Overview

Self-awareness is defined as “the ability to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts… including capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose” (CASEL, 2019).  Confidence is a key component of self-awareness and is a skill that requires lifelong exploration. Confidence can be defined as the way in which we view ourselves and our ability to achieve our goals. There are many internal and external factors that contribute to our confidence. As we get older, we develop a deeper sense of self as we push through challenges, celebrate successes, and everything in between. External factors such as support of family and friends, education, and community relations affect our confidence and sense of self. As adults, we can help to create safe and supportive environments for our children to have the space to learn, grow, and gain confidence in themselves.

Art allows us to express ourselves in ways that words cannot. When we tap into our creative brains, we can uncover feelings and thoughts that we were unable to see. The art project below invites children to explore how they view themselves, what makes them unique, and how that image fits into the world around them.

Take Action

Create a “Me Tree”

Use this activity to reflect on the unique things that make you – you, and the people and communities that surround and support you.

Steps:

1. Trace your hand on a piece of paper leaving the fingertips open to draw longer branches.
2. Draw your branches from your fingertips leaving room for lots of leaves.
3. Draw as many leaves as you want (make sure to make them large enough to write things or draw inside!)
4. Draw some soil on the bottom of your page leaving room between the bottom of your paper and the top of the soil for writing or drawing!

Each element of the tree represents a different area of reflection. Doodle, draw or write in each of the sections your reflections of the prompt below.

• Soil: “I am supported by…”
  • Reflect on the people and communities that support you to grow strong and kind.
• Tree trunk and branches: “I am grateful for…”
  • Beginning at the bottom of the tree and working your way up through the branches, reflect on the places, things or experiences that you are grateful for (e.g., my family, friends, doctors that help me feel better when sick, school where I meet my friends, the outdoors where I can exercise and see new things, etc.)
• Leaves: “I love…”
  • Lastly, reflect on the many things that make you – YOU! They could be adjectives (funny, smart, kind, helpful, good friend etc.) or your favorite hobbies and passions (playing soccer, painting, dancing with grandpa, learning math, etc.)

If you have them, color in your tree with crayons or colored pencils and get creative with other decorations! Continue to add to your tree as new reflections are discovered.

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