Develop of the self in society Chapter 1

INDEX: 1.1. What is self-awareness, self-esteem and self- development? 1.2. Factors that influence self-awareness and self esteem. 1.3. Strategies to build confidence in yourself an in others. 1.4. Action plan to build self-esteem 1.5. Acknowledge and respect uniqueness and differences.

self-esteem and self- development? 1.1. What is self-awareness, self-esteem and self- development?

Class discussion Why, do you think, is it important to have knowledge about a topic such as self-awareness, self-esteem and self–development? Which factors have an influence on our self-esteem? Which effect could it have on us if we do not have a healthy self-awareness, self-esteem and aspiration for self–development?

SELF-AWARENESS, SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT? WHAT IS SELF-AWARENESS, SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT?

Self-awareness: you know yourself You know your interests, skills, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, goals, wishes and hopes, values and beliefs.

Unit 1: Key questions (answer in you book!) How will you develop your self-esteem and self-awareness? What influences your self-esteem and self-awareness? How will you show respect to yourself and others?

YOU MUST KNOW THE KEY WORDS ON PAGE 8 FOR THE EXAM

Self-esteem How much you like yourself How you feel about yourself How good or successful you think you are This refers to: - how much you like, rate and value yourself - how confident you are, how much you believe in yourself Example of high self-esteem: likes, accept and believe in yourself Usually feels confident, knows what your strengths are and works hard at becoming even stronger, works hard at improving your weaknesses

Self-development How you improve yourself How you: build on your strengths, Improve on weaknesses, Develop your life skills, Become the best person you can be Example on self-development: Jabu (page 8) knows he needs to improve on his time management. So he now: Keeps a diary and plans each day, does not waste time, if something needs to be done, he tries to do it immediately. He realises he needs to explore his skills and interests more: so he volunteers at the community youth centre, there he is able to develop his leadership skills.

Difference between self-awareness, -esteem and -development Self-esteem Self-development Know yourself Like yourself Improve yourself Know your: skills, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, interests, goals, values Believe in yourself, respect yourself, value yourself, have confidence Strengthen weaknesses, build on your skills and strengths.

Activity 1: Complete in your books Give an example of each of the numbered items. The example must be true for you. Interests E) Likes Skills F) Dislikes Strengths G) Goals Weaknesses H) Values

1.2. Factors that influence self-awareness and self- esteem.

Factors that influence self-awareness and self-esteem Many factors/things influence/affect the way in which you see yourself. Factors: What other people say about you What happens in your life How well you cope with difficult things in your life Your response/reaction to your successes and failures How popular you think you are, how much you think your friends like you How family, friends and other important people in your life treat you Media (newspapers, magazines, TV and radio, cellphone, MXIT, facebook etc) Watch video clip (Influence of media)

1.3. Strategies to build confidence in yourself and in others.

Strategies to build confidence in yourself and others Once you know what can influence your self-esteem, it is easier to improve. Developing good communication skills, finishing task successfully, taking part in community activities, making good decisions and affirming others are all ways in which you can improve who you are.

SKILL FOCUS

COMMUNICATION SKILLS Express yourself clearly so that others don’t misunderstand you or get the wrong idea. Make sure your message is heard and understood. BE ASSERTIVE: Say what you want to say clearly Be polite and respectful, but sure of yourself Know what you want. Focus on your body posture: Stand as tall and straight as you can and speak for yourself. State your viewpoint or what you need. Make sure people understand what you say. They should not doubt what you mean. Remember your manners: add please & thank you

SPEAK IN PUBLIC The more you practice speaking in front of others, the easier it gets. Take every chance you get to stand up and speak. Preparation: For a prepared talk, first write out what you want to say. Write the main points/key words on a card/piece of paper. Practise so that you know your speech well. Keep to the time limit End with a short, strong message so people will remember what you said.

During the talk: Breathe to calm yourself Look at the audience, smile. Speak slowly, loudly and clearly Put energy and enthusiasm into your voice & body. Keep the topic of your talk.

COMPLETE YOUR TASK/PROJECTS SUCCESSFULLY Manage your time Adhere to due dates. Persevere: keep trying until you complete your task.

PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS/LIFE Volunteer: The more you help others, the better you will feel. You will learn new skills & learn more about yourself. Take part in events in your community: have hobbies, be curious, talk to people, attend functions and celebrations, become a leader in your community. Play sport Register to vote!

Make good decisions HOW TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS: Take responsibility for yourself! Don’t blame others for your decisions! HOW TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS: 1) Evaluate your situation. Think about what decisions means to you. 2) Get information about the different options/choices you have. 3) Carefully think about the effects/consequences of each choice or decision. 4) Decide what would be the most informed and responsible decision. Choose the best option 5) Act on your decision.

Affirm others To affirm others: to support, encourage and give praise. Help others to become more confident. Praise them instead of putting them down with negative words. Let them see your respect, instead of disrespect. Appreciate your friends, family, teachers and other important people in your life. Tell them you value them and that they are important to you. Thank them, give honest praise – where deserved.

1.4. ACTION PLAN TO BUILD SELF-ESTEEM

Be strong when others’ words hurt you BUT accept criticism if it is helpful & true. Whatever they say is just their idea, it is not always the truth! END EACH DAY WITH A SHORT REFLECTION MAKE A PRACTICAL ACTION PLAN TO HELP YOU TO DEVELOP YOURSELF Think about your successes of the day or what good you did on this day

EXAMPLE OF AN ACTION PLAN TO BUILD SELF-ESTEEM What I will do and why WHEN HOW Improve my public speaking skills; I know I am very shy. I never speak in class. I must become less shy and more able to speak in public. At least once a week for the next two months. Whenever I get a chance in class Join the debating society. Volunteer to give group feedback. Do oral presentation, Ask questions in class. Offer to speak at community events so I can practise and gain experience.

1.5. Acknowledge and respect uniqueness and differences

Acknowledge and respect uniqueness and differences Everyone = unique. (different purpose in life) Although many similarities, there are also differences. People have different looks, cultures, beliefs, skills, interests, ideas, practices, fashions, needs, values, likes and so on. Respect differences, never fear or laugh at differences. Our Constitution does not allow discrimination based on differences in race, culture, gender or ability. Always imagine how you would feel if you were the other person.

SKILLS FOCUS: Tools to help you to respect differences Tool 1: How to respond to differences, when you do not agree with other people’s viewpoints. Stay calm, friendly and polite Listen to what they are saying ,do not interrupt or shout at them. Say: “I do things differently, but I respect you for the way you do things.” Agree to disagree, respectfully!

COMPLETE ACTIVITY 4, PAGE 15 Tool 2: Reach out: learn more about other people. Get to know as much as you can about other cultural, race and ability groups. The more you know, the easier it is to respect others. Focus on similarities Accept differences and see them as opportunities for you to learn more. Reach out to people who are different from you – make new friends, keep life interesting. COMPLETE ACTIVITY 4, PAGE 15