Self Esteem Activities and Games for Kids Social Emotional Learning

Lesson 1 – Understanding Self-Esteem

Students will learn what self-esteem is, why it’s important, and begin to recognize their own positive qualities.

• Self-Esteem Ice Cream Cones
• Self-Esteem Journals
• My Amazing Self” Mirror Activity

Lesson 2 – Positive Self-Talk

 Students will learn about positive self-talk and practice using affirmations to boost their self-esteem.

• Affirmation cards
• “Positive Parrot” puppet
• “Negative Ned” puppet
• “Thought Bubbles” cutouts

Lesson 3 – Celebrating Achievements

Children will learn to recognize and celebrate their personal achievements, both big and small.

• “Achievement Medals” craft 
• “My Proud Moments” photo frames
• “Decision Journal”

Lesson 4 – Building Confidence

Teach students about strategies to build and maintain confidence in themselves and their abilities.

• “Safety Scout” Activity
• “Safe or Unsafe?” Game with scenario cards
• “Responsibility Rocks” labels

Lesson 5 – Peer Pressure:  Practice skills to recognize peer pressure, understand its effects, and practice strategies for resisting negative peer pressure.

• “Confidence Capes” craft
• “I Can” statement/picture cards
• “Confidence Challenge” activity cards
• “Growth Mindset” posters

Inside the 5 weekly SEL Plans you will find: 

• Objective, materials list, and suggested lesson duration
• Book suggestion
• Greeting & Warm Up: Welcome the new SEL lesson, review previous lessons, and share goal for new lesson.
• 4 different activities: Includes reading books, using different printables, journals, games, and more.
• Conclusion & Wrap Up: Summarize the different activities practiced and the emotions learned.
• Assessment: Observe students’ participation and engagement during activities.
• Extensions for Home Connection and Follow Up Activities:  Send a note home with a brief summary of the lesson and suggestions for parents to continue the topic covered.

In this Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) unit on self-esteem, preschool and kindergarten students will learn to recognize their unique qualities, practice positive self-talk, and develop confidence through interactive storytelling, mirror activities, and creative expression. Through age-appropriate activities like the “Self-Esteem Ice Cream Cone” and “Confidence Capes,” children build a strong foundation of self-worth that supports their emotional growth and resilience.