Academy Curricular Exchange
Columbia Education Center
Miscellaneous

TITLE:  "What Is Self-Esteem"

AUTHOR:  Nykki L. Holton, CO. Bastian High School,
         Caliente, NV.

GRADE LEVEL:  4-12
     Critical Thinking Level:    Enabling Skills
     Skill:   Compare/Contrast, Predicting
     Prerequisite Skills:   Observing, Compare/Contrast
     Taxonomy Levels:   Comprehension/Analysis

MATERIALS:
     - Puppets
     - Venn Diagram Handout
     - Continuum
     - Pencils
     - Chalkboard or Overhead

OBJECTIVE(s):
1.   Students will use a Venn Diagram to differentiate
     between the traits in low self-esteem and high self-
     esteem during the class period.
2.   Students will use a continuum to decide where their
     self-esteem is today, where it is most of the time, and
     whether or not it always stays the same.

OVERVIEW:
Introduction:  I have invited two visitors to class today.
Meet Lilly Low and Humphrey High.  Lilly has super low self-
esteem, Humphrey's is high.  Look closely at each of them.
How would you expect them to act?  What would you see them
doing?  They would like your help in finding out what their
differences are and how they are alike.  I need you to work
with me and your Venn Diagram to see what we can find out!

Teaching Strategy:
A.   - Model Venn Diagram on the chalkboard/overhead.
       (as review)
     - Lead Group to provide headings for circles.
     - Obtain 2-3 samples of possible answers.
B.   Divide into pairs to fill in personal diagrams.
     (10 min.)
C.   Share conclusions.   (chalkboard/overhead)
D.   Challenge answers...
     - Probe
     - Ask for justification
E.   Introduce and explain the continuum.
     - Decide where you are today.  Why?
     -  Where are you most of the time?
     -  Are you always in the same place?

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
Conclusions/Applications:
     What is Self-Esteem?
     What did we do to find the differences?
     similarities?
     What can we learn from Lilly and Humphrey?
     How will this information help you?
     What can we learn about each other?

Variations:
     - Students could role play their idea of Lilly Low
       and Humphrey High.
     - Students might brainstorm ways Lilly could work to
       improve her self-esteem.
     - Students could role play Humphrey helping Lilly to
       learn self-esteem strategies.

Sample Continuum:  (I draw silly pictures of the
characters!)

LILLY LOW                                  HUMPHREY HIGH
 !-------------------------!------------------------!
 -5   -4   -3   -2   -1    0    1    2    3    4    5

*Remember that no one is ever exactly even at 0!!!

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