Standard of Learning

6.4 The student will analyze the consequences of personal choices on health and wellness. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the connection between personal actions, self-image and personal success;
2. the importance of accepting responsibility for personal actions;
3. the use of resistance skills to avoid violence, gangs, weapons, and drugs;
4. identification and avoidance of risk-taking behaviors.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will understand the relationship between a positive self-image and personal success.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define self-image.
• explain the development of positive or negative self-image.
• explain the effects of self-image on mental health.
• understand how a positive self-image develops:
  • maintain a positive attitude toward self and others;
  • say positive things to others;
  • do not dwell on hurtful remarks;
  • accept complimentary remarks and encouragement from others; and
  • develop realistic expectations and understand that no one is perfect.
• understand the benefits of a positive self-image:
  • confidence in self, resulting in success in school, sports, relationships, etc.;
  • feelings of security and being loved;
  • caring about self and health;
  • standing up for what is important; and
  • not dwelling on disappointments.
• begin to recognize negative habits that prevent a positive self-image.

Sample Lessons

Body Weight and Body Image Lessons for Adolescents
Grades 6-8
Multidisciplinary, interactive lessons:
--Normal Eating and Exercise
--Eating Volumetrically - Eating More for Less
--Portions Are Out of Proportion
--Food-Mood Connection
--It's the Little Things That Count
--Barbie, Ken, and Action Toys
--Body Image Distortion
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Department of Education
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/food_nutrition

Dying to be Thin Supporting Friends with Eating Disorders
Grade(s): 6-12
In this lesson, students role-play scenarios in which they encounter a friend or acquaintance who may have an eating disorder. Students brainstorm ways to help the friend. Students then create informational brochures with useful information about eating disorder prevention.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20001121tuesday.html
Free

Dysfunctional Eating
Grade(s): 6
This lesson integrates Health Standard 6 (dysfunctional eating) with Language Arts Standard 7 (imperative writing). It teaches students the dangers of dysfunctional eating. Students create a recipe for a healthy snack and present it to the class both orally and in written format.
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=419
Free

Healthy Body Image
Grades 4-6
Age-appropriate lessons to help pre-adolescents develop identity based on inner strength, not appearance. Resist unhealthy cultural pressures related to dieting.
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?webpage_id=365&profile_id=46
+Cost

Healthy Colon with Good Digestion and Fiber
Grade(s): 6
This mini-teach lesson is designed for the 6th grade.  Students will be introduced to the colon and the relationship it has with the body.  Students will learn the process of digestion, the process of the colon, and why fiber is necessary for a healthy diet and a healthy colon. 
http://www.iit.edu/~smile/bi9602.html
Free

Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids
Grades 3-6
Addresses healthy eating, physical activity, and positive body image for children. Discusses healthy food, drink, and snack choices; physical activity options; and positive body image.
Sponsor: Virginia Cooperative Extension
Contact local County Extension Office
Free

Just for Girls
Grades 6-7
Focuses on healthy eating, coping with stress, self-image, gender, and culture related to self-esteem.
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?webpage_id=365&profile_id=46
+Cost

Mission Nutrition
Grades 6-8
Web-based units and lesson plans covering:
--Self-esteem and body image
--Gender
--Media Awareness
--Healthy Eating (multiple lessons)
--Physical Activity
Sponsor: Dietitians of Canada and Team from Kellogg Canada, Inc.
http://www.missionnutrition.ca/missionnutrition/eng/educators
Free

Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP)
Grades 6-8
Model 3-year violence prevention program. Includes importance of significant friends or adult mentors; relationship between self-image and gang-related behaviors; conflict resolution; and effects of environmental influences on personal health.
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University
Contact: ameyer@saturn.vcu.edu
Cost

Skating on Thin Ice Examining Eating Disorders and Various Means to Treat Them
Grade(s): 6-12
In this lesson, students research various eating disorders and their treatments. They then create fictional case studies of teenagers suffering from these disorders and synthesize their understanding by writing suggestions for treatment.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
Free

Walk Across the Country
Grade(s): 6-12
This lesson plan insists on starting a physical fitness plan after hearing about the FDA  approving a fat substitute for cooking.
http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/health/fitness/walkamerica.html
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• Guidance Counselors
• Health Text
• Nutrition Calorie Control - http://www.caloriecontrol.org
• Self-Image - http://www.coping.org/selfesteem/lifestyle/feed.htm

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• submit an article to the school newspaper on the benefits of a positive self-image.
• role-play situations in which positive self image influences success.

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