esteem over time.

5. Briefly explain the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence.

  • Correct Answer: Self-esteem refers to your overall sense of self-worth and value as a person, irrespective of your abilities in specific areas. Self-confidence, on the other hand, is your belief in your capacity to succeed at specific tasks, skills, or situations (e.g., "I am confident I can pass this test," but not necessarily "I am a worthy person").
  • Explanation: While related, self-esteem is a global assessment of self, while self-confidence is a more specific belief in one's competence. You can be confident in one area (e.g., sports) but have low overall self-esteem, or vice versa.
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Project Guide

Project Guide: My Personal Growth Plan

Objective

To create a personalized plan for enhancing self-esteem and overall well-being by applying the concepts and strategies learned in class.

Project Overview

This project invites you to reflect on your current self-esteem and develop actionable steps to strengthen it. You will design a

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Rubric

Rubric: Personal Growth Plan

This rubric will be used to assess your My Personal Growth Plan project. Please review it carefully to understand the expectations for each component.


Scoring Criteria

Category4 - Exceeds Expectations3 - Meets Expectations2 - Partially Meets Expectations1 - Does Not Meet Expectations
Self-AssessmentComprehensive and insightful analysis of current self-esteem, clearly identifying specific strengths and growth areas with depth.Clear analysis of current self-esteem, identifying strengths and growth areas.Limited analysis of self-esteem, with vague or incomplete identification of strengths/growth areas.Minimal or no self-assessment, strengths/growth areas not identified.
Goal Setting3+ SMART goals that are exceptionally clear, highly relevant, challenging, and perfectly aligned with growth areas.3 SMART goals that are clear, relevant, and aligned with growth areas.1-2 goals that are somewhat clear but may lack one or more SMART criteria or alignment.Goals are missing, unclear, or not related to self-esteem growth.
Strategy Development3+ highly detailed, creative, and personalized strategies for each goal, demonstrating deep understanding of concepts.3 specific and relevant strategies for each goal, demonstrating good understanding of concepts.1-2 strategies per goal, somewhat relevant but lacking detail or strong connection to concepts.Strategies are missing, irrelevant, or show no understanding of concepts.
Action PlanMeticulous, realistic, and detailed timeline with clearly defined milestones and resources for each strategy.Realistic and clear timeline with defined milestones and resources.Timeline is present but lacks detail, realism, or clear milestones/resources.No action plan, or it is entirely unrealistic/incomplete.
Reflection & LearningProfound and articulate reflection on potential challenges, learning, and future application of self-esteem skills.Thoughtful reflection on challenges, learning, and future application.Superficial reflection on challenges or learning, with limited future application.No reflection, or reflection is irrelevant to the project.
Presentation/OrganizationExceptionally well-organized, clear, professional, and highly engaging. Demonstrates strong effort and attention to detail.Well-organized, clear, and professional. Easy to follow.Some organization, but clarity or professionalism could be improved.Disorganized, unclear, and difficult to understand.
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Warm Up

Warm Up: Self-Esteem Snapshot

Take a moment to think about the phrase "self-esteem." What comes to mind?


Instructions:

  1. Define It: In your own words, what do you think self-esteem means?







  2. Why It Matters: Why do you think self-esteem is important for teenagers and young adults?







  3. One Word: If you had to describe what self-esteem feels like in one word, what would it be?




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Cool Down

Cool Down: One Word, One Thought

Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson about self-esteem.


Instructions:

  1. One Word: In one word, how do you feel about your understanding of self-esteem now?




  2. One Key Thought: What is one key idea, strategy, or realization you will take away from today's lesson?







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Journal

Journal: My Self-Esteem Journey

This journal is a space for you to continue exploring and building your self-esteem. Regular reflection can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and progress. Use these prompts as a guide, and feel free to write as much or as little as you need.


Journal Prompts:

Prompt 1: My Inner Critic & Inner Champion

We all have an inner voice. Sometimes it's supportive, and sometimes it's critical. Describe a time recently when your inner critic was loud. What did it say? Now, imagine your inner champion. What would your inner champion say to counteract those critical thoughts?













Prompt 2: Celebrating Small Wins

Self-esteem grows when we acknowledge our efforts and successes, no matter how small. Think about something you achieved or did well this week (it could be academic, social, personal, a new skill, etc.). Describe it and explain why it made you feel good about yourself.













Prompt 3: Setting Boundaries for Self-Worth

Setting healthy boundaries is a powerful act of self-respect. Think about a situation where you might need to set a boundary to protect your self-esteem or well-being (e.g., saying no to something, limiting social media, stepping away from a negative conversation). What would that boundary look like, and how would you communicate it?













Prompt 4: My Affirmation in Action

Choose one of the affirmations you created in the Activity: Affirmation Station or create a new one. Describe a specific situation where you used or could have used this affirmation to support yourself. Did it help? How did it feel?













Prompt 5: Gratitude for Self

Practicing gratitude can boost self-esteem. List five things you are genuinely grateful for about yourself – your qualities, strengths, efforts, or even just your existence. Reflect on why each of these makes you feel grateful.













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Test

Self-Esteem Comprehensive Assessment

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Answer Key

Self-Esteem Comprehensive Assessment Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct responses and explanations for the Test: Self-Esteem Comprehensive Assessment.


1. Which of the following best describes the core difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?

  • Correct Answer: Self-esteem is your overall worth, and self-confidence is belief in specific abilities.
  • Explanation: Self-esteem is a global evaluation of oneself as a person (e.g., "I am a good person"). Self-confidence is specific to one's belief in their ability to perform a particular task or succeed in a specific area (e.g., "I am confident I can present well").

2. Identify and briefly explain three factors that can significantly impact a person's self-esteem, both positively and negatively.

  • Possible Answers (and brief explanations):
    1. Experiences: Successes can boost self-esteem, while failures or repeated setbacks can diminish it if not reframed as learning opportunities.
    2. Relationships: Supportive and affirming relationships can foster a strong sense of self-worth. Critical or unsupportive relationships can erode it.
    3. Social Media: Curated, often unrealistic portrayals of others' lives can lead to negative comparison and feelings of inadequacy (negative). Positive engagement and connection can be affirming (positive).
    4. Personal Beliefs/Self-Talk: A positive inner dialogue and belief in one's own capabilities enhance self-esteem. A strong inner critic or negative self-talk can severely damage it.
    5. Physical & Mental Health: Feeling physically well and having good mental health often correlates with higher self-esteem. Chronic illness or mental health struggles can challenge one's sense of self-worth.

3. Which of the following is NOT typically considered one of the 'pillars' of positive self-esteem?

  • Correct Answer: Self-Criticism
  • Explanation: The pillars of positive self-esteem, as discussed in the reading, include Self-Acceptance, Self-Awareness, Self-Responsibility, Self-Assertion, and Purpose. Self-criticism is generally a barrier to healthy self-esteem.

4. Explain what a 'positive affirmation' is and provide two examples of how someone could use them to improve their self-esteem.

  • Explanation of Affirmation: A positive affirmation is a short, constructive statement that is repeated regularly to challenge negative thoughts, reinforce positive beliefs about oneself, and reshape one's internal dialogue and self-perception.
  • Examples of Affirmations (any two similar to these):
    1. "I am capable and strong, and I trust my ability to handle challenges." (Used by repeating it before a difficult task or when feeling overwhelmed).
    2. "I am worthy of love and respect, just as I am." (Used by saying it daily in the mirror to counteract feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt).
    3. "My efforts are valuable, and I am always learning and growing." (Used after a setback to maintain motivation and self-compassion).

5. How much do you agree with the statement: 'Comparing my life to others on social media consistently boosts my self-esteem.'

  • Correct Answer: 1 - Strongly Disagree (or 2 - Disagree is also acceptable, depending on nuance, but the intent is to show negative impact).
  • Explanation: Extensive research and common experience suggest that comparing oneself to others, especially on social media where lives are often curated and idealized, frequently leads to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and lower self-esteem rather than boosting it.

6. Imagine a friend is struggling with low self-esteem after a significant personal setback. What are two specific, actionable pieces of advice you would give them, based on what we learned today?

  • Possible Advice (any two similar to these, with actionability):
    1. Practice self-compassion: Advise them to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer a good friend. This might involve acknowledging their pain without judgment and reminding themselves that setbacks are a part of life.
    2. Focus on their strengths and accomplishments: Encourage them to recall past successes or positive qualities. They could make a list of things they are good at or moments they felt proud to remember their inherent worth.
    3. Engage in positive self-talk/affirmations: Suggest creating and regularly repeating affirmations tailored to their situation (e.g., "I am resilient, and I can overcome this.") to challenge negative thoughts.
    4. Seek supportive relationships: Advise them to spend time with people who uplift and encourage them, and to open up to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor.
    5. Set small, achievable goals: Suggest breaking down larger goals into tiny, manageable steps. Achieving these small wins can gradually rebuild confidence and a sense of capability.
    6. Limit social media/negative influences: If social media is contributing to comparison, advise taking a break or being more mindful about who and what they follow.
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