self

Self & Cultural Understanding

Support school-age children’s sense of self and character through relationships, experiences, and the environment.

Many factors play a role in the development of school-age children’s sense of self. In this course you will learn how to work with families to support the development of a positive self-concept. You will also learn the importance of respecting differences and fostering positive character development, how to support children’s emerging interests, and the unique opportunities and challenges military families encounter. Self-care practices and stress reduction will also be addressed.

Sense of Self: An Introduction

Children and youth develop a sense of self through their life experiences, culture, and relationships with important adults and peers. This lesson provides an introduction to the concept of sense of self, how it is developed, and how you can support children’s positive sense of self.

Promoting a Sense of Self: School-Age Children

School-age children are working hard to establish positive self-concepts and increase their autonomy. This lesson will provide information on what you will see as a staff member working with school-age children and how you can support them through this stage of development.

Promoting a Sense Of Self: The Environment

The environment consists of the space in which children learn as well as the people in that space—their peers and caregivers. This lesson will focus on how the environment in your program influences children’s sense of self and describes how you can create environments that engage children and youth in meaningful experiences that promote development and a healthy self-concept.

Promoting a Sense of Self: Experiences and Activities

As school-age children develop their sense of self, they are also increasing their independence. This lesson provides you with information on methods of supporting and encouraging school-age children to develop interests and increase responsibility.