Shine With Confidence Lesson Plan Shine With Confidence
Lesson Plan
A 30-minute lesson on self-esteem for 7th grade, inclusive of IDD learners.
Time
30 Minutes
Audience
7th Grade (including students with IDD)
Approach
Discussion, guided reflection, and creative making.
Teacher Prep
Review Visual Poster, Reflection Worksheet, and Affirmation Cards.
Print worksheets and templates for each student.
Gather markers, sticky notes, and stickers.
Prepare sentence starters on the board.
Why This Matters
Healthy self-esteem supports emotional resilience, social engagement, and academic success. Teaching practical strategies empowers all learners—including those with IDD—to recognize their worth and build confidence.
Learning Objective
Students will understand the concept of self-esteem and its importance, then practice nurturing positive self-beliefs through reflection and creating personal affirmation cards.
Instructional Flow
5 Min
Introduce Self-Esteem
Display the Self-Esteem Visual Poster .
Ask: “What does self-esteem mean?” Record responses on board.
Define as how we feel about ourselves and why it matters.
Provide real-life examples of positive self-esteem.
10 Min
Reflection Activity
Distribute the Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet .
Read each prompt aloud and model an example answer.
Offer sentence starters; allow students to write or draw.
Provide one-on-one support for students with IDD.
10 Min
Create Affirmation Cards
Explain positive affirmations: helpful thoughts we repeat.
Show the Positive Affirmation Cards Template .
Students write 3+ affirmations (e.g., “I am kind,” “I can learn”).
Decorate cards with markers and stickers.
5 Min
Share and Encourage
Volunteers share one affirmation: “I am proud because...”
Encourage positive peer feedback (e.g., “That’s great!”).
Reinforce daily use of affirmations for a confidence boost.
Shine With Confidence Slides Shine With
Confidence
Building Self-Esteem Together
What is self-esteem?
Why does it matter?
How can we nurture it?
TEACHER NOTE: Welcome everyone! Today we’ll explore self-esteem and learn how to build confidence.
What Is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is how much you value and respect yourself.
Feeling good about who you are
Knowing your strengths
Treating yourself kindly
Teacher Activity Ask students: “What do you think self-esteem means?” Record a few answers on the board.
Why Self-Esteem Matters
Helps you feel proud and confident
Gives you courage to try new things
Helps you bounce back from challenges
Improves friendships and teamwork
Teacher Talk Discuss emotional resilience and trying new things (e.g., trying a new sport).
Reflection Activity
Time to Think
On your worksheet:
Name two things you like about yourself.
Describe a moment you felt proud.
Draw or write one skill you’re good at.
Use: "I am proud of myself because..."
Teacher Note Hand out Reflection Worksheet. Model how to answer each prompt for the class.
Create Affirmation Cards
Step 1: Write
I am ___________.
I can ___________.
I am proud because ___________.
Step 2: Decorate
Use colors, stickers, and drawings to make them yours!
Teacher Note Explain that affirmations are positive statements we repeat to boost self-esteem.
Share & Encourage
The Speaker
Volunteer to share!
"I am proud because..."
The Listeners
Give positive feedback!
"That's awesome!"
Teacher Activity Invite volunteers to share. Encourage classmates to cheer or give a thumbs-up.
Keep Shining!
Read your affirmations every day.
Celebrate small successes.
Be kind to yourself.
You have what it takes to shine!
Wrap up by reinforcing that reading these cards daily helps build strength and confidence.
Self Esteem Visual Poster Self-Esteem
You are important and you matter!
What Is It?
Self-esteem is how much you value and respect yourself. It's about how you feel on the inside.
😊
Feeling Proud
Recognizing when you do something well and celebrating it!
💪
Your Strengths
Knowing your talents and the things that make you special.
❤️
Self-Kindness
Using gentle words and thoughts when you think about yourself.
Why Self-Esteem Matters
Helps you try new things without being too afraid.
Gives you courage when things get difficult.
Builds stronger friendships and teamwork.
You have what it takes to shine!
Self Esteem Reflection Worksheet Shining Reflection
Name:
Date:
Take your time to think and respond. You can write or draw your answers below each question.
1
List two things you like about yourself:
2
Describe a time you felt proud of yourself.
Start your answer with: "I am proud of myself because..."
3
Draw or write about one skill you're good at.
Show yourself doing this skill or tell why you're proud of it!
Draw or write in this space
Remember: There are no wrong answers! This is all about what makes you special.
Positive Affirmation Cards Template Positive Affirmation Cards
Cut along the dotted lines to create your cards. Write a positive statement on each one and decorate it to make it shine!
Cut Here
Card 1
I am
Draw a small picture here!
Cut Here
Card 2
I can
Draw a small picture here!
Cut Here
Card 3
I am proud because
Draw a small picture here!
Tips for Decorating:
Use bright colors!
Add shapes or stickers
Keep them where you see them
Confidence Cool Down Exit Ticket Confidence Cool Down
Name:
Date:
Take a moment to reflect on today’s lesson and celebrate your strengths!
Write one of your affirmations here:
"_____________________________________________________________________"
Why is this affirmation important to you?
How will you use your affirmation tomorrow?
Example: "I will say it in the mirror before school."
Draw or write one thing you like about yourself right now:
Your space to shine
Great work today!
Keep this sheet somewhere you can see it. Remember to say your affirmation each morning to shine with confidence.
