Positive Self-Identity

Working to build a sense of self, especially in middle or high school, can be a very difficult process for students. Some seem to be born with a positive and healthy sense of self, while others can't seem to form an identity until well after graduation. I've written before about how difficult it can be for some students in high school, and how important it is for us as teachers to help students deal with the pressures of school life and hopefully come out better for the experience. In the case of creating a positive self-identity, even for those students who seem to have things together can still benefit from a teacher with a kind word or thoughtful ear.

I will admit, I am not the best person to be writing about this topic. My middle and high school experiences, while not spectacularly out of the ordinary, were also not particularly positive or life-affirming. Building a sense of self is indeed a life-long process. No matter how much we'd like to think that once we hit a good spot in our lives, that they will stay that way, life has a way of turning ups into downs and vice-versa. One of the best things we can do for our students is to help them to develop skills that will be helpful later on in dealing with life's turmoils. Adaptability to change is necessary in the world in general and at school in particular.

The best ideas that I have heard and that I believe in will vastly help in this capacity. Creating an open and accepting environment (both physically and emotionally) that our students feel safe in is very important, as are fostering a sense of trust, honesty and respect, between both yourself and your students, as well as within your whole classroom. Also, allowing for some flexibility and understanding in situations that warrant it (such as if a student is feeling ill or upset and honestly confides in you), you will let your students know that, while you aren't a pushover, that you do care for their well-being and are willing to make small adjustments if necessary.

In the end, while we may not be the model of a person with a perfectly positive sense of self, we can still do a lot to help our students to work towards their own goal of personal identity fulfillment. I firmly believe that a little trust, honesty and respect can go a long way towards creating good relations with others and help each of us to understand a little more about ourselves.