Positive Self-Talk and Writing a Letter of Introduction: A MS Health Lesson

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Kelly Galbraith, Eric Edwards

Title of Lesson: Letter of Introduction (Positive Self-talk/Self-esteem)

Course Name: Health

Grade Level: 8

Author’s Name: Eric Edwards

School District: Cornwall-Lebanon School District

PA Academic Standards for Health and Physical Education
10.2.: Healthful Living 10.2.9.D.: Analyze and apply a decision-making process to adolescent health and safety issues.
PA Academic Standards for Career Education and Work
13.1: Career Awareness and Preparation 13.1.8.G.: Create an individualized career plan including, such as, but not limited to: Assessment and continued development of career portfolio Career goals Cluster/pathway opportunities Individual interests and abilities Training/education requirements and financing 13.2: Career Acquisition 13.2.8.C.: Prepare a draft of career acquisition documents, such as, but not limited to: Job application Letter of appreciation following an interview Letter of introduction Request for letter of recommendation Resume
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to: Discuss the importance of positive self-esteem and self-talk. Formulate a list of personal attributes that would be appealing to a potential employer. Develop a Letter of Introduction for a potential employment opportunity.
Instructional Procedure
10 Minutes	Activator With a partner, discuss the following two questions. What is positive self-esteem? How does positive self-talk help your self-esteem? Discuss responses as a class.
15 Minutes	Class Discussion/Instruction What is self-esteem? Explain: Self-esteem is the way that an individual feels about him or herself. Can be positive or negative People with positive self-esteem: (Kidshealth.org) feel proud of what they can do see the good things about themselves believe in themselves, even when they don't do well at first feel liked and accepted accept themselves, even when they make mistakes People with low self-esteem: (Kidshealth.org) don't think they are as good as others don't feel liked or accepted think more about the times they fail, than the times they do well don't notice the good things about themselves are hard on themselves and give up easily What is self-talk? Explain: Self-Talk is the way that a person subconsciously thinks about him or herself. It is directly related to an individual's self-esteem. Positive self-talk is an optimistic way to think about yourself and everything that you do well. Provide examples. Show Video: PBS Positive Self Talk
5-10 Minutes	Group Practice/Demonstration/Ask What are you good at? What attributes do you possess that you are proud of? Students complete Staying Positive Worksheet Students will list positive attributes about themselves Must have two items for each area of health (social, physical, emotional, and mental)
30 Minutes	Letter of Introduction (Handout for Students) Review the following parameters with students: Using the list of positive attributes, students will write a letter of introduction to a potential employer. Use the following parameters to create your letter: (Paragraphs should be at least 4 sentences.) Paragraph 1: Introduction brief description of yourself hobbies, age, sports, clubs, etc. Paragraph 2: Attributes What are you good at? What employable skills do you have? What can you offer a future employer? Paragraph 3: Closure Thank them for the opportunity Contact information
10 Minutes	Reflection/Closure Students will read their Letter of Introduction to a partner. Partners will provide feedback Does the letter include 3 paragraphs? Does each Paragraph contain at least 4 sentences? Give your opinion on content.
Formative Assessment
Cooperative responses Staying Positive Worksheet (Link below) Letter of Introduction
Materials Needed
Staying Positive Worksheet Video: Positive Self Talk Letter of Introduction Handout
References
Self-esteem (for Kids) PBS Positive Self Talk