SELF-ESTEEM

Purpose:

• To promote independent thinking in children with regard to how they spend their time.

Description:

During this talk we challenge children to think of something that makes them happy that has nothing to do with friends, family, money, TV or toys. By posing questions that stimulate thinking, we get children to focus on their natural talents and abilities. How good do you feel when you:

• Run really far?
• Help someone else?
• Finish your homework?
• Get a good grade on a test?
• Read a book?

We reinforce the concept by telling a personal story that illustrates how creativity can be a source of tremendous fun and satisfaction. Each child is asked to give an example of an independent activity they can experience in their daily lives. Students then illustrate this concept by drawing a picture of how this activity makes them feel good about themselves.

Outcomes:

• Children learn how to use their creativity to build their sense of self and their self-esteem.
• Children learn how to create a strong identity by accomplishing something that is challenging and fun.
• Children are motivated to spend part of their day cultivating their special talents.
• Children visualize experiences that make them feel good about themselves by drawing a picture that illustrates the concept.

SELF ES-TEEM – To have confidence; to respect yourself; to place a high value on yourself

"By cultivating independent thinking in children we can foster their creativity and build a sense of self-esteem."