A. Introductory Activities

1. Warm-up

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A round is a good way to start any session. It validates feelings and lets everyone get a sense of what's happening with the other people in the group.

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Our self-esteem is good when we feel validated, when our opinions count, and when we have a voice. Self-esteem is a result of positive messages, successes, and a belief that we count. It can be raised with the proper tools.


* Ask each participant how they feel by going around the room. This can be done in a number of ways: If you were an animal right now, what animal would you be? If you were a season, what season? A colour, what colour? You can also simply ask them to give an adjective describing how they feel. Be sure to affirm responses and reassure the learners that there are no "wrong" answers.

2. Brainstorm

* Introduce the topic of self-esteem, how we feel about ourselves. Have students brainstorm around the words "self-esteem" and "self-confidence." Allow free-flowing thoughts to come forward and record the answers. Some questions to consider:

  • How do you think self-esteem is formed? Self-confidence?
  • What factors affect them? What makes them go up or down?

* Allow as much discussion as needed, depending on the answers that come out of the brainstorming.

* Briefly summarize what was said.

B. The Tool Kit

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A graphic containing these can be used, but concrete samples bring the concept alive.

For each participant you will need a cloth bag, or kit-box, binder, or container large enough to hold the following items: an address book, a lined notebook, a journal book, a small binder with dividers, pen, a photograph, a mirror and a small jar.

You will also need a photo of each student for the concluding activities (H-1). You might take them at intervals throughout the class, or arrange a couple of photo sessions.

The instructor will need the following items as symbols when discussing the kit:

  • hammer
  • scissors
  • stop-watch
  • measuring tape or ruler
  • mirror
  • ribbon
  • pillow
  • mailbag
  • goal jar
  • doll
  • clown
  • dictionary
  • resource digest
  • medal or certificate
  • post-it pad
  • a rock

1. Introduction

* You might say something like, "You are invited to build a tool kit for yourself over the next few weeks. You, more than anyone else, know the things that have worked for you in the past and that will work for you in the future. You are invited to gather together a list of techniques, readings, exercises, musical selections and resources which will enhance your quality of life and your effectiveness. These tools will help you replace old, unwanted patterns and behavior with new ones."

2. Explain the symbols

* This can be done in a brainstorming activity where you ask students, "When we are trying to build self-esteem, what do you think each of these symbols represent?" Expand on each, and give answers as necessary.

  • The hammer is used to build self-esteem or to smash away negative thoughts.
  • The scissors are used to cut away obstacles and barriers.
  • The measuring tape helps measure goals you set for yourself.
  • The watch is used to set time limits and to prevent procrastination.
  • The mirror is used to practise looking at yourself and being proud of the reflection looking back; also vital for answering the question "Who is important or special?"
  • The pillow represents comfort, all you do to alleviate stress, pain, hurt or rejection, such as listening to meditation tapes or music, going for a walk or reading.
  • The post-it pad is used to post messages, quotes that give you life, build you up and give you strength.
  • The mailbag consists of positive comments and affirmation's which are to be taken out and read whenever you are feeling low. These can also be posted! Inspirational or thought-provoking quotes can go in the mailbag.
  • The goal jar represents goals you set for yourself and reminds us of how fragile they may be until attained.
  • The doll represents positive people who help you feel good about yourself.
  • The clown represents the need to laugh at yourself.
  • The dictionary represents the personal dictionary each participant will work on throughout the course, as does the resource book. (These are explained further in actual exercises.)
  • The medal or certificate celebrates past and daily achievement.
  • The rock is to throw when the frustration mounts too high. (It is strongly suggested that the rock be thrown over a raging ocean, in a deep thicket of woods or into a large hay field. If you use your rock, be sure to replenish it, as it is certain to be needed again. As Forrest Gump said, "Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks! ")

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