10 Teacher Tips to Encourage Self-Awareness in Teens | EVERFI (2024)

Author

Emily Sevenz

Picture this: a family dinner unfolds. Sunlight fades, painting the room in warm hues, as everyone gathers around the table. Food steams, conversation flows, plates are passed. Except for one. Across the table sits your teenager, an island of silence amidst the chatter. Their gaze, uninterested, a frown pulling at their lips. One-word answers are squeezed out, the spark of their usual humor and engagement extinguished. Frustration simmers, questions bubbling up: “What’s wrong? Are you mad? Talk to me!” But your words seem to bounce off a wall of quiet resistance. But you’re not only a parent, but also a teacher, and you’ve built an arsenal of strategies to help break down the barriers of not only your own children, but also the students in your classroom.

This scene is a poignant illustration of the often-neglected aspect of teenage development: self-awareness. While bodies morph and hormones rage, the inner landscape of emotions and thoughts can remain uncharted territory. It’s no wonder they retreat into their shells.

The good news is, emotional intelligence and self-awareness are not fixed traits, but skills that can be cultivated. It’s a journey, yes, one with winding paths, dead ends, and moments of sheer bewilderment. But it’s a journey worth taking, not just for teenagers, but for all of us who yearn for deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.

Here are 10 ideas I use in my classroom that illustrate how we can embark on this quest for teaching self-awareness together:

I See You

As I greet my students at the door, and I notice one of my students seems off, I start with a, “Hey, you doing okay?” Many times the answer is a flat, “Fine.” My response is, “Okay, well if that changes, you can talk with me about anything.” It’s important to let them know that they are in control of the conversation. They know I see them, they know my door is open, they know I am a safe person that will listen.

The Power of “One to Ten”

Start by creating a safe space for open communication. Ditch the accusatory “What’s wrong?” and opt for a gentler approach. Ask them to rate their stress level on a scale of 1 to 10. This seemingly simple question invites them to pause, reflect, and acknowledge their internal state. Encourage them to explain the “whys” behind their rating and listen without judgment.

Stress Detectives

After they rate their stress level, I like to follow up with the question, “Where are you feeling pressure? School, home, friends, sports, health?” Stress, like a mischievous gremlin, can hide in many corners. Schoolwork, peer pressure, family dynamics, even personal health concerns – any of these can be the culprit behind that furrowed brow. Help your teen become a stress detective, exploring all the potential sources of their anxiety. Once they recognize the stressors, then they can build a plan to address their stressors.

Validation Station

Teenagers often feel like their emotions are a whirlwind, misunderstood and dismissed. The magic power of validation lies in acknowledging their feelings as real and legitimate. Phrases like “That makes sense you’d feel frustrated” or “It’s okay to be disappointed” can be immensely powerful. I sometimes say flat out, “Your feelings are valid.”

Big vs. Small Battles

Teenagers are egocentric. This is cognitively appropriate for this age group. Child psychologist, David Elkind points to the fact that although the term has a negative connotation, it is a normal part of adolescent behavior. Not all problems carry the same weight. Help your teen differentiate between big, life-altering challenges and smaller, manageable issues. For the smaller ones, encourage them to brainstorm solutions, empowering them to take ownership of their well-being. For the bigger ones, offer your support and guidance, reminding them they’re not alone in facing the storm. Be patient. While the problem they are facing seems small to you, it can feel enormous to them.

Pen Pals with Inner selves

Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. Encourage your students to write down their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This introspection allows them to analyze their own narrative, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what makes them tick. I do an activity I call the 3 Minute Diary. Each student is given a loose-leaf piece of paper and has three minutes to be completely honest with themselves. They write down anything and everything that is on their mind or heart. Then they tear it up and recycle it. I’ve had students ask to share their 3 Minute Diary with me, but it is never a requirement.

Mindfulness Minute

In our fast-paced world, taking a breath can feel revolutionary. Find mindfulness playlists on YouTube that speak to you and would work with your group to practice mindfulness, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Guided meditations, focusing on the senses, or simply taking deep breaths can anchor them in the present moment, offering a much-needed break from the mental chatter.

Find technology to support your work teaching self-awareness.

I utilize EVERFI’s character education training. Easy to set up, easy to navigate, and completely free. (A teacher’s dream!) EVERFI pairs engaging interactive activities with social emotional curriculum. Need I say more? I build it into my Monday homeroom work. Students know what is expected of them, and it is a great way to process and decompress from the weekend.

Remember, You’re the Guide, Not the GPS

It’s crucial to remember that you’re not your student’s therapist or life coach. Your role is to offer support, guidance, and understanding, not dictate solutions. Let them know you’re in their corner, cheering them on as they navigate the ups and downs of self-discovery.

10 Teacher Tips to Encourage Self-Awareness in Teens | EVERFI (1)

Teach Healthy Relationships

Teaching teens about healthy relationships isn’t just about protecting them from heartbreak and drama; it’s about laying the foundation for their future well-being. Navigating the complex world of friendship, family, and romance shapes their self-esteem, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. When equipped with knowledge about positive boundaries, equal respect, and healthy conflict resolution, they’re less likely to fall prey to manipulation, abuse, or negative peer pressure. These skills blossom into fulfilling adult relationships, allowing them to build strong support systems, foster healthy families, and thrive in all aspects of life. It’s an investment in their happiness, resilience, and ability to love and be loved authentically. In essence, empowering them with relationship literacy is empowering them to build a richer, more fulfilling future. To aid in this work, I use EVERFI’s curriculum’s Character Playbook: Healthy Relationships.

The ultimate goal of this exploration is not to create perfect, problem-free individuals. It’s to guide them towards becoming independent, healthy, and happy adults who can weather life’s storms with resilience and grace. It’s about fostering open communication, building trust, and empowering them to understand and manage their inner world.

So, the next time that familiar silence descends at the dinner table, remember, it’s not a rejection, but an invitation. Be patient, be present, and most importantly, be the cheerleader for your student’s journey of self-discovery. Their inner light may be flickering, but with your gentle support, it can illuminate the path ahead, shaping them into happy and healthy adults.

___________________________________________________________

10 Teacher Tips to Encourage Self-Awareness in Teens | EVERFI (2)

Emily Sevenz is a passionate educator with 14 years of experience,primarily at the middle school level.A firm believer in student advocacy,she fosters a positive and engaging learning environment where her motto,“you can laugh while you learn,” comes to life.

Her dedication to her students extends beyond academics. Emily is a strong advocate, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met in a supportive and stimulating classroom atmosphere where everyone belongs and is valued.

10 Teacher Tips to Encourage Self-Awareness in Teens | EVERFI (2024)

FAQs

How can teachers promote self-awareness? ›

Reflect routinely.

Perhaps the most elemental action that we can take as educators to promote self-awareness is to practice a regular reflection regimen. Though few would refute the importance of daily reflection, we often do not carve out time during our day for this essential practice.

Which of the following are strategies that teachers can use to help cultivate self-awareness? ›

4 Teaching Strategies to Increase Self Awareness in the Classroom
  • Take opportunities to connect lessons back to real life. ...
  • Help students set individual goals. ...
  • Increase metacognition (ability to think about your thinking) ...
  • Practice mindfulness meditation.
Feb 11, 2020

What will teaching students to reflect and develop self-awareness help them become? ›

By developing self-awareness, children become more attuned to their own needs and are better equipped to advocate for themselves. This skill empowers them to make informed decisions, solve problems, and navigate social interactions effectively. Furthermore, self-awareness has a direct impact on academic success.

How do children develop self-awareness in school? ›

Key takeaways. It's good for kids with learning and thinking differences to be aware of their challenges — but not focused on them all the time. Talking about strengths and challenges can help kids gain self-awareness. Getting kids involved in something they like and are good at can raise self-awareness and confidence.

What are the 5 ways to help develop self-awareness? ›

5 ways to improve self-awareness
  • Mindfulness and meditation. ...
  • Movement. ...
  • Reflection and journaling. ...
  • Ask for feedback from people you trust or loved ones. ...
  • Work with a coach!
Jul 30, 2020

How to teach self-awareness to high school students? ›

Incorporating self-reflection activities in the classroom

Journaling prompts and guided reflections are effective tools for promoting self-awareness. Encourage students to write about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Provide prompts that encourage self-reflection and personal growth.

What are the techniques of self-awareness? ›

7 tips for becoming more self-aware
  • Keep a daily journal.
  • Seek feedback from others.
  • Identify your values.
  • Read fiction.
  • Practice gratitude.
  • Examine your knee-jerk emotional reactions.
  • Practice mindfulness meditation.
May 6, 2022

What strategies could teachers use to positively affect students self-efficacy? ›

Teachers foster self-efficacy by encouraging students to persist and providing feedback. Teachers can provide opportunities for students to experience success. Student engagement consists of cognitive, behavioural and emotional engagement in school.

What are two ways self-awareness improves performance in school? ›

Self-aware children are better able to identify their strengths and weaknesses to concentrate their efforts on subject areas that require additional practice and support. They are also better at making decisions for their academic path and dealing with the stress and pressure of schoolwork.

What is self-awareness and examples? ›

Private self-awareness: Being able to notice and reflect on one's internal state. Those who have private self-awareness are introspective, approaching their feelings and reactions with curiosity. For example, you may notice yourself tensing up as you are preparing for an important meeting.

How do you reflect self-awareness? ›

It can be helpful to look back at your responses, read how you handled things in the past, assess the outcome, and look for where you might make changes in the future. Try meditation: Meditation can also be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

How can teachers develop self-awareness? ›

By regularly reflecting on your teaching practice, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, recognize your emotions and beliefs, and discover areas for improvement. You can journal, record yourself, seek feedback, or participate in a peer observation group to achieve this.

How youth can develop self-awareness? ›

It's important for kids to understand and talk about how learning and thinking differences affect daily life. This can help them become effective self-advocates, speaking up for what they need in a positive way. Try to have open conversations in which kids can express how they feel.

What does self-awareness look like in a classroom? ›

Skills that develop self-awareness include: Identifying and analyzing one's emotions, and how they affect others. Understanding the relationship between one's emotions, thoughts, values, and behaviors. Integrating personal and social identities.

How can a teacher promote self efficacy in the classroom? ›

Here are some ways that can help in promoting self-efficacy in the classroom:
  1. Effective Communication. Effective communication includes teaching the students how to identify their goals, acknowledge their abilities, and focus only on their strengths. ...
  2. Honest Feedback. ...
  3. Healthy Environment. ...
  4. Positive Strategies. ...
  5. Modeling.
Feb 7, 2022

What promotes self-awareness? ›

It is also widely assumed that introspection — examining the causes of our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — improves self-awareness. After all, what better way to know ourselves than by reflecting on why we are the way we are?

What are some ways that teachers can encourage student self-awareness self advocacy and self determination? ›

Here are five things educators can do to promote self-advocacy in their students.
  • #1: Encourage students to ask questions (and acknowledge challenging content) ...
  • #2: Teach students about metacognition. ...
  • #3: Help students reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. ...
  • #4: Offer resources and options. ...
  • #5: Model a growth mindset.

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