How Share Ideas With Family Can Improve One's Self-Concept

As children grow up, they need to develop a healthy sense of self-worth, which is crucial to their social and emotional well-being. In this context, sharing their thoughts and feelings with family members can play a vital role in building their confidence and self-concept.

Encouraging children to express themselves and communicate positively with their loved ones can help them develop strong relationships and feel valued. To promote this essential skill, teachers can use a simple but effective SEL activity that involves young learners and their families.

The activity begins with the teacher distributing an activity sheet that contains three pictures, each showing a child and an adult representing a family member. Grade 1 students get to choose who their family members are, and then they have them fill in the words they say to the little ones to make them feel good. This exercise can be a fun and engaging way for students to learn about the power of positive words and actions.

In addition to the pre-filled bubbles, there is an empty square on the activity sheet that students can fill with a portrait of themselves telling their family members how important they are to them. The teacher can help students by giving examples of positive words that they can use, such as "Thank you for all the nice things you do for me" or "You're fun to be around." These simple phrases can go a long way in making someone feel good about themselves.

The teacher reminds the students that it is essential to show appreciation for family members and do positive actions that make them feel valued. These actions can be as simple as giving a compliment or lending a helping hand. Students learn that making others feel good about themselves is an essential aspect of healthy relationships and can enhance their self-concept.

After completing the activity sheet, the students take it home and share it with their families. They can have siblings, parents, grandparents, or other family members fill in the speakers' bubbles. The teacher suggests they tape the sheets somewhere in their home where their families can see them. This way, the students can be reminded of the positive words and actions that their family members value and appreciate.

By engaging in this lesson, first graders gain an understanding of the importance of having a positive relationship with their families. They become aware that expressing appreciation and kindness to their loved ones is essential for developing a positive self-concept.