Schools have an opportunity to enhance children's social and emotional growth as well as their academic knowledge. The following activities are provided to foster self-understanding, positive peer interaction, initiative, and learning.
A "Me Collage
Have the children list on paper their age, height, color of hair and eyes, and any other description you would like them to include, but not their name. Then have them make either a "Me" or "Things I Like" collage using magazine pictures and/or a variety of art materials. Have them staple their list to the corner. Read the description as you hold up each one, and have the children guess the creator's name. Then offer the child an opportunity to discuss his or her picture. To further a sense of belonging and to stimulate dialogue, display the works of art in an "Exhibit Hall." [content block]
"All About Me" Story
Ask the children what they would like to know about themselves when they were younger. List the questions on the board. Some examples:
Family traditions and keepsakes. Have the students think about a family tradition and/or family object they would like to learn more about. Ask them to inquire about the history of a tradition or special object. For example:
Identifying Students' Strengths
Ask the children what they do well. Students might say identify strengths such as their ability to run, read, help others, cook, babysit, play ball, draw, spell, do math, skate, sing, tutor others, fix things, do puzzles, swim, dance, act in plays Because children who have goals are more likely to be self-motivated, have each child explore future occupations with their own strengths in mind. Ask them to identify what they want to be or do when they grow up. Clearly, it is not important that the child ever fulfills his or her specific career goal; instead, this activity helps the child to visualize him or herself as successful. Have the students draw self-portraits that depict themselves in future roles. For example:
Article by Leah Davies, M.Ed.
Reprinted with permission from the
Kelly Bear Web site, www.kellybear.com
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