Week 1 Understanding Self Esteem Lesson Plan Understanding Self-Esteem
Week 1 Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to define self-esteem and identify its importance in their daily lives through discussion and personal reflection.
WHY IT MATTERS
Understanding self-esteem is the first step towards building it. This lesson helps students recognize its impact on their feelings, thoughts, and actions.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Review the Week 1 Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
Print copies of the My Personal Strengths Worksheet for each student.
Setup time: ~10 minutes
INSTRUCTIONAL STEPS
5
Introduction to Self-Esteem
Begin with a warm greeting and introduce the topic of self-esteem using the Slide Deck. Ask students what they think self-esteem means, writing keywords on the board.
10
Defining Self-Esteem
Use the Slide Deck to present a clear definition of self-esteem. Facilitate a brief discussion about why having good self-esteem is important (e.g., trying new things, handling challenges, feeling happy).
10
Identifying Personal Strengths
Distribute the My Personal Strengths Worksheet . Instruct students to brainstorm and write down at least three personal strengths they possess. Encourage them to think about different areas: academic, creative, athletic, social, character traits, etc. Ask a few volunteers to share one strength with the class.
5
Wrap-up & Preview
Summarize the key takeaway: self-esteem is about how we value ourselves, and everyone has strengths. Hint at next week's topic: recognizing negative self-talk.
Week 1 Understanding Self Esteem Slide Deck Self-Esteem Builders
Today we start a journey to discover our inner awesomeness!
Week 1: Foundations
What is Self-Esteem?
🤔 "What does this word mean to you?"
Thoughts
Feelings
Actions
Self-Esteem is...
How you think and feel about yourself.
Your overall opinion of yourself.
How much you value and respect yourself.
Why Does It Matter?
Helps you try new things.
Makes you resilient when things get tough.
Boosts your confidence.
Leads to happier relationships.
Helps you believe in your abilities.
Your Strengths!
Everyone has unique talents and positive qualities.
Let's discover yours!
Share Your Shine!
🌟 "What is one strength you discovered about yourself?"
Next Steps...
TODAY
We learned what self-esteem is and recognized our personal strengths!
NEXT WEEK
Taming the Inner Critic: How our thoughts affect our self-esteem.
Week 1 My Personal Strengths Worksheet My Personal Strengths
Name
Date
Think about what makes you awesome! Everyone has strengths, even if they sometimes feel hidden. These can be things you are good at, positive qualities you have, or things you enjoy doing.
1
My Strength
Why this is a strength for me:
2
My Strength
Why this is a strength for me:
3
My Strength
Why this is a strength for me:
CHALLENGE QUESTION
How does recognizing your strengths make you feel?
Week 2 Taming the Inner Critic Lesson Plan Taming the Inner Critic
Week 2 Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn to identify negative self-talk and understand its impact on their self-esteem, learning practical ways to reframe these thoughts.
WHY IT MATTERS
Recognizing and challenging negative self-talk is crucial for developing a healthier self-image and improving overall self-worth.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Review the Week 2 Slide Deck .
Print copies of the Shush the Inner Critic Worksheet for each student.
Instructional Steps
5
Warm-up & Review
Ask students to recall what self-esteem is from last week. Introduce today's topic: the "inner critic" or negative self-talk using the Slide Deck.
10
Understanding Negative Self-Talk
Explain what negative self-talk is (thoughts like "I'm not good enough"). Discuss how these thoughts make us feel and affect our actions. Ask for anonymous examples.
10
Challenging the Critic
Explain that we can question if these thoughts are accurate. Distribute the Shush the Inner Critic Worksheet . Guide students through reframing a negative thought into a neutral/positive one.
5
Wrap-up & Affirmation
Ask students to share one positive thought they can use to challenge their critic. Preview next week's topic: celebrating unique qualities.
Week 2 Taming the Inner Critic Slide Deck Your Inner Voice
Today, we're going to talk about that voice inside our heads... especially the one that isn't always so kind. 🙉
Negative Self-Talk
It's those thoughts that tell us:
"I'm not smart enough."
"I'm going to mess this up."
"No one likes me."
"I'm bad at this."
It's like having a critic living in your head! 😖
How Does it Affect Us?
Make us feel sad, anxious, or angry.
Stop us from trying new things.
Lower our confidence.
Make us believe things that aren't true.
You're the Boss of Your Brain!
Just because your brain thinks something, doesn't mean it's true. 🤔
We can learn to reframe negative thoughts.
A Thought Makeover! ✨
Negative Thought
"I'm terrible at math."
The Reframe
"Math can be challenging for me, but I can improve if I practice and ask for help."
Your Turn!
Let's practice giving our negative thoughts a positive makeover.
Shush the Critic Worksheet
"Remember, everyone has an inner critic, but you can learn to talk back to it with kindness and truth."
Keep Shining! 🌟
Week 3 Preview: Celebrating Uniqueness
Week 2 Shush the Inner Critic Worksheet Shush the Inner Critic!
Champion Name
Date
Sometimes, a little voice inside our heads says not-so-nice things. That's your inner critic ! Use this page to talk back and show your brain who's boss.
1
My Inner Critic Says...
(A negative thought I sometimes have)
2
Is That Really True?
(Challenge the thought! What's the evidence?)
3
A Kinder, Stronger Thought...
(Reframe it into something supportive!)
Reflection
How does it feel to change a negative thought into a supportive one?
Week 3 Celebrating Uniqueness Lesson Plan Celebrating Uniqueness
Week 3 Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will recognize and appreciate their own unique qualities and the uniqueness of others, fostering a deep sense of self-acceptance and community.
WHY IT MATTERS
Embracing individuality helps students feel confident in who they are, reducing social pressures and promoting a positive, authentic self-image.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Review the Week 3 Slide Deck .
Print copies of the My Unique Spark Activity for each student.
Instructional Steps
5m
Warm-up & Review
Briefly recall how to challenge negative self-talk from last week. Introduce today's topic: celebrating what makes each person special.
10m
What Makes Us Unique?
Lead a discussion about individuality. Ask: "Why is it good that we are all different?" Emphasize that uniqueness includes appearance, talents, interests, personality, and experiences.
10m
My Unique Spark Activity
Distribute the My Unique Spark Activity . Instruct students to focus on their unique characteristics. Encourage them to think broadly. Invite volunteers to share one "spark" if comfortable.
5m
Wrap-up & Affirmation
Remind students that their uniqueness is a superpower. Preview next week's topic: setting goals and celebrating progress.
Week 3 Celebrating Uniqueness Slide Deck One-Of-A-Kind!
Last week, we learned how to be kinder to ourselves. Today, we're celebrating how truly unique and special each of you are! 🎉
What Makes You, YOU?
"Imagine a world where everyone looked, thought, and acted exactly the same. How boring would that be?! 😴"
Our differences make the world interesting and wonderful!
Your Unique Mix
Talents
Art, sports, helping others, solving problems, or making people laugh.
Interests
Reading, gaming, hiking, music, cooking, or coding.
Personality
How you interact with the world: kind, funny, curious, calm, or energetic.
Experiences
Everything you've been through that shaped who you are today!
Why is Uniqueness a Superpower?
Bring different ideas to the table.
Connect with different people.
Have something special to offer.
It makes you, authentically YOU!
Share Your Spark! ✨
"What is one unique quality or interest you have that makes you, well, you?"
Activity Time!
MY UNIQUE SPARK
It's time to shine a spotlight on your own unique qualities!
Celebrate YOU!
"You are amazing because of who you are, not despite it. Embrace your unique spark!"
Next Week: Goals & Growth Mindset
Week 3 My Unique Spark Activity My Unique Spark!
There is only ONE you in the entire world, and that's pretty incredible! Let's celebrate what makes your spark special.
Spark Name
Date
Think broadly and celebrate even the small things!
1
My Favorite Things (Interests & Hobbies)
What are some things you absolutely love to do?
2
My Awesome Abilities (Talents & Skills)
What are you good at? (e.g., listening, creativity, problem-solving, making people laugh)
3
My Super Strengths (Personality Traits)
What words describe your personality? (e.g., brave, kind, curious, determined)
4
How I Contribute
How do your unique qualities make a positive difference in the world?
Reflection Question
How does thinking about your unique spark make you feel about yourself?
Week 4 Goals & Growth Mindset Lesson Plan Goals & Growth Mindset
Week 4 Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn to set small, achievable goals and understand the concept of a growth mindset to boost self-esteem through effort and learning.
WHY IT MATTERS
Setting goals and adopting a growth mindset helps students develop resilience, perseverance, and a belief in their ability to improve.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Review the Week 4 Slide Deck .
Print copies of the My Growth Goal Worksheet for each student.
Instructional Steps
Start
Warm-up & Review (5 min)
Ask students to share something unique about themselves (from last week). Introduce how setting goals and having a "growth mindset" can help self-esteem.
Learn
Understanding Growth Mindset (10 min)
Explain the difference between a fixed and growth mindset using the slides. Focus on effort and learning over immediate results. Introduce the "Power of Yet."
Act
Setting My Growth Goal (10 min)
Distribute the My Growth Goal Worksheet . Guide students through setting a small goal (e.g., read 1 chapter, learn 3 words). Help them break it down into a first step.
Done
Wrap-up & Encourage (5 min)
Ask students to share their chosen goal or first step. Reinforce that effort contributes to self-esteem. Preview next week: Building Positive Relationships.
Week 4 Goals & Growth Mindset Slide Deck Growing Stronger! 🌱
Today, we'll talk about how setting goals and believing in our own growth can make our self-esteem even stronger.
Two Ways to Think
Fixed Mindset
"I'm either good at something or I'm not. My abilities are set in stone."
Growth Mindset
"I can get better at anything with effort and practice. My abilities can GROW!"
The Power of "Yet"
"I can't do this!"
"I can't do this YET!"
"I'm not good at math."
"I'm not good at math YET."
This simple word reminds us that learning is a journey, not a destination! ✨
Why Set Goals?
Goals give us something to work towards and help us feel proud when we achieve them.
They prove to ourselves that we are capable of learning and overcoming challenges.
Your Goal: Keep it Small!
Think about something small you'd like to improve or learn this week.
Read 1 chapter of a book.
Learn 3 new words.
Help a friend with homework.
Growth Time!
Let's use our My Growth Goal Worksheet to plan our first step.
You Are Capable!
"Every step you take, every effort you make, helps you grow and build your self-esteem."
Next Week: Positive Relationships
Week 4 My Growth Goal Worksheet My Growth Goal
Week 4: Mindset Matters
Student Name
Goal Date
Having a growth mindset means believing that your abilities can grow with effort. Setting small goals is a great way to put your mindset into action and build your self-esteem!
1
My Growth Goal
(What do you want to achieve or improve this week?)
2
Why is this important?
(How will working on this make you feel about yourself?)
3
My First Step
(One small, concrete action you can take soon!)
4
Mindset Check
(What challenges might you face? How can you learn from them?)
Reflection Question
How does focusing on growth and effort change how you feel about challenges?
Week 5 Building Positive Relationships Lesson Plan Positive Relationships
Week 5 Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will understand the importance of positive relationships for self-esteem and identify the characteristics of healthy, supportive friendships.
WHY IT MATTERS
Positive relationships provide support, validation, and a sense of belonging, all of which are vital for maintaining healthy self-esteem.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Review the Week 5 Slide Deck .
Print copies of the My Friendship Map Activity for each student.
Instructional Steps
5m
Warm-up & Review
Briefly share goal progress from last week. Introduce how relationships impact self-esteem using the slides.
10m
What Makes a Relationship Positive?
Discuss characteristics: respect, trust, kindness, good communication, feeling safe. Ask: "How do good friends make you feel about yourself?"
10m
My Friendship Map Activity
Distribute the activity sheet. Students think about qualities they look for and what they bring to a friendship. Encourage them to see themselves as supportive friends.
5m
Wrap-up & Looking Ahead
Remind students they deserve supportive relationships. Preview final week: Celebration and Self-Care.
Week 5 Building Positive Relationships Slide Deck Friends & Feelings
Today, let's explore how the people around us can help our self-esteem shine! ✨
Positive Relationships are Built on...
Respect
Treating each other with kindness.
Trust
Knowing you can count on each other.
Support
Being there in good & tough times.
Communication
Talking and listening openly.
Why It Matters for Self-Esteem
You feel understood and accepted for who you are.
You have people to celebrate your successes with.
You have a support system when things get difficult.
They help you see your own good qualities!
It's a Two-Way Street! ↔️
Be a Good Friend
Show kindness, listen carefully, and be trustworthy.
Choose Good Friends
Look for people who uplift you and respect your boundaries.
Share Your Insights!
"What is one quality you value most in a friend, or one quality you try to bring to your friendships?"
Activity Time!
My Friendship Map
Let's map out what makes a great friend and how we can be one too!
Keep Connecting!
"Surrounding yourself with positive people helps your self-esteem flourish. You deserve supportive friendships!"
Week 6: Celebration & Self-Care
Week 5 My Friendship Map Activity My Friendship Map
Student Name
Date
Our friendships can have a big impact on how we feel about ourselves. Use this map to think about the positive qualities you look for and the strengths you bring to others.
Qualities I Look For
(What makes a good friend?)
Qualities I Bring
(How are YOU a good friend?)
A Supportive Moment
Describe a time when a friend made you feel really good about yourself, or when you helped a friend feel awesome.
Reflection
How do positive friendships help you feel more confident and happy?
Week 6 Self Care & Celebration Lesson Plan Self-Care & Celebration
Week 6 Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will review key self-esteem concepts, understand the importance of self-care, and celebrate their personal growth throughout the program.
WHY IT MATTERS
The final lesson consolidates learning and provides actionable self-care strategies, empowering students to continue their self-esteem journey independently.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Review the Week 6 Slide Deck .
Print copies of the My Self-Esteem Toolkit Activity .
Optional: Gather art supplies (markers, colored pencils) for personalization.
Instructional Steps
5m
Warm-up & Program Review
Briefly review the journey: Understanding Self-Esteem, Inner Critic, Uniqueness, Growth Mindset, and Relationships. Ask: "What was one big idea that stuck with you?"
10m
Introducing Self-Care
Explain self-care as taking intentional actions to protect physical, mental, and emotional health. Discuss realistic examples for 7th graders (sleep, hobbies, talking to adults).
10m
My Self-Esteem Toolkit Activity
Distribute the toolkit activity. Students synthesize their learning into a personal collection of strategies, affirmations, and self-care ideas.
5m
Celebration & Farewell
Summarize the importance of continuous practice. Offer words of encouragement and celebrate their growth. Allow students to keep their toolkits.
Week 6 Self Care & Celebration Slide Deck You Are Amazing!
It's our last session of Self-Esteem Builders, and it's time to celebrate YOU! 🎉
Our Journey Together
Understanding Self-Esteem
Taming the Inner Critic
Celebrating Uniqueness
Goals & Mindset
Positive Relationships
"Which topic resonated most with you?"
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is any intentional action you take to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
It's about recharging your batteries! 🔋
Self-Care Ideas
Your Toolkit! 🧰
Today, you'll create a personal toolkit with all the strategies and positive thoughts you've learned.
My Self-Esteem Toolkit
Keep Shining Bright! 🌟
"You are capable, unique, and worthy of all good things! Keep practicing, keep growing, and keep being your awesome self!"
Week 6 My Self-Esteem Toolkit Activity My Self-Esteem Toolkit
A collection of strategies and positive thoughts to help you shine, every single day.
Champion Name
Date
My Go-To Strengths
•
•
•
Inner Critic Re-framers
•
•
Mindset Reminder
Relationship Check
Favorite Self-Care Strategies
•
•
•
My Personal Mantra
A powerful sentence you can say to yourself to feel confident:
"I am..."
