Self Awareness

Self awareness is having an understanding of ones own feelings, beliefs, thoughts, actions and values. Self awareness is a very important self-regulation skill. Self awareness helps individuals understand their decision making, choices and actions. Further, it gives us more control over the outcome of our choices. Currently I am encouraging self-awareness in my classroom through a weekly check in. Students rank how they are feeling based on a chart with pictures (normally of animals) that is numbered 1-9 with differing characteristics. Students then describe why they chose the picture/number that they did based off how they feel. Students do this confidentially by writing it down on a small sheet of paper.  

Self Awareness is how we understand who we are and how we feel.  Giving students a sense  of purpose. I can encourage self awareness by discussing feelings and emotions and promoting growth mindset and confidence.

Self awareness is not only important in our student's lives but also our lives as adults.  I have said before that our students mock what they see.  We need to be an example for them.  I try to incorporate this in my classroom by encouraging students to see their strengths and focus on them rather than their weaknesses.  When a student gets down on themselves about not knowing something I will point out what they do know and how to use that to help them do better.  I always tell them that they can learn more from their mistakes!

Self-awareness is the ability to understand what makes you who you are as an individual.  This includes recognizing your strengths, and areas for growth, identifying your emotions.  To encourage self-awareness in my classroom, I often talk to my students about what they are good at.  I can then add areas where they can grow.  I often hear about students not being able to do the math.  I encourage them to try and then I can assist them until they eventually gain the confidence to do it on their own.  I am hoping this can then translate to other areas of their lives.

Recognizing your thoughts and emotions and understanding your strengths and limitations. 

Teaching my kindergarteners about mindfulness and helping to control their "guard dog" is how I encourage self-awareness in my classroom. Having my kids start recognizing when something makes them upset or nervous, happy or too excited, and then using their breathing to help them self-regulate when necessary. 

Self-awareness is the ability to understand who we are, how we feel, and how we understand our beliefs, morals, and ethics.  I encourage self-awareness in my classroom by talking with my students and trying to give them the confidence to stand up for what is right.