Where Self-Esteem Comes From: teacher key

Feeling Good About Yourself, grade 9 edition, written for 9th grade. Self-esteem grows from the people around you, the voice in your head and the things you learn to do. Studies of praise, mindset, kindness and gratitude show what helps it grow.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

Which of these is named as a place self-esteem comes from?
- The voice in your own head (answer)
- Winning every game
- Being the smartest
What did fifth graders praised for being smart do after failing?
- Did better than those praised for effort
- Did worse than those praised for effort or not praised (answer)
- Did the same as everyone
Why do researchers say self-kindness can motivate?
- We try out of care for ourselves, not to avoid self-judgment (answer)
- It makes tests easier
- It removes all mistakes
In the Vancouver study, what did kind acts increase?
- How much classmates accepted students (answer)
- How many places they visited
- How much they slept
In this passage, what does gratitude include?
- Noticing that goodness has sources in other people (answer)
- Avoiding all mistakes
- Praising your own ability

Words

mindset: way of thinking
gratitude: thankful noticing
compassion: warm kindness
resilience: bouncing back
optimistic: hopeful