self esteem presentation for middle school students

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Social Skills Subject for Middle School - 6th Grade: Improving Self-Esteem

Social skills subject for middle school - 6th grade: improving self-esteem presentation, free google slides theme and powerpoint template.

It is important to work on achieving a good self-esteem, although we know perfectly well that it is not easy. Insecurities in any area of our lives are always very present in everything we do, but it is these insecurities that prevent us from achieving what we set out to do, because we are capable! You can further develop these ideas with this modern template and talk about how to improve self-esteem in a 6th grade class. We have included practical exercises that will make your students think, but more importantly, give them keys to continue working on self-esteem.

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• About Self Esteem
• Rate Your Self Esteem
• Lessons & Activities

Self Esteem Lesson Plan

Improving self esteem.

This Self Esteem Lesson Plan offers a step by step approach to boost low self esteem. Building Self Esteem is an inside job. Simply put, self esteem is a reflection of what you think and how you feel about yourself. It is not based on your grades in school, the degrees you have earned, your relationships, your bank balance, the car you drive or your job title.

Positive self esteem is:

Meeting life’s challenges and not feeling victimized.

• Taking responsibility for your thoughts, words and actions.
• Making conscious choices to support and care for yourself!

Complete the lessons at your own pace. Allow yourself time to absorb the information. It is necessary to complete the exercises to gain the full benefit of the Lesson Plan. NOTE: The links in the lesson plan will open a new window in your browser which will take you to our partner site – Self-Esteem-Experts.com

Lesson 1 – Read about how the brain works . This lesson is foundation for understanding how to change your thoughts. Most importantly, it will help you recognize that by practicing new thoughts and behaviors – old patterns and habits are changed with consistent, regular practice.

Lesson 2 – Discover what you believe about yourself and decide which belief support healthy self esteem and which beliefs you want to change. Read How Elephants Are Trained and notice if you can identify similarities in your life, then complete the What I Believe Worksheet .

Then take a look at this inspiring video. No matter what others think. It is what you think of yourself that produces results!

Lesson 3 – Learn meditation and relaxation techniques allowing you to experience your calm, peaceful, confident and loving self. When you make this connection, you are guaranteed to feel better about yourself. Developing a meditation practice is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve your self esteem. This section explains why it is important and provides some practice techniques to get you started on your meditation practice.

Lesson 4 – In this lesson you learn how to respect, care for and love yourself . You cannot have healthy self esteem without respect and valuing yourself. Taking action to respect yourself leads to happiness and self confidence. Follow the suggested activities in this section, then use them to master your feelings and thoughts. Part of respecting yourself is nourishing your body with food that makes you feel good. Learn how food affects your mood . Also watch this funny video on the on self image .

Lesson 5 – This lesson focuses on choice. When you have low self esteem you often feel as if you have no choice. Learn how to be the dominant creative force in your life instead of just reacting to circumstances.

Lesson 6 – In this lesson you learn the importance of setting the course and direction for your best life. Your life is up to you. Learn about goals and dreams and use the tools, techniques and information to develop a vision and a plan for your future. Take responsibility for your life!

Lesson 7 – This lesson is about visualization . Tapping the full resources of your imagination is a potent tool for changing behavior. Read about about why visualization improves performance and then use the activities and worksheets on this site to re-program your mind with images and feelings of success. This section lists all the activities on the site and describes how to change behavior with consistent regular practice of the Awareness-Choice-Change Model described in this section.

Lesson 8 – In this lesson you will learn to request and tap into the strength of an invisible energy force . There are many name for this force, including Higher Power , Spirit , God , Universal Love , Superconscious and Intuitive or Higher Self . This lesson is about connecting and co-creating with this power and learning to trust its’ guidance.

Lesson 9 – In this lesson we summarize the important components for taking responsibility for overcoming Low Self Esteem. The Principles of Behavior Change are summarized in this report. Great for easy reference.

Lesson 10 – In this lesson Joan Breiner and Susyn Reeve, (board members of the National Association for Self Esteem and Authors of The Mind Manual System) expand on the information in this lesson plan. They offer 21 additional lessons to support your empowerment and self esteem. The Mind Manual System teaches you how to use the inherent power of your mind to shift your thinking to open new possibilities for unprecedented confidence, personal empowerment and happiness in your life. Watch the video to learn more .(Clicking on the link will open a new window.)

Empowering Middle Schoolers: A School Counselor's Guide To Self-Esteem Building Activities

Middle school can be a challenging time for students. With the stress of academic demands, peer pressure, and social media, it's no surprise that many students struggle with their self-esteem during these years. School counsellors, must understand the impact that low self-esteem can have on a student's overall well-being.

As we all know building self-esteem is an ongoing process, but with the right tools and resources, the School counsellor can help students feel confident and capable as they navigate the ups and downs of middle school.

We have compiled the ultimate list of self-esteem-building activities for middle schoolers. These activities are designed to boost confidence, promote positive self-talk, and encourage healthy relationships.

In addition, you can become a more effective counsellor in your school by learning every effective counselling skill with our recommended Counselling Courses for Teachers  course as well.

Understanding Self-Esteem in Middle Schoolers

Self-esteem is the way we perceive ourselves. It's our belief in our abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. For middle schoolers, self-esteem can be influenced by many factors, including academic performance, social interactions, and physical appearance. Middle school is a time of self-discovery, and students are constantly comparing themselves to their peers. It's important to understand that self-esteem is not fixed; it can be improved through intentional efforts.

Importance of Building Self-Esteem in Middle Schoolers

Building self-esteem is crucial for middle schoolers. When students have a positive self-image, they are more likely to take risks, pursue their interests, and develop healthy relationships. Students with high self-esteem are also more resilient when faced with challenges and setbacks. Building self-esteem in middle school sets the foundation for a confident and successful future.

Self-Esteem Building Activities in the Classroom

There are many ways to incorporate self-esteem-building activities in the classroom. These activities can be done individually or in groups and can be adapted for any subject or grade level. Here are some examples:

Individual Self-Esteem Building Activities

Journaling prompts: Encourage students to reflect on their strengths, accomplishments, and things they're grateful for. This helps them focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

Personal affirmations: Have students create a list of positive affirmations to repeat to themselves daily. For example, "I am capable," "I am worthy," and "I am enough."

Self-reflection worksheets: Provide worksheets that guide students through self-reflection activities. These can include questions about their goals, interests, and values.

Group Self-Esteem Building Activities

Compliment circles: In a small group, have students take turns giving compliments to each other. This promotes positive social interactions and helps students feel appreciated.

Group projects: Assign group projects that require collaboration and communication. This helps students develop teamwork skills and feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete the project.

Role-playing exercises: Have students act out scenarios that require problem-solving and decision-making. This helps them build confidence in their ability to handle challenging situations.

Physical Activities to Boost Self-Esteem

Physical activity is a great way to boost self-esteem. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Here are some physical activities that can help improve self-esteem:

Yoga: Yoga promotes mindfulness and self-awareness. It also helps students develop a sense of physical and mental strength.

Team sports: Team sports promote teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. They also provide opportunities for students to celebrate each other's accomplishments.

Dance: Dancing is a fun way to improve coordination and self-expression. It also helps students feel comfortable in their bodies.

Creative Activities for Building Self-Esteem

Creative activities are a great way to help students express themselves and build confidence. Here are some examples:

Art projects: Provide art supplies and encourage students to create art that reflects their emotions and interests.

Creative writing: Have students write stories, poetry, or personal essays. This helps them develop their writing skills and express themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

Music: Music is a powerful tool for self-expression. Encourage students to listen to music that inspires them or learn to play an instrument.

Role-Playing Activities for Building Self-Esteem

Role-playing activities are a great way to help students build confidence in their ability to handle challenging situations. Here are some examples:

Conflict resolution: Have students act out scenarios where they need to resolve a conflict with a peer or teacher. This helps them develop problem-solving skills and learn effective communication strategies.

Public speaking: Have students give speeches or presentations in front of the class. This helps them develop their public speaking skills and feel more comfortable speaking in front of others.

Job interviews: Have students practice job interviews. This helps them develop interview skills and feel more confident in their ability to present themselves professionally.

Technology-Based Activities for Building Self-Esteem

Technology can be used to help students build self-esteem in fun and engaging ways. Here are some examples:

Self-esteem apps: There are many apps available that provide daily affirmations and self-reflection prompts.

Social media challenges: Create challenges that encourage students to post positive messages or photos on social media. This promotes positive self-talk and social support.

Digital portfolios: Have students create digital portfolios that showcase their accomplishments and progress. This helps them develop digital literacy skills and feel proud of their achievements.

Tips for Implementing Self-Esteem-Building Activities in Middle School

Implementing self-esteem-building activities in middle school requires intentional effort and planning. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start small: Introduce one activity at a time and build from there.
• Be consistent: Incorporate self-esteem-building activities into your curriculum on a regular basis.
• Be inclusive: Make sure all students feel included and valued in the activities you choose.
• Provide support: Be available to offer guidance and support as students navigate the activities.
• Celebrate successes: Recognize and celebrate students' accomplishments and progress.

Help in building Self-esteem in teenagers:

Building self-esteem in middle school is an important part of helping students develop into confident and capable individuals. By incorporating self-esteem-building activities into the classroom, we can help students feel supported and valued as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Remember, building self-esteem is an ongoing process, and it takes time and effort. But with the right tools and resources, we can help our students feel confident and capable as they prepare for the future.

In case, if you’re an aspiring or experienced counsellor, who wants to help students in more effective ways then we do recommend you to go through our Counselling Courses for Teachers course, which is filled with modern and effective counselling techniques which will surely help you.

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How to Build Self-Esteem in Middle School Students

• March 17, 2021

How we view ourselves is the launching point from where we think about how to react or respond when faced with a crisis, a problem, or setback. The foundation of how we view ourselves is built upon the self-esteem that we begin to develop in early adolescence.

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem can be most simply defined as a person’s sense of self-worth. It is a personality trait that is considered by most to be stable and enduring. It is the basis of a person’s identity formation. How well you like yourself determines the types of social and emotional developmental outcomes for a person. If a person does not develop an adequate amount of self-esteem, the development of his or her identity could be stunted; whereas, one who has developed an adequate amount of self-esteem has established a firm and positive starting point from which all thoughts, behaviors, and feelings will flow.

Early Adolescence

Early adolescence is a time of tremendous growth for youth ages 10-14. Youth undergo a significant growth period where changes happen very rapidly. One minute he or she is a child, then almost overnight transforms into a young man or woman. Voices are cracking and realization occurs that wearing deodorant every day is not an optional hygienic maneuver.

These youth are experiencing the beginning of puberty and are adjusting to changes that are occurring both physically and emotionally. They are figuring out how to navigate social relationships within friend groups. They are also becoming curious about romantic relationships and their sexual orientations. Their psychological development is progressing but they are still limited in their capacity to employ abstract thinking.

Early adolescents are interested in only the here and now ( concrete thinking mode ) but are beginning to view themselves as separate beings from their family units. They are self-centered and tend to view situations in very black and white parameters. These youth are also overly dramatic (you may have found that they are very fond of making statements using absolutes to further emphasize their points).

How Does Self Esteem Impact Students?

So how does the trait, self-esteem, impact middle school students? It actually has an enormous influence over how this pre-teen/teenager will develop into an adult. Just ask someone about their middle school experiences. It is not uncommon that an adult can vividly recall an event from their middle school years that had a significant impact on their development.

The level of self-esteem will affect their social and emotional growth. It is because self-esteem influences a person’s decision-making and outlook on self and others. A person who possesses a fair amount of self-esteem will be able to make friends and overcome problems by building up resiliency. A person who lacks self-esteem does not like him or herself, and this may spell trouble when attempting to make friends and have relationships with others.

Middle school students desire positive connections with their peers . They want to be liked and accepted. If rejection occurs by a peer or peers, it is literally the end of the world to the adolescent. So if he/she experiences problems in this area, he or she will have self-doubt, perhaps hatred towards self and others, and may even begin to act out in negative ways such as in bullying others or have displays of extreme anger and frustration or even physical aggression. He or she may also become withdrawn and act in a reclusive manner which can further damage their ability to make friends and grow relationships.

It is all because of the amount of self esteem he or she possesses. Self esteem helps the youth navigate their adolescent world by leading their confidence and mindset. If the self-esteem tank is empty, the adolescent’s confidence and outlook will be negative or self-defeating. Their identity is determined by what they think and feel about themselves and feel valued by the approval and acceptance of others. Bottom line, when it comes to middle school students, self-esteem is truly a big deal.

Most of all, an adolescent who possesses an adequate amount of self-esteem will be able to develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset drives motivation which can thereby drive academic achievement. A person possesses a growth mindset when he or she holds the belief that he or she will overcome an obstacle and bounce back.

How to Help Middle School Students Develop Self-Esteem

Middle school students are extremely impressionable. They are still walking works in progress so what you say and do can have a heavy influence on this age group. As a teacher, you are a role model for all of the students you encounter. Here are some pointers to help promote self-esteem in your students:

• Encourage students to surround themselves with people who are encouraging and supportive.
• When there is misbehavior or insubordination , don’t embarrass students or call them out in front of their peers.
• Encourage individuality and the uniqueness of each person rather than following the crowd.
• Make sure to include everyone when playing games or forming teams/group projects. Make sure that you employ tactics so that a student is not the last person chosen. In general, middle school students are very emotional about setbacks. They feel instant dejection or embarrassment when they do not feel they are being seen and/or heard.
• Help students who are not very outspoken or tend to be shy to participate or join in a conversation. These students need the most support and encouragement. But be careful not to embarrass!
• Help to inspire students to want to display positive behavior. Especially promote and acknowledge students who are showing encouragement and support to peers.

In addition to remembering what it was like to be an adolescent during the middle school years, your careful observations of students’ behavior can be extremely important. You can help thwart a negative outcome by intervening in pro-social and encouraging ways.

• #HowToBuildSelfEsteem , #MiddleSchoolStudents

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6 Self-Esteem Building Activities for Middle School Students

June 29, 2018 

No one finds it surprising to know that middle school is the period in which preteens and teens experience their most formative years. What they learn, how they behave, and how they interact with others during middle school can carry on into adulthood—whether positive or negative. Teachers have the opportunity to  facilitate positive thinking  and actions in their students, even when it comes to building self-esteem in teens. Self-esteem is an incredible component of successful performance in life, so teachers should be concerned about preparing them in this respect as well as academically.

What is Self-Esteem?

This is a question which can be posited to a class at the beginning of a year. Most students know what the term means and can define it, but if asked to describe their own levels some might have more difficulty. Before performing activities directed toward building esteem, it might be a good idea to collect worksheets for students to describe themselves to their teacher. This gives teachers a foundational analysis of each student to assess and compare throughout the year.

For all intents and purposes, self-esteem is both a recognition of self-worth and a healthy love of the self. It is the ability to know the self and to take actions which preserve, improve, and foster the self and one’s relationships with others.

Now, let’s look at some things that teachers can do in the classroom to help your  students feel more comfortable about who they are.  These self-esteem activities are suitable for middle school students, but they could also work with students at any grade.

1. “I Am”

One of the most popular classroom activities to build self-esteem to facilitate at all grade levels is the “I Am” activity. It utilizes the effective and positive affirmation technique. Students are encouraged to think positively and with energy about what makes them who they are. The idea is that by writing down such positive thoughts, they are reinforced in the students’ minds, and by thinking about themselves and their attributes positively, their self-esteem is heightened.

To do the “I Am” activity, students will each need:

A sheet of paper

A pen or pencil

Some magazines or stencils

Scissors and glue

On the paper, students create a list of “I am”s. Some examples include: “I am a hard worker.” and “I am good at basketball.” Each sentence must begin with “I am…” The student writes down as many positive attributes and qualities about him or herself as he or she can think.

Then the students may decorate their list by adding magazine cut outs of things they like or by drawing, etc. The idea is that students will either keep these throughout the year, or they will be hung up in the classroom so they and their classmates remember to be positive throughout the year.

2. “We Are

To counteract peer pressure, this is one of the many self-esteem building activities for teenagers that could be used. A variation of the above activity, “We Are…”, is completed as a group. Students find common ground amongst themselves and complete a list which demonstrates what makes them alike.

For example, a common answer will be “We are humans,” but deeper probing might result in interesting things like “We are fans of [TV show].” or “We are each the middle child of our families.”, etc. Finding commonalities may result in friendship, and like-minded people tend to raise each other raise rather than putting one another down, which also results in a boost of self-esteem.

3. Listing Traits

Another activity is “Listing Traits” It’s fairly straightforward: students simply make a list of their positive character traits that make them a good friend, or good sister/brother to their siblings. Ask them to describe in detailed scenarios to why they fit those positive traits/titles, also ask students to explain how these traits are important to them and to people around them.

These can be added to some kind of journal, or on a piece of paper. A teacher should assure students that no one will see what they have written, so the students can be honest about writing something down.

The idea is that by writing down and/or sharing something that they have done for others, students feel more positively about themselves and their behaviours. They might discover something inside of them that they have never thought of. This is also a helpful way for students to start thinking about what kind of person they want to be.

The classroom activity is called “Flip”. Students are to make a list of their mistakes, failures, and obstacles in life, but after having done so, they must “flip” them so that they are positive. The idea is to allow students the opportunity to self-evaluate, problem solve, and improve themselves.

For example, a student might list “I failed a math quiz.” A means of flipping this could be: “I will study harder to pass the next quiz” or “I will ask the teacher for help understanding the material on the last quiz.”

A variation on this activity would be to have each student make a list of their mistakes, failures, and obstacles in life, but then place them in groups. Each group will brainstorm ideas to help individuals flip their listed items.

5. The Interview

“The Interview” is an activity which pairs up students, who interview each other. They are to ask questions with the intention of getting to know the other person, such as “What is your favourite colour?” or “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?”, etc.

At the end of the sessions, students “present” their partners to the class. Some teachers might hand out a list of diverse questions for students to use during the interviews. The idea behind this activity is to form bonds with one or more classmates from the start of the year.

6. A Letter to Yourself

An underrated (or, perhaps, outdated) activity is writing letters to the self. That is, students each write a letter to his or her future self, detailing whatever they wish, whether it details their life at the moment, a poem, or their future goals, etc. When the students receive the letter back again, they will be able to compare and contrast themselves after a year’s worth of change.

Teachers may ask students to handwrite them and seal them in envelopes, which will be handed back at the end of the year. Or they may utilise an online service like FutureMe.org, which allows users to delay the electronic letter for one, three, or five years, or to choose a specific date of delivery.

Final Thoughts

Promoting self-esteem in the classroom can be beneficial for all students. Certain activities can help to form lasting connections among students, improve team performance, and  heighten students’ empathy levels for others as well as serve as a means to decrease stranger anxiety through “exposure”. Other activities which focus on the individual’s self-perceptions may foster the skill of self-reflection, which enables them to evaluate their own actions and pinpoint the attributes or habits which need improvement.

Gigi Wara is an inspired writer who loves writing about language and acquisition, career building and education-related stories in general. Her post comes courtesy of  Kids Helpline , an Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people.

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Self-Esteem Activities For Middle School: DIYs, Challenges, Games, Worksheets, And More

March 22, 2024 //  by  Vanessa Sweeney

The middle school years can be difficult for most students.  Self-confidence is often related to one’s desire to “fit in” and belong.  Middle schoolers want to be accepted by their peers.  They want to be part of a crowd, group, or clique.  Popularity may be important to some students, but others simply desire friendship.

Students deal with many changes during their middle school years, most notably puberty.  These changes can affect their self-worth and love of one’s self.

Social media can have positive and negative effects on the self-esteem of a middle schooler.  The number of followers, likes, or content shares can affect a student’s self-esteem and their relationship with themselves and others.

There are ways to help students feel more comfortable with who they are and who they are becoming.  Here are 20 activities for middle school students to build self-esteem.

1. Mirror Affirmations

Middle school students love taking selfies and sharing them on social media.  A mirror surrounded with positive affirmations encourages students to view themselves positively.  The mirror helps promote positive self-talk for middle school students struggling with positivity.

Learn More: Coffee Stained Lessons

2. Thumbprint Self-Portrait

Thumbprint self-portraits allow students to share their personalities.  Middle school students can share what they like and dislike.  They can share their interests and hobbies creating positive experiences. This activity reminds middle schoolers how unique and important they are.

Learn More: Teach Kids Art

3. 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge

Students can be intentional about completing a positive activity each day.  This middle school gratitude activity allows students a chance to reflect on the great things in their lives and help others.  By focusing on something positive each day, middle school students create a positive outlook.  In the classroom, this could be used as a daily discussion topic or journal.

Learn More: Experiments in Wellness

4. Good Deeds Scavenger Hunt

You can create a scavenger hunt of good deeds.  Students can improve their social skills while helping others through good deeds.  Positive actions can lead to positive thoughts.  Positive thoughts can lead to improved self-image.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

5. Vision Board

Vision boards are a great way for students to set future goals and visualize reaching them.  Students can keep their vision board in a visible location to remind them of what they are working toward.  Goals promote self-confidence as milestones are met.

Learn More: Big Life Journey

6. Brain Breaks

Middle school brain breaks help support students and relieve stress.  Stress can have negative effects on a student’s self-esteem.  These breaks can lead to improved focus and behavior.  Self-care is an important aspect of improving self-esteem, and these short breaks allow students a chance to recharge after studying hard in the classroom.

Learn More: Meraki Lane

7. List of Strengths

To help boost self-esteem, students can create a list of their strengths.  Students who are struggling with self-confidence may focus on their weaknesses more than their strengths.  This activity will help them become more self-aware and will help remind them of what they are capable of accomplishing.

Learn More: He’s Extraordinary

8. I-Statement Communication

Positive communication can help middle schoolers discuss their struggles.  I-Statements help avoid negative emotions such as judgment, guilt, and blame.  I-messages are more likely to result in a positive response and can help students explain their feelings about a situation.

Learn More: Very Special Tales

9. Self-Esteem Bingo

Self-esteem bingo can be a fun way to discuss self-esteem with a pre-teen.  You can create your own cards and can help them to acknowledge strengths, understand the benefits of healthy self-esteem, and much more.

Learn More: My Free Bingo Cards

10. The You Game

This game can help students better understand how they feel about themselves.  As they play with others and answer basic questions, they get to see their best attributes.

Learn More: Love to Know

11. Positive Thought Playlist

Negative thoughts can lead to low self-esteem.  This activity encourages students to make a playlist of positive thoughts to use instead of negative self-talk.

Learn More: Kiddie Matters

12. Compliment Jar

Students can write affirmations and compliments for their classmates and place them in the jar.  The compliments can be shared daily, weekly, or whenever needed to boost self-confidence in the classroom.

Learn More: Brave Guide

13. Student Shout Outs

Much like the compliment jar, students and teachers can share positive affirmations by submitting a student shout-out.  These positive affirmations are a fantastic way to inspire positive self-talk.

Learn More: Third Grade Galore

14. Kindness Board

Friendships and relationships are central to self-esteem and self-worth.  Students want to fit in and a positive classroom culture can help.  This board encourages students to recognize others for their kindness.  It serves as a visual reminder for students about the effect they have on each other and for those who are “caught being kind,” it is a confidence booster.

Learn More: All About 3rd Grade

15. Bucket-Filler Friday

A student will choose a classmate and write them a kind sincere letter. This letter can help improve the self-esteem of a classmate and create a positive classroom environment.

Learn More: 28 of the Best Bucket Filler Activities

16. Mental Health Check-In

Middle school students may be reluctant to share how they are feeling, but a simple daily check-in could help monitor how they are feeling.  You can create a space in your classroom or an electronic form to be filled out.  The check-in can help teachers and students encourage others when they are struggling or feeling down.

Learn More: Chaylor and Mads

17. Trash Your Troubles

Students may feel more comfortable sharing their struggles by writing them down and “trashing” them.  Middle schoolers may not want to directly talk about a problem, but they can write their name on the crumpled paper if they do.  A teacher or counselor can then follow up with the student.

Learn More: 15 Awesome 6th Grade Classroom Management Tips and Ideas

18. Glitter Bottle

Middle school students will enjoy creating and using a glitter bottle that affirms positive thinking.  The pom-poms or items in the glitter bottle can represent one positive thing for the student.  If a student is feeling down, the glitter bottle can be used as a fun and positive reminder.

Learn More: Art of Social Work

Yoga can help reduce anxiety and stress.  Both can lead to low self-esteem for middle school kids.  Mental and physical health are important to the overall well-being of students.  Daily yoga practice can help boost self-esteem, confidence, memory, and behavior.

Learn More: New School Yoga

20. Classroom Playlist – Mood Music

Music can affect a student’s mood in negative and positive ways.  If you can determine songs that boost self-confidence, a classroom playlist created by the students would be a great way to build a positive environment.

Learn More: Myle Marks

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12 Engaging Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities For Middle School

Categories Education/School

Teaching your middle school students about self-awareness, social awareness, and self-regulation is a crucial part of their education that will set them up for better decision-making and improved mental well-being down the line.

In a world where social interaction and overstimulation are more prevalent than ever, social-emotional learning shouldn’t be neglected.

Middle school students from grades 6 to 8 will benefit from SEL activities that engage their cognitive ability to read their emotions as well as the emotions of others, supporting them to build better and more positive relationships throughout life.

While emotional intelligence (EQ) tends to increase with age, it can still be taught and nurtured with social-emotional learning activities that are just as fun and engaging as they are educational!

Below, find 12 engaging social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for middle school students if you’re looking for the best ways to engage your class.

Summed up, these SEL activities are interactive, creative, and heaps of fun!

1) Circle Of Control

This “circle of control” SEL activity is a great one to start with, which will teach your middle school students about the difference between things that are in their control and things that are out of their control.

Since it’s often unproductive to worry about things that are out of our control, this SEL exercise offers a valuable lesson that will teach your students how to manage their emotional reactions to unfavorable situations and negative thoughts.

2) Active Listening

There’s a big difference between active listening and passive listening. This SEL activity won’t just benefit your students’ social skills but encourage their capacity to focus and concentrate in class.

This active listening skills sheet teaches the difference between hearing and listening, complete with a self-assessment that will get the students to think about how well they actively listen and behave in various social situations.

3) Time Management

Time management doesn’t just benefit productivity; it also helps our ability to manage stress and anxiety. With this time management SEL exercise, you can teach your middle students about the importance of prioritization to avoid getting overwhelmed.

This simple worksheet provides three text boxes for your students to fill in with everyday things that are “Urgent!”, “Important!”, and “It Can Wait!”. This will stimulate their imagination and memory as they organize things such as playing games and doing homework.

4) I Think, I Say, I Do

Negative emotions and thoughts can feed each other and then lead to negative actions as a direct result. Learning to process thoughts and emotions is key to better decision-making and behavior, which makes this “I Think, I Say, I Do” SEL activity one worth doing.

The worksheet is titled “When I Feel Anxious”, followed by fillable text boxes for “I think…”, “I say…”, and “I do…”, which will help your students think about and evaluate how they process anxiety. If desired, you can also modify the exercise for different emotions.

5) “What Will They Say”

Encouraging your middle school students to assess the behavior of others is another great way to develop their social awareness and decision-making skills, which they can apply to their own everyday actions.

These “What Will They Say” cards present different problematic scenarios and situations along with speech bubbles for what the person is thinking and what the person should say. This will engage their ability to assess both the behavior of others and themselves.

6) Character Role Playing

SEL role-playing is effective since it will help your students to put themselves in the shoes of others, encouraging compassion and empathy. What’s great about this SEL activity is that it provides role-playing cards that will help them to better understand their classmates.

The role-playing cards include various classmate profiles and everyday interactions that can happen at school. These scenarios will get the children to think about how they might react and behave, which you can also organize as a group activity.

7) “I Am”

Helping your students build confidence and self-esteem is important for their ability to interact with others, actively participate in class, and approach projects and exams with confidence.

This simple “I Am” SEL activity will get the students to find something about themselves that they’re proud of. It involves arts and crafts, too, making the exercise both creative and interactive.

8) Sticks And Stones

“Sticks and Stones” offers a message that’s worth reinforcing through SEL. It can teach your middle school students that words are only harmful if they choose to accept them as true, which will help them to better deal with criticism and negative remarks.

This SEL activity is quick and simple, with an emphasis on anti-bullying. It encourages the students to write down something someone said that hurt their feelings as well as think about something they said that might have hurt someone else’s feelings.

9) My Bubble

Another valuable lesson in social-emotional learning is teaching your students about boundaries and personal space. This will encourage them to think about the personal space of themselves and others, with a focus on respect and understanding.

This “My Bubble” SEL worksheet is a writing exercise with various prompts that will get the students to write down what they like about their personal space and how they respect the personal space of others.

10) Anger Dice Game

Anger is a strong emotion that can be effectively addressed through SEL. It’s important for middle school students to manage anger and their responses to the anger of others, which will help them to improve their mental health and social skills in general.

This Anger Dice SEL game, which involves rolling the dice and answering a question that corresponds with the number they roll, is a fun and interactive way to get your students to think about how they should behave when they feel angry. It also teaches the importance of managing their anger and other strong emotions.

11) Giving Compliments

The ability to speak and express thoughts confidently is a valuable skill that will help your students long after their time in school. And one great way you can encourage self-expression is by teaching them to give compliments to each other.

This SEL activity benefits in two ways by encouraging confident self-expression and boosting self-esteem as the students take turns to give compliments. Before the exercise, provide them with some examples to help encourage them.

12) Daily Emotions Check-In

One of the best ways you can help your middle school students recognize and process their emotions is through “emotion check-ins”. This SEL activity involves jotting down their feelings with notes on why they feel that way and what might help them to feel better.

What’s great about this worksheet is that it uses emojis to help students identify how they’re feeling. This exercise can be daily, weekly, or even encouraged as something for them to do in their own time as homework.

You may also like these STEM activities for middle schoolers .

Social-emotional learning doesn’t have to be awkward or daunting when you present the subject in an interactive and engaging way.

To help your students develop their self-awareness, social skills, and decision-making abilities, the above 12 engaging social-emotional learning activities for middle school students are just a few great ideas for how you can make SEL productive and fun!

You may also like these additional activities for middle school students .

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Building Self Esteem in Elementary, Middle, and High School Students

If students are suffering from low self-esteem, it can impact everything in their lives from socializing with others to dealing with academic challenges. It can decrease their desire to learn in the short term as well as throughout their entire lives. However, positive self-esteem can have the opposite effect. This is why as an educator, it is important to know how to help a student with low self-esteem develop into a more confident individual.

Importance of self-esteem in students

Because self-esteem and student achievement are directly related, educators would be remiss to underestimate the importance of self-esteem in students. Research has shown there is an appreciable positive relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement . Findings showed positive self-esteem is a factor in determining academic achievement in all students, regardless of gender. Students with high self-esteem generally scored higher in school.

If a caregiver or educator is unsure of how to increase self-esteem in struggling students, activities are a great way to start. Building self-esteem in students may not be something all teachers are familiar with, but an effective method is to use activities that are easy to follow.

Low self-esteem can present itself in a variety of ways, including a noticeable social withdrawal from others, self-criticism, signs of regression, or quitting easily. Exhibiting one or two signs of low self-esteem doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem is present, however. The behavior may be attributed to mental illness or a negative outlook rather than a positive one.

Self-esteem issues in elementary and middle school students

It helps to know what to look for when trying to determine if students are experiencing low self-esteem.

Signs of low self-esteem issues in elementary and middle school students

There are numerous signs that may present themselves in students who may be experiencing low self-esteem, including:

• Fear of failing or hesitance in situations that may end in embarrassment
• Lack of interest or motivation, even in things that used to get them excited
• Avoiding new situations or having a fear of trying new things
• Trouble making friends
• Quickly frustrated when things become difficult

Causes of low self-esteem issues in elementary and middle school students

Low self-esteem can arise in students early through everyday situations or troubling experiences. Causes of low self-esteem include:

• Lack of consistent caregiver support
• Feeling like no one is there to help them academically
• Bullying by classmates or older students
• A traumatic experience happened to them at some point
• Not feeling like their skills can match up with other students

How low self-esteem issues can affect elementary and middle school students

Years of low self-esteem can affect the developmental growth in young kids and attribute to struggles later on in life. Here are some ways low self-esteem could show up in a young person’s life:

• More likely to turn to drugs and alcohol
• Lack of motivation throughout life
• Trouble establishing and maintaining relationships
• Anxiety and depression may follow them through the years
• Failure to pursue goals and settling for less than the best

Self-esteem issues in high school students

With teenage years in full force and the oncoming phase of adulthood, it’s understandable why high school students may experience low self-esteem.

Signs of low self-esteem issues in high school students

High school leads directly into college and/or the workforce, so if self-esteem is low during these four years, it could greatly affect a student’s future. Here are a few main signs of low self-esteem to be aware of that could be present in high school students:

• Constantly pointing the finger at others for mistakes
• Lack of interest at both home and school
• Continuous negativity
• Feeling like nobody cares
• Persistently feeling anxious or sad

What causes low self-esteem issues in high school students

There can be several reasons why a high school student is struggling with low self-esteem. It can often seem to go hand in hand with being a teenager.

• Unfortunately, bullying is quite common in high school and can greatly affect the student for years to come
• Abuse at home can bring on a lifetime of low self-esteem
• Changing schools during high school years can be a traumatic event resulting in problems with confidence
• Mood disorders with unpredictable hormones
• An unsupportive family can bring on a feeling of worthlessness

How low self-esteem issues can affect high school students

The effect of low self-esteem can inhibit a student’s teenage years significantly. It may bring on:

• An early use of alcohol and problems with drugs
• No interest in pursuing their education
• Poor self-image problems
• Trouble sustaining relationships

Activities that boost self-esteem

Self-esteem activities can bolster a student’s confidence over time. It takes more than just saying encouraging words to a student about how they should feel better about themselves. Through activities, the mind is rewired one exercise at a time and the student builds self-esteem, much like they would a muscle. As an educator, you have an opportunity to help students improve their self-esteem by leading them through these activities.

Self-esteem activities for elementary students

Listed below are six activities to use for elementary students to increase self-esteem. Whether led by a school counselor or another qualified professional, these self-esteem activities for elementary students can help improve their mental health.

1. “I am” activity

Have the student paste a little picture of themselves on a piece of paper. Around the picture, they are to write words positive words that describe them. Then ask them to write down positive words other people say about them. Afterward, the student can discuss how each one relates to them.

2. Their “wins so far in life” activity

The child is to list on a piece of paper everything they have succeeded at in life that they take great pride in. This will draw their attention to all of their existing achievements. To continue this activity, they can write down everything they would like to succeed at in life later on.

3. “I’m afraid to…” activity

Children are to write down things they are currently afraid to do. This might be trying out for a sports team, sleeping in the dark, or even taking their shirt off at the pool. Then review what would happen if they actually did these things. It can be helpful to bring a “so what” attitude to it. If they went out for the soccer team, what’s the big deal if they are not the best on the team?

4. Trust activity

It is a big deal to a child’s self-esteem when they realize someone trusts them enough to ask them to do something. Give the student a chore to accomplish every day. It may be as little as organizing the classroom library or as involved as tutoring another child in a subject.

5. “Positive rephrasing” activity

In this activity, the child rephrases his or her challenge statement into a positive statement. This may be something like changing “I have difficulty making friends” to “I am a great friend to those people I care about.” Another example would be changing “I am bad at basketball” to “I try my hardest at all sports, and some I am better at than others.”

6. Self-esteem games

Adults can raise a child’s self-esteem by making it into a game. For instance, with just a pair of dice, a student can roll a number five and then have to say five good things about themselves. Another self-esteem game is having kids throw a ball to one another and asking them to say something positive about the person who catches it.

Self-esteem building activities for middle school students

Middle school is often the time when kids start separating into social groups. For some students, it's a great time. For others, not so much. Here are six self-esteem building activities for middle school students that facilitate confidence in kids.

1. “What are good traits to have?” activity

This activity involves asking middle school students to write down positive traits of students. After creating the list, the teacher and student discuss and analyze which ones they already possess and how they can add the other ones they don’t.

2. “Good comes with the bad” activity

There is something to be said about finding the silver lining in the negatives in life. This activity helps students realize a negative can be turned into a positive. For instance, a student may have earned all Cs on their report card. The positive is they will study harder to achieve better grades this time around.

3. “Conducting interviews in the classroom” activity

Students with low self-esteem seem to think other kids don’t have the same issues they are dealing with. This interview activity will allow them to see the uniqueness in all of us. Pair up students and have them interview one another about their lives. They should ask students about likes, dislikes, family issues, and happiest and saddest moments. At the very least, they will be able to communicate and socialize with others they may not have interacted with in any other situation.

4. “Write a letter to yourself in the past” activity

This activity will enable students to reflect on what they would change about the past in an effort to make the future better. As an example, a student may write she wishes she would have been nicer to her brother. The adult running this activity can point out it's not too late and she can change her ways.

5. “Things I would like to change in the future” activity

This activity is somewhat similar to the previous one, but focuses more on how to change the future in a positive manner. For instance, one thing a student may want to change is to try harder to befriend others. When a student realizes they are making needed changes, their self-esteem will rise. Note: It’s important for the adult not to offer these changes. The student should come up with his/her own in this process.

6. The “write out the end goal” activity

This self-esteem activity is created to remind students it’s not always about how they started out, but how they can improve things and work toward a goal. If they can create and work toward educational and social goals, they will start to feel better about themselves instead of constantly thinking of the negative.

Self-esteem activities for high school students

Is there a more difficult time for students than in their high school years? With hormonal changes and the pressure mounting up to achieve good grades and fit in socially, no wonder teenagers are battling low self-esteem. Rather than let them fall prey to shrinking confidence, here are six activities for increasing self-esteem in high school students.

1. “The things I like about me” activity

The teacher gives students an index card and has them list all of the things they like about themselves currently. This will show them maybe things are not all doom and gloom at the moment.

2. “How will I improve myself from here on out?” activity

On the back of the same index card, the student should list things they would like to improve about themselves. One side of the card is about their positives right now, and on the other side are things they want to improve. They should keep this card with them to remind them about who they are and who they want to be.

3. Class activity of “three things others like about you”

Each student in class is to anonymously write down three things they like about another student on an index card. At the end of the activity, each student will have 20 or more index cards with positivity on each one of them. This will shed light on the positive things others see in them, some of which they hadn’t realized before!

4. “What’s the worst and best that could happen?” activity

This activity takes place on an index card. Students with low self-esteem tend to not take chances in life. They may not ask out the person they have a crush on. They may not try out for the school play because it might be embarrassing. In this activity, the student writes out the worst thing that could happen if they do take that chance. On the other side of the index card, the students write down the best-case scenario for each opportunity. For instance, the person may agree to go out on a date with them, and this could start a real relationship. Or perhaps they will realize they love the theater and want to pursue it further. This activity will show them the risk is worth the reward.

5. “Daily goal setting for the week” activity

At the beginning of the week, have the students write down one thing they would like to accomplish each day. There is something magical that happens when goals are written down on paper for the world to see. The student’s self-esteem will continue to rise as each goal is accepted and completed. Remind the students the goal should be measurable and attainable.

How GoGuardian can help you identify and assist students with low self-esteem

Sometimes low self-esteem can bring on thoughts of self-harm in a student. GoGuardian has created Beacon, a suicide prevention tool that can assist schools in determining which students may be at high risk. Created with assistance from mental health professionals, Beacon can alert school professionals when a student’s online activity could raise concern about their mental health.

This blog was originally posted December 16, 2019 and updated February 6, 2024.

GoGuardian Team

The many members of GoGuardian's team strive to bring interesting and useful articles to our readership. Check back weekly, or subscribe to the blog to get notified when new content is published!

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Home » Blog » General » Encouraging Positive Self-Talk: A Guide for Middle School Educators

Encouraging Positive Self-Talk: A Guide for Middle School Educators

Introduction

Positive self-talk is a powerful tool that can help students build confidence, improve self-esteem, and overcome challenges. As educators, we can teach our middle school students how to engage in positive self-talk to navigate through difficult situations and foster a healthy mindset. This blog post will provide an overview of positive self-talk, suggest a no-prep activity for educators, offer discussion questions, and highlight related skills for students.

No-Prep Activity: Positive Self-Talk Journaling

One simple and effective activity to encourage positive self-talk in middle school students is journaling. This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Instruct your students to take a few minutes each day to write down their thoughts and feelings, focusing on positive self-talk. They can use I-statements such as “I can do this” or “I will get it next time.” Encourage them to reflect on their day and identify moments where they could have used positive self-talk to improve their mindset.

Journaling not only promotes positive self-talk but also helps students develop self-awareness and self-reflection skills. It provides them with a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings, making it an excellent tool for social-emotional learning.

Discussion Questions

• How can positive self-talk help you overcome challenges in school or personal life?
• What are some examples of negative self-talk, and how can you reframe them into positive statements?
• How does practicing positive self-talk impact your self-confidence and self-esteem?
• Can you think of a time when positive self-talk helped you or someone you know? Share your experience.
• What are some strategies you can use to remind yourself to engage in positive self-talk throughout the day?

Related Skills

Positive self-talk is just one aspect of a broader set of social-emotional learning skills. Other relevant skills for middle school students include:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding one’s emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions and behaviors in different situations.
• Growth mindset: Believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from challenges and setbacks.

Now that you’re familiar with the concept of positive self-talk and its benefits for middle school students, it’s time to take action. Encourage your students to practice positive self-talk by implementing the journaling activity in your classroom. To explore more social-emotional learning resources and activities, sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech. These resources will help you create a supportive and nurturing learning environment for your students, empowering them to reach their full potential.

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6 Activities to Boost Self-Esteem in Middle School Students

Boosting self-esteem in middle school students.

Boosting self-esteem in middle school students is crucial for their personal development and academic success. Here are six activities designed to enhance self-esteem among middle schoolers:

• Personal Achievement Projects: Encourage students to undertake a project in an area they are passionate about or want to learn more about. This could be anything from a science project, an art piece, a coding project, or a community service project. The goal is to set achievable milestones and celebrate each achievement, helping students see their growth and capability.
• Positive Affirmation Journals: Introduce the concept of positive affirmations and have students keep a journal where they write things they like about themselves. Accomplishments they are proud of, and positive affirmations. Encourage them to refer to this journal whenever they feel down or need a confidence boost.
• Peer Appreciation Activities: Create activities that allow students to express appreciation and positive feedback to each other. This could be through anonymous notes of kindness, peer recognition awards. Or a classroom “shout-out” board where students can post positive notes about each other. This fosters a supportive classroom environment and helps students feel valued by their peers.
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Offer opportunities for students to develop and showcase their public speaking skills. This could be through classroom presentations, participation in school-wide events, or a public speaking club. The key is to provide a supportive and constructive feedback environment that encourages improvement and builds confidence.

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• Goal Setting and Reflection Sessions: Teach students how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and encourage them to reflect on their progress regularly. This can be done through individual counseling sessions, classroom activities, or group discussions. Reflecting on their journey and seeing how far they’ve come can significantly boost their self-esteem.
• Talent Shows and Creative Outlets: Organize talent shows, art exhibitions, or creative writing contests to give students a platform to express themselves and showcase their talents. Participation in these activities can be empowering and help students build confidence in their abilities.

Final Words

Implementing these activities requires sensitivity to the individual needs of students and a supportive environment that encourages positive growth. Teachers and school counselors should work together to identify. Which activities would be most beneficial for their students and adapt them as necessary to fit their specific context and resources.

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