Schools

Point Pleasant Borough Students Learn Importance of Self-Esteem

New curriculum developed by teachers at Nellie F. Bennett Elementary School

A third grade class at Nellie F. Bennett Elementary School learned the importance of self-esteem through a new curriculum developed by their teachers.

"The lesson included various activities designed to help students recognize their unique gifts," said student teacher Janet Magley, who developed the lesson with teacher Stephanie Smith.

"Beginning with an in-class reading of Jamie Lee Curtis' and Laura Cornell's 'I'm Gonna Like Me,' students explored the idea of self-assuredness in any circumstance," Magley said.

Find out what's happening in Point Pleasantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Magley said the book promotes a message of acceptance by approaching a boy and girl's daily experiences as opportunities to help build self-esteem.

"Whether they know all the letters like the back of their hand or they think their ruler is 10 inches long, the book encourages the reader to accept and love themselves," said Magley, referring to instances in the book. "By embracing both their own and their peers' strengths, as well as their foibles, the students learn acceptance for themselves and others."

Find out what's happening in Point Pleasantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Following the reading of the book, the students named some of their own positive traits, which were recorded on the board. Next, the students wrote in their journals about the topic of self-esteem as well as their perceived strengths.

"Because sometimes we cannot recognize our own strengths, the students shared the assignment with their parents," Smith said. "The parents also wrote something special about their children."

The students also wrote positive things about a few of their classmates.

These special qualities were then transcribed to colorful pictures of sneakers and hung on the bulletin board under the caption "Put Spring in Someone's Step."

Smith said the students then learned the correlation between good feelings with both giving and receiving compliments.

The final exercise included writing a letter to share an expression of gratitude for an unsung hero in their lives.

Caitlyn McGullam, 9, wrote a letter to her bus driver, Mr. Rich.

"Thank you for taking me to school and back home," she wrote.

Another student presented a card to Nellie Bennett's speech teacher, Karen Ficarra.

"You are helpful because you helped me with my speech," the student wrote. "I appreciate what you do. Thank you for helping me."

Stunned by the kind gesture, Ficarra expressed her gratitude, in turn, for the recognition.

"This makes me feel wonderful," Ficarra said. "Moments like these are why I do what I do."

Aidan McLaughlin thanked police Lt. Michael Colwell for "keeping crime off his street."

Additional letters were presented to cafeteria workers and crossing guards, as well as the town's police and fire departments.

"These wonderful gestures will go a long way in helping our school community realize how much they are appreciated while our students benefit from the good feelings generated by sharing kindness with others," Smith said.

Principal James Karaba also expressed his thoughts on the lesson.

"Positive self-esteem is an important component of character education," Karaba said.

"When students show respect for themselves and others, it helps to foster a positive school climate," he said. "Because this lesson extended beyond the classroom, the entire community stands to benefit."

 "I'd like to commend both Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Magley for helping instill a culture of compassion in our students," he said.

To find out more about the Point Pleasant School District, visit the district website at www.pointpleasant.k12.nj.us.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here