Understanding Self Esteem & Identity lesson

Understanding Self-Esteem & Identity | PSHE Lesson | Critical Thinking & Reflection

Lesson Overview
This engaging, discussion-based PSHE lesson helps students explore self-esteem, identity, and self-worth through reflection, media literacy, debate, and creative expression.
Students examine where self-esteem comes from, how media influences self-image, and how personal and group identities shape who we are. The lesson finishes with a Personal Manifesto activity that encourages confidence, self-reflection, and positive goal-setting.
Designed to be safe, inclusive, and student-centered, this lesson works well for whole-class teaching, advisory sessions, or small-group discussion.

Learning Objectives
Students will:
Understand what self-esteem means and why it matters
Explore how identity is shaped by personal experiences and social groups
Analyze how media influences self-image and confidence
Reflect on their own strengths, values, and goals
Build positive self-talk and a healthy sense of self-worth

What’s Included
✔ Fully editable presentation slides
✔ Clear learning objectives and discussion prompts
✔ Classroom agreement slide to support safe discussion
✔ 4 structured, engaging activities:
Debate: Is self-esteem inherited or learned?
Media Literacy: Examining unrealistic “ideal” images
Philosophical Discussion: Individual vs. collective identity
Creative Task: Personal Manifesto (values, strengths, intentions)
✔ Key vocabulary slide (self-esteem, identity, confidence, self-worth, etc.)
✔ Calm, reflective lesson close

Teaching Strategies Used
Group discussion & debate
Critical thinking and media analysis
Reflection and creative expression
Student voice and choice
Low-pressure participation (“right to pass”)