Name-calling and how it affects us Tearing Off Labels Name-calling and how it affects us

Why talk about labels? Labels can cause us to feel a lot of different ways. Often labels can make us feel angry or hurt. Labels can cause us to act certain ways (positively or negatively!) depending on how you feel about it and how you react to it. Ex: Someone tells you you’re a nerd. You might feel bad and not try your best in school so you don’t look so smart…or you might feel bad but decide to try even harder to show everyone that the label of nerd doesn’t bother you.

What negative labels do you hear at school? (Fill the jar with negative labels. Talk about the weight of the jar. ) But remember… Labels are just words. They cannot begin to explain who a person truly is.

Things To Think About Why is it so easy to be affected by negative labels? How might it affect your past, present, and future if you accepted a negative label? Imagine you wake up tomorrow and your label is gone…What would be different? How does this feel?

Q. How do we tear off negative labels? A. By putting energy and effort into our strengths & goals. Ask yourself, “How much do I believe in this label?” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 It’s staying On ----------------------------------- I’m tearing it Off Ask yourself…“Will this action cause me to accept a negative label or will it help me tear it off & create more self respect?” Believe in the REAL YOU!

Things To Try Do the opposite of what is expected. Try something different. Remember, self respect will come as you take small risks to step outside your comfort zone. Look for ways to show yourself and others who you really are. Be patient! Give it time. It won’t happen over night. Continue making the effort even if others don’t drop the label when you’ve changed. It is more important that YOU know what you’re working on. (The first person who needs to tear off the label is the person in the mirror!)

It Starts With One – Be The One

The REAL ME What do I like about myself? OR (Have students physically tear off the label and empty the rocks. Fill the jar back up with the “Real Me” positive notes. Discuss the difference in how the jar feels.) The REAL ME What do I like about myself? OR If I had to write a letter bragging about myself to get a million dollars, what would I say? What do others like about me? What have I accomplished in the past? (Ex: completing a goal, certificates, awards, achievements, recognitions, grades, effort, things you take pride in) What are my strengths, goals, dreams? If I had to label myself, what would the label be? (must be positive of course) What could I do in life if I worked hard and wanted to do it?

Tear Off The Labels! Be the Real You!