Self-image

The little dog who always gets the hind teat...

If you ever had puppies from birth to when they are weaned, you would have noticed that one of them often is pushed away and has to be content with a less favoured teat - not the teats that are full of milk. Such a puppy can turn into a scrawny, uncertain pup or becomes a real tough little scrapper who fights for each morsel.

What on earth do puppies have to do with self image?

• Think again and read between the lines.

There are often times when we feel we do not get our fair share. How do you react if you feel that way?

Let's look at some questions surrounding the idea of a healthy self-image or self-concept.

Answer as honestly as you can and remember, you may feel different on "bad hair days", those days when nothing goes according to your plans.

Answer only always, sometimes or never .

1. If I make a mistake, I feel terrible.

2. I easily adapt to new circumstances.

3. I make friends easily.

4. People like me.

5. I like new challenges.

6. I am honest.

7. I am a leader.

8. I have my own style (of doing, etc.).

9. People listen to what I have to say.

10. I feel I am special.

• Relax, these are not "right or wrong" type of answers.
• If you answered "always" in all cases, you possibly have a strongly positive self-concept.
• If you answered "never" in all cases, you may need to work on your self-confidence.
• Look at number 1. An "always" here may indicate that you are a perfectionist and that you do not tolerate your own mistakes or those of others well. Chill. How does a person learn? Through trying. And if one tries, one will make mistakes. Therefore, making mistakes is part of the learning process- and not something to avoid at all cost!

Group discussion

• Do you still remember the guidelines set for successful discussions?
• Read the guidelines again and please use them.

TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION Which factors influence the self-image or self-concept of people?

After the discussion

List the factors which you discussed and mark those which influence you with an *.

What did you learn?

Are all factors equally important to everyone?

If somebody thinks he or she is unattractive, looks will be an important factor in that person's life. If someone feels that he or she is poorer than his friends, it may influence that person. Should it really?

A person from a happy home may have a more positive self-concept than somebody from an unhappy home. What do you think?

What about a person who has trouble making friends? Or someone who has to attend a new school? Some factors may be more temporary than others. (A person is not going to stay "new" at a school forever...)

[LO 3.1]

Assessment

Memorandum

The module on developing a positive self-image is dealt with during the first term because Grade 8 learners often sustain a serious dent to their self-image during the period of adjustment at the beginning of the year. In grade 7 they were the cocks of the roost, but now they find that they are at the bottom of the "food chain" once again.

The module has been put together in a way that will make it possible to gauge quite informally how the learner feels and is adapting and developing. You could make photocopies of some of the pages for your own portfolio and for that of the learner. Page 8, for instance, could give you a good sound idea of the learner's insight and disposition.

Attention is also given to issues that are of particular interest to the 'new' learner such as adjustment to a new school and the labelling that causes unhappiness among many learners. These are sensitive issues for a young teenager and the effect of peer pressure and acceptance must not be underestimated. Do take time to discuss this with your class.

The module also guides the young teenager in helping him / her to accept and understand that it is altogether acceptable for people to differ, and that it does not mean that people find one another unacceptable when they do differ. They also get to know themselves better and learn to master the vocabulary needed to describe themselves (character). Page 15 could provide the educator with valuable information about the emotions, interests and creativity of the particular learner.

The section that deals with the characteristics of a winner is aimed at helping learners to realise that each one who performs to his or her best ability is a winner. It is strongly motivational in nature and will hopefully add to strengthening a developing self-image.

May you be successful in this important task?