Caught up trying to fit in and please others, students often engage in harsh self-judgment and self-blame that can negatively affect their health, school work, behavior and happiness. Using creative visual imagery, as well as listening to and learning from real middle-school students, program models the path to self-acceptance. Video immediately captures students’ attention as a humorous teen presenter declares, “I’m perfect.” The screen then fills up with images of the same teen representing his strengths and weaknesses. It soon becomes clear that the presenter, as well as each of us, comes with personal assets and liabilities, and that all of us are imperfect. Discusses key issues of self-acceptance including: What is self-acceptance? Why do we look for perfection in ourselves? How does the media influence our self perception? How do our peers influence the way we think about ourselves? What steps can we take to get to know ourselves better and appreciate ourselves warts and all?
Includes:
DVD: video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
Awards
Bronze Telly Award
Reviews
This well-paced program features a teenager discussing the challenges faced by adolescents. He talks to a cloned version of himself, and sometimes to numerous clones, describing self-doubt or self-worth. The quixotic format adds to the sense of confusion teens face when trying to learn self-acceptance. Interspersed with the droll narration are clips of teens explaining the ways they cope with personal characteristics, successes, and perceived shortcomings. The vignettes' real-life flavor will appeal to viewers, especially the clip featuring Jim Cuevas, a wheelchair racer and athlete. Emphasis on pleasing others, media pressure, and striving for perfection are expressed in an engaging, visually stimulating manner. Older middle school students will find the host contrived, but younger viewers will buy into the tongue-in-cheek style.The teacher's guide provides a welcome package of lesson planning and enrichment materials. A pleasing addition for guidance and health units.
- Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY
School Library Journal