How Do You Feel?
At times we feel good about ourselves, and at times we feel bad. Both types of feelings are absolutely normal. Of course we all prefer to enjoy the good feelings. However, when we are feeling down or bad about ourselves, we may not know why, or what to do about it. Relating to how we really view ourselves is a step in understanding.
The Mask
A mask can help children discover how they feel about themselves, compared to how they believe others see them. Ask children to make a mask that shows how they feel; after making the mask, ask the child to express how the mask feels. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the mask pattern and cut out of card stock, or use a paper plate with eye holes cut out. Using glue, construction paper, feathers, glitter, markers, crayons, and/or beads, ask children to create a mask that looks like how they feel.
At times we feel good about ourselves, and at times we feel bad. Both types of feelings are absolutely normal. Of course we all prefer to enjoy the good feelings. However, when we are feeling down or bad about ourselves, we may not know why, or what to do about it. Relating to how we really view ourselves is a step in understanding.
The Mask
A mask can help children discover how they feel about themselves, compared to how they believe others see them. Ask children to make a mask that shows how they feel; after making the mask, ask the child to express how the mask feels. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the mask pattern and cut out of card stock, or use a paper plate with eye holes cut out. Using glue, construction paper, feathers, glitter, markers, crayons, and/or beads, ask children to create a mask that looks like how they feel.
Inside The Bag
Give each child a lunch size paper bag. Ask the children to fill their bag with things that are special or important in their lives. Examples are: family photo, a favorite book, a music CD or music they play on an instrument, magazine cut out or photo of sports they enjoy playing or their favorite sports team, etc... One at a time have each child take out each item and talk about why it is important or special in their life. For older children have them also tell how they feel about the item and whether they think it will be a part of their life for a long time. Another option is to write down if the item will be in their life a long time, and how they feel about it (instead of saying it out loud).
Mask Outline:
Give each child a lunch size paper bag. Ask the children to fill their bag with things that are special or important in their lives. Examples are: family photo, a favorite book, a music CD or music they play on an instrument, magazine cut out or photo of sports they enjoy playing or their favorite sports team, etc... One at a time have each child take out each item and talk about why it is important or special in their life. For older children have them also tell how they feel about the item and whether they think it will be a part of their life for a long time. Another option is to write down if the item will be in their life a long time, and how they feel about it (instead of saying it out loud).
Mask Outline:
