Module Introduction
Growing up is hard. And students, some more than others, often feel a lot of pressure to succeed, both academically and socially. Each new age or stage comes with its own pressures – whether it’s learning to read, making friends, or trying to get the grades they need for their post-secondary plans. Some pressures are external, and some come from within.
A pervasive message that many young people still receive today, in some cultures more than others, is that you have to be hard on yourself – or tough – to succeed.
But science begs to differ.
Growing research on self-compassion has found that when young people are kind to themselves, not only do they feel better, but they also show more motivation to improve in areas of weakness.
Spark Interest
If you work with older students, take a moment to consider this scenario. Feel free to jot down notes if helpful.
You notice that a student of yours looks noticeably upset. You walk over to them and ask what’s wrong. They share that they are disappointed over a grade they received. What do you say to them?
Did you say something like: “I know you are upset right now, but you tried really hard on that test. Learning takes time, and it will get easier the more you practice. I’m proud of you for sticking with it.” How likely is it that they said these things to themselves?
If you work with younger students, consider this scenario:
You notice a student is kicking rocks alone on the playground, while their friends play soccer nearby without them. You go over and ask what’s wrong. They share that they are angry because their friends didn’t ask them to join their game. They say their friends must not like them.
Did you say something like: “I can see how that would make you feel upset. It is hard when we feel left out. We all feel like that sometimes. You are a really good friend and an important member of our class.” How likely is it that they said these things to themselves?
Learning Objectives
In this module, we will:
- Identify the elements of self-compassion and the research behind it
- Explore the benefits of self-compassion for students’ well-being, academics, and social lives
- Discover how self-compassion is not a soft skill, but rather a strong choice
- Explore how educators can support students in building their self-compassion skills
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Self-Compassion for Adults" and “Self-Compassion for Students”.
Individual Exploration
Early childhood is a crucial time to plant the seeds of self-compassion by helping children build their self-kindness and positive self-talk vocabulary. Not only will they have the words to talk to themselves more kindly as they grow up, they will also learn to recognize when their need for self-compassion arises as they face the struggles of life.
Self-compassion becomes vitally important in early adolescence as teens become more self-aware and, ultimately, more self-conscious. This can breed harsh self-criticism, which self-compassion helps to undo.
What is Self-Compassion?
In this first video [4:23], learn the basics of self-compassion. Note, if you have completed the Self-Compassion for Educators module, you can skip this introductory video and go straight to “Why Is Self-Compassion Important For Young People”.
Reflection
- What do you think self-compassion looks like in your students? Have you ever observed any students demonstrating self-compassion?
- Which elements of self-compassion do you think your students have the hardest time with (e.g., mindfulness, common humanity, kindness)? Why do you think that is?
Why is Self-Compassion Important for Students?
In this next video [7:28], learn what researchers have discovered about how self-compassion can help students.
Reflection
- How can you create a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and practice self-compassion?
- What are some potential challenges or resistance that you might encounter when teaching self-compassion to students, and how can you address them?
- How can you integrate self-compassion into your overall teaching philosophy and practice, to help create a more compassionate and supportive learning community?
How to Bring Self-Compassion to the Classroom
In this final video [10:40], learn how educators can intentionally help students cultivate self-compassion.
Reflection
- Take a moment to reflect on your own students. Which of these practices could you see yourself trying with your current students? What barriers can you imagine facing? How might you navigate the resistance you might get from students?
Links from video
Mindfulness for Lower Elementary Students A collection of fun practices to introduce mindfulness or to supplement your current mindfulness curriculum for young children.
Mindfulness for Upper Elementary Students A collection of fun practices to introduce mindfulness or to supplement your current mindfulness curriculum for older elementary students.
Mindfulness for Middle and High School Students A collection of practices to introduce or supplement your mindfulness curriculum for middle or high school students
Children’s Books About Self-Compassion
- Listening with my Heart by Gabi Garcia (read aloud version here)
- Positive Me!: A Kids’ Guide to Self-Compassion by Madelyn Hornstein
- I Am Enough by Grace Byers (read aloud version by the author here)
- Jo-Jo the Kind Sloth: A children’s book about developing self-compassion by Dr. Olivia Ong and Joseph Lee
Resources on Adolescent Brains
How to Teach Teens About Their Brains At a high school in Vermont, Amir Flesher gives his students a glimpse into how their minds work—with the goal of making adolescence less painful and nurturing their growth into happy adults.
Why Teens Should Understand Their Own Brains (And Why Their Teachers Should, Too!) An NPR interview of Dr. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, author of Inventing Ourselves, The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain
Unlocking the Adolescent Brain: Insights from Dr. Siegel [4:36] A brief animation about the teen brain, narrated by Dr. Dan Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine and author of Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain
Daniel Siegel: The Teenage Brain [13:54] “Daniel Siegel debunks myths about the Teenage Brain and ‘raging hormones’”.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Self-Compassion for Adults" and “Self-Compassion for Students”.
A worksheet to help students change how they talk to themselves.
A worksheet to help students change the critical voice in their heads.
Group Facilitation
Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Self-Compassion for Adults" and “Self-Compassion for Students”.
A revisable, turnkey powerpoint slide deck to use for professional learning sessions on the topic of "Self-Compassion for Students".
A powerpoint slide deck with welcoming and closing activities to include in professional learning sessions.
A worksheet to help students change how they talk to themselves.
A worksheet to help students change the critical voice in their heads.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Do you want to dive deeper into the science behind our GGIE practices? Enroll in one of our online courses for educators!
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