Stonecutter Story What was the stone cutter looking for? Why did his image of the “perfect lifestyle” keep changing? What lessons should he have learned by this experience? Why do people frequently want to be something or someone else? Why do we often perceive others’ situations to be easier or better than our own?

Teenagers, like play dough, come in different colors, shapes, sizes, and wardrobes AND IT IS OK!!!!

EACH PLAY DOUGH CREATION WAS DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE JUST LIKE PEOPLE

Play Dough Creations WHY DO WE OFTEN THINK SOMEONE ELSE’S CREATION IS BETTER THAN OURS? WAS IT A CHALLENGE FOR YOU TO DESIGN AND SHARE WITH OTHER CLASS MEMBERS?

Self Concept Skills that lead to an understanding of self. Differentiating between self concept and self esteem. Identifying ways of building self concept and a high level of self esteem.

How strong is my self concept? It is important that you answer each question truthfully. No one will see your results. On the back of the paper: Write a brief evaluation of your personal self concept based upon the results. Write a personal plan for improving your self esteem.

SELF CONCEPT The way you perceive yourself; the whole picture; changes slowly

Good Self Image Feeling positively about yourself; your actions and your future

Low Self Image Feeling negatively about yourself, your actions and your future.

SELF ESTEEM The way you think or feel about yourself; fluctuates from moment to moment

HIGH SELF ESTEEM CHARACTERISTICS SMILES A LOT TRIES NEW THINGS MOSTLY LIVES WITHIN HIS/HER VALUE SYSTEM FRIENDLY TRUSTING EXHIBITS A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE OPEN AND COMMUNICATIVE

LOW SELF ESTEEM CHARACTERISTICS RARELY SMILES MAY BE SHY AND QUIET IN CLASS OR MAY BE LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS HAS FEW FRIENDS KEEPS HEAD DOWN HAS A SAD EXPRESSION ASHAMED OF ACTIONS MAY HAVE GUILT OR INFERIOR FEELINGS MAY BE DIFFICULT TO COMMUNITCATE WITH

SELF ESTEEM FLUCTUATES ON A DAILY BASIS. THIS FLUCTIATION IS NORMAL, ESPECIALLY DURING THE TEEN YEARS. A PERSON’S SELF ESTEEM AFFECTS HIS/HER SELF CONCEPT

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Peer Relationships that can move you up: –Gaining new friends –Receiving complements –Being accepted –Enjoying time together –Understanding your feelings –Helping maintain your values

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Peer relationships that can move you down: –Fighting with friends –Feeling betrayed by friends –Hearing rude comments –Being left out –Negative peer pressure –Losing a friend

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Family Situations that can cause or add to self esteem : –Praise for work done –Positive communication –Trusting actions –Receiving/giving help with problems –Promotions with added responsibilities –Support when needed –Encouragement –Listening

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Family situations that can cause or detract from self esteem: –High level of fighting or arguing at home –Separation, talk of divorce –Divorce of parent –Change in parents’ occupation, layoffs –Parent(s) have negative experience at work –Moving to a new location –Adding a family member

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Personal accomplishments that can add to self esteem: –Achieving goals –Raising grades –Doing your best on projects –Learning new skills

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Personal accomplishments that can detract from self esteem: –Procrastinating –Failing grades –Giving minimum effort on projects –Watching TV all the time and being bored

Self Esteem Rollercoaster When stay within your personal value system you will raise your self esteem. Actions that foster self esteem: –Making up with friends after a fight –Working hard for a good grade –Moving towards your value system –Setting and accomplishing goals (no matter how small) –Caring about other people –Giving yourself credit for your positive qualities

Self Esteem Rollercoaster When you act against your values, you naturally have feelings of guilt and your self esteem drops. Some actions that lower your self esteem: –Lying to a friend or parent –Giving in to peer pressure –Cheating –Stealing –Spreading rumors about a friend –Wasting time

Self Esteem Rollercoaster Use this information given in the lecture to complete the assignment found in your self concept packet.