Activity 2.2.8 Why I Deserve an “A”

Purpose

To build confidence and promote self-esteem

Materials

Workbook/journal

Time

30 mins

Method

According to Ben Zander, conductor for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and professor at the New England Conservatory of Music, giving people the highest value eases tensions and promotes self-esteem. The philosophy is based on the fact that participants are already deserving of the highest grade.

1. Facilitators tell participants that they have received an “A” grade for this assignment or term.
2. Instruct participants to write in the past tense about why they think they deserved an “A”. Allow approximately 15–20 minutes for writing time. Note: as an alternative, you can have participants write in the future tense about what they could do to receive an “A” grade.
3. Participants will have to write all the good things about themselves (in the past tense) that is deserving of their “A” grade. As they recall traits and characteristics about themselves in their writing, this will encourage the building of confidence and self-esteem.
4. Participants will begin to realize and understand that they already possess good qualities. Even when they have days when they seem to have made some mistakes, they still possess these qualities and therefore are still grade “A” people.
5. Ask for volunteers to read their list and/or guide a discussion on why they believe everyone deserves an “A”.