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The Self Confidence Project: An Introduction (Flex Version)

In this four week flex course students will learn why it is important to work on self-esteem through journal topics and skills building projects.
Jennifer Hughes, B.A., J.D., LL.M, LC
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(654)
Popular
Class

What's included

Homework
1 hour per week. Students if possible should complete the weekly journals and post to classroom for accolades and discussions.
Assessment
Feel free to email the instructor at any time.

Class Experience

This class is a flex class which means there are no live classes, students participate independently. Each week learners will watch an uploaded video demonstrating a new lesson and at the end of class, they will receive a link to review game.  There is a shorter live version available for those that would prefer that format.   You can find it here:  https://outschool.com/classes/the-self-confidence-project-for-preteens-an-introduction-AyeSGKZn#usQCo6l1Sj
You can also find the live ongoing version here:  https://outschool.com/classes/the-self-confidence-project-for-preteens-live-ongoing-course-qu8xGBEV#usQCo6l1Sj

Kids who seem confident throughout childhood often struggle to maintain self-assurance during the teen years. For many, adolescence is filled with self-doubt, a questionable body-image, and insecurity. The good news is you can take steps to help build self-esteem.  The Self-Confidence Project is a gentle way for your student to build confidence each week by first completing a skills building exercise and then a guided journal. We end the class with a fun game/quiz.  Students can choose to draw or write in their journals.  When this class is over, the confidence building does not stop.  The Self-confidence Project turns into a weekly ongoing class that your student can join at any time. For my Flex learners, I will be adding a Part II with more projects.  

Guardians, please note this class is not meant to replace a doctor's advice or therapy when needed; it is a way to journal with friends using tried and true projects from various sources.

Student Interaction:  Students should complete the assigned activities since they provide opportunities to interact both with other students in class and with me, the teacher.  Though we will not be in a live video together, I will not leave you to learn on your own.  I will answer your questions, provide messages to help you, and check your progress as you post in our Outschool classroom.  Each week there will be a link to a fun Kahoot quiz that will reinforce our weekly lesson.

In the first class, we first create self-portraits and decorate our journals.  Our skills building exercise is  "Telling People About Me", students will think about how they can help other get to know them and how they should introduce themselves.  Students will have a chance to journal what they could say about themselves to help others get to know them while thinking about what they can ask others to better get to know their new friends.  We will go over the difference between actively listening and not really paying attention when others talk to us. Students will be asked to post their responses in the classroom so others can get to know them.  You do not have to post your responses if you are not ready, you can just send them through the teacher's tab to the instructor only.  Our first class will end by filling out the first page in our journal with a template provided by the teacher; this will be posted on screen during the class, no printing required.   The goal is to be as creative as possible. During our second class, we will share our journals, design mood trackers and if there is time, discuss seasonal bucket lists and habit trackers.

Note:  For our first class you do not need to print off anything, if you have time, have the student type words or small phrases that describe them.  Tell them they do not have to be humble, as this is just for them.  Go Big!  Before class, cut the words and phrases out so they can be glued into our journals after we design the initial page.

Four Week Synopsis

Week One:  Identity and Interpersonal Communication

After watching the instructor's video, students will practice introducing themselves to new people and then asking questions while practicing active listening.  We will discuss descriptive words and create an "All About Me" page for their new journal.  Students will post their introductions, questions and a picture of their finished journal page in our classroom weekly folder.  All students will answer each students' question as well as comment on each students' introduction.  Introductions can be recorded or written out depending on the students' preference.  

A Kahoot quiz link will be given to enhance what we have learned and to engage students.

Week Two: Moods and Replacing Negative Thoughts

Students will complete an exercise called "My Happy Place" where they visualize and discuss where they are happiest.  This technique helps to show students that they have the ability to not only calm their feelings but that they can replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  The instructor will show students how to create their own mood monthly trackers and portfolios.  Different moods and situations will be discussed.  For example, how pain, allergies and illness can impact moods. Students will complete a worksheet and share it with other students in the classroom, they will also draw and design their own mood trackers and share with the rest of the class.
Students will be given a Kahoot quiz on self-esteem/self-confidence.

Week Three:  Tracking Short Term Goals and Why it Matters.

Students will create three different bullet journal pages.  First an exercise on Short-Term Goals.  This exercise explains what short-term goals are and how they differ from long term goals.  Students will choose areas in their life to set specific goals and create action steps to help create new habits.  SMART goals will be discussed.  Next we will take our new goals and create a habit tracker in our bullet journals.  This is a monthly habit tracker that students can add each month to their bullet journal portfolio.  
Students will be given a Kahoot quiz link on SMART goals.

Week Four:  Brain Dumping and Gratitude
Our last class examines needs versus wants and how gratitude journals can help us be more active and happier.  Students will also learn about Brain Dumps and how they can help get out negative thoughts and emotions, help us be more organized and help us be more mindful about how we are feeling in general.  Students will create a gratitude page.

Students will be given a Kahoot Quiz on Gratitude etc.

This class is copyrighted, please do not take or use information from this class without the instructors expressed permission.
Learning Goals
Here are 4 benefits of journal writing for students:

According to an article by Positive Psychology, students of all ages can benefit from journaling.

It has proven effective in an area that is vital for child and adolescent development: increasing self-efficacy and promoting a healthy sense of control over one’s life (Fritson, 2008).

The article not only lists 83 benefits of journaling for all ages but specifically goes on to state that journaling helps students in many ways:

Helping them deal with “big feelings” in a healthy and safe way;
Improving their writing skills, including spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar;
Enhancing their reading skills;
Enhancing their communication skills (both written and verbal);
Taking advantage of an outlet for things that are difficult to express or uncomfortable to share;
Exploring and identifying their emotions;
Allowing themselves to feel “taboo” emotions like anger;
Examining the pros and cons of something to help them make a decision;
Reflecting on their thoughts about something after the fact;
Gaining insight into their own motives and the motives of others;
Seeing the positives as well as the negatives;
Planning out tough conversations in advance (Morin, 2018; Rodriguez, 2017).

Fritson, K. K. (2008). Impact of journaling on students’ self-efficacy and locus of control. InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching, 3, 75-83.
Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 46, 213-233.
Morin, A. (2018). The benefits of journaling for kids. Very Well Family. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-benefits-of-journaling-for-kids-2086712
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
A student's journal can be deeply personal. You may want to discuss privacy issues ahead of class. My hope is that student's will share and be proud of what they create. While doing our self-portraits, if you find that your student can not think of good things to say about themselves, gently drop in suggestions. Please let me know of any accommodations I can do ahead of time for your student. If you suspect your student is in any type of crisis, please speak with their physician or seek help from a counselor.
Supply List
Bullet Journal or Sketch Pad--   I recommend an A5 dotted bullet journal available on amazon.
Pencils
Fine point black marker
Coloring Utensils (Paint is optional):  You can use colored pencils, markers, acrylic paint pens, really anything that creates color for your journal.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.8
654reviews
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Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree from State University of Buffalo School of Law
Journals have been a part of my life since I was a child.  I successfully completed Law School with four children in tote, mainly because of my journal lists.  They kept me sane and organized.  
For twenty years I have had the opportunity to work with students from Pre-K through Graduate School in both a traditional learning atmosphere and those classes that deviate from neurotypical teaching.  I am a retired certified teacher, attorney and mother of seven. I am also an attorney that specializes in Family and Criminal Court.  I represented kids in NY for twenty years that were going through family court and was trained to handle kids in crisis.  I am also ABD for a PHD in Sociology with a Criminology emphasis.

Every class I create is first implemented in my own household.  My teaching philosophy is that all students are individuals and unique learners that must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and where mistakes are considered education victories.

     While incorporating the eight learning styles into each class, I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher's role is to act as a guide. (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities. (3) Students should be able to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning. (4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment. (5) Technology must be incorporated into the school day.

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Live Group Class
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$10

weekly or $39 for 4 weeks
4 weeks

Completed by 10 learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 8-12

This class is no longer offered
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