Objective(s) & Context
Identify positive and healthy feelings about the physical body to build self-esteem.
Examine what factors support a positive self-esteem and a healthy body image.
Duration
20–45 minutes
Depends on group size
Group Size
5–30
Age Group
13 +
Skills
Communication and analytical skills
Format(s) & Technique(s)
Reflection, small group, large group
Materials
Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Sheet
Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Materials
Facilitation Tips
With younger groups, you can try to transform the Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Sheet into a more colourful poster that participants can create and take home. If you do this, be sure to provide all the necessary art supplies (see the activity on pillow-making in this section).
Leading the Activity: Steps to Take
Workshop:
Part 1
Divide participants into small groups of 3–5 people.
Ask each group to discuss: What is self-esteem? (This should be approximately 10–15 minutes).
Tell them to write down their group’s definition on a piece of flip chart paper.
When they have completed the task, ask them to post their definitions on the wall.
Review the definitions of each small group.
Part 2
Hand out the Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Materials if you are leading an older group. With younger groups, create notes on a flip chart using the information from the Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Materials to assist the process.
Discuss the information in the Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Materials with the large group.
Lead a discussion about how you can support yourself and others with a positive self-esteem. Use some of the suggested questions below.
Ask the participants to think about each question and to write their answers in the space provided on the Self-Esteem Supports: Reference Sheet. Give them a few minutes to complete each question.
Success Indicators
Participants are:
Better able to understand their feelings about themselves
Able to identify and discuss what factors support a positive self-esteem and a healthy body image