5th Grade Lesson - Self-Concept

Self-concept is our mental image of ourselves. In order to be a mentally healthy individual, we must have a healthy self-concept. Often people associate self-concept with girls, but it is just as important for boys to have positive thoughts and feelings about themselves.  This lesson focuses on examining our own self-concept and learning ways we can improve our self-esteem.

During this lesson, students used a Likert scale to anonymously respond to statements regarding self-concept using the app Socrative on the iPad.  For each statement below, students were asked to rank their feelings about the question as (A) agree (B) kind of agree (C) kind of disagree (D) disagree.

• If someone doesn’t agree with you, that means he or she doesn’t like you.
• If you don’t do something well, there is not point in doing it at all.
• To be happy, my friends must be happy with me.
• Without friends, I am nobody.
• Being liked is more important than being respected.
• If I get a failing grade, that means I’m a failure.
• If someone gets a better grade than I do, that means he or she is a better person.
• If my friends want me to do something then I should do it if I want them to be my friends.
• People who are good looking are happier than people who aren’t.
• If someone I care about is angry with me, it destroys my day.
• If I do something nice for someone, they will do something nice for me.
• The more popular someone is, the happier he or she is.

After all students in the class responded, we examined the overall responses and students were able to share their viewpoints on each statement. We discussed things we can control versus things we cannot control and how focusing on things we cannot control can damage our self-concept.  We also examined how the media affects the way we feel about ourselves.  We watched a video clip entitled "Dove Evolution" so students could see how Photoshop makes an ordinary person look extraordinary. We discussed the dangers of comparing ourselves to famous singers, actors, actresses, and athletes, because the images we often see of these people are not reality. We ended the lesson by sharing tips for improving self-esteem and having each student write down three things they like about themselves. By focusing on the positives about ourselves and on the things we can control in life, we can have a more positive self-concept and, in turn, achieve greater happiness.

To find our more about developing your child's self-esteem, visit KidsHealth.org.

4th Grade Bullying Unit, Lesson 3

During the month of January, 4th grade classes participated in the final lesson in our bullying unit called "Don't Stand By, Stand Up to a Bully!" This lesson focuses on what to do if you see bullying taking place.  The objectives for this lesson are as follows:

• Review what makes a bully a bully.
• Identify ways you can help stand up to a bully.
• Complete a pretest/posttest on standing up to a bully
• Watch “Don’t Stand By: Stand Up to a Bully” video and discuss
• Complete handout:  “Choose Your Words”  and “Being a Pal”
• Recognize times when friends may be bullies.
• Identify strategies for making new friends.

Through this lesson, students are encouraged not to stand by when another student is being mistreated. They are encouraged to stand up together and "fight back" with appropriate, research-proven strategies that are assertive but not aggressive. In addition, students have a chance to examine their friends in order to determine if they have a friendship that should be discontinued.

When students stand up together and do the right thing, even when no one is looking, they are leaders and can make a difference in the school community.