English

Oral Language 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.3

Writing 3.10, 4.7, 5.8

History/Social Science

Civics 3.10, 3.12

ES.1: Self-image

ES.2: Group interaction

ES.3: Needs and concerns of others

Taking a Good Look at Me and You

Students use creative activities to increase awareness of their self-image as individuals and group members and of others as friends and teammates.

Suggestions/Ideas

Wanted Poster

This activity helps students become aware of the characteristics that make each person unique. Have each student attach a personal picture to a 12- x 18-inch piece of construction paper. The student adds his or her name, physical description, and characteristics such as interests, talents, strengths and weaknesses, and opinions. Post around the room.

Role Play: Feelings and Choices

This activity helps students recognize how feelings affect their choices and actions. Prepare index cards describing positive and negative situations. (Examples: Your best friend broke her arm. The teacher asks you to talk in class. Someone called you a bad name.) Have pairs of students pick a card and role play their response.

Pictures of Differences and Similarities

This activity helps students realize that while each person is unique, people have similarities as well. Pairs of students think of eight ways they are alike and different. They draw or attach a photograph of each partner and write descriptive statements highlighting differences and similarities between the two.

Friend Commercial

This activity allows students to reinforce others’ positive feelings about themselves and help meet the needs of fellow students for friendship, approval, and acceptance. After discussing some familiar commercials, divide the class into pairs. Ask each partner to compose a commercial about the other, telling what characteristics the person has that would make him or her, for example, a caring friend, an effective leader, a good citizen, or a contributing team member.