Self-Awareness
The ability to recognise and understand one's own emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
Here’s a thoughtful and engaging set of practical activities to support the development of self-awareness for home educated children. These activities help children understand their thoughts, feelings, strengths, and areas for growth—building a foundation for emotional intelligence, confidence, and personal development.
🧠 What Is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is the ability to:
Recognize and name your emotions
Understand your strengths and challenges
Reflect on your thoughts and actions
Make choices that align with your values
📚 Reflection & Journaling Activities
1. All About Me Journal
Include prompts like:“I feel happiest when…”
“I’m really good at…”
“I want to get better at…”
Use drawings, writing, or stickers to personalize.
2. Feelings Diary
Children record how they feel each day and why.
Use emojis or a color chart to help younger children express emotions.
3. My Strengths Star
Draw a star and write one strength on each point.
Reflect on how they use those strengths in daily life.
🎨 Creative Self-Expression Activities
4. Self-Portrait with Words
Draw a self-portrait and surround it with words that describe their personality, interests, and values.
5. Emotion Wheel Art
Create a wheel with different emotions.
Children color or decorate the sections based on how often they feel each emotion.
6. My Ideal Day Drawing
Ask children to draw or describe their perfect day.
Reflect on what it reveals about their preferences and values.
🎲 Game-Based Self-Awareness Activities
7. “Who Am I?” Game
Use cards with questions like:“What’s your favorite activity?”
“What makes you feel proud?”
“What do you do when you’re upset?”
Share answers and discuss.
8. Emotion Charades
Act out emotions and guess them.
Talk about when they’ve felt that way and how they responded.
9. Strengths Bingo
Create a bingo card with personal qualities (e.g., kind, brave, creative).
Children mark off ones they believe describe them.
🧘 Mindfulness & Body Awareness
10. Mindful Breathing
Practice breathing while noticing how they feel.
Ask: “What thoughts are in your mind right now?” “How does your body feel?”
11. Body Scan
Guide children to notice sensations in different parts of their body.
Builds awareness of physical and emotional states.
12. Emotion Check-In Circle
Use a feelings chart or wheel to start the day with a check-in.
Ask: “How are you feeling?” “What do you need today?”
🧺 Everyday Self-Awareness Boosters
13. Goal Setting & Reflection
Help children set personal goals (e.g., “Be more patient,” “Finish a book”).
Reflect weekly on progress and feelings.
14. Decision-Making Practice
Present choices and ask children to think through:“What do I want?”
“What might happen if I choose this?”
“How will I feel afterward?”
15. Gratitude & Growth Moments
End each day with:“One thing I’m grateful for…”
“One thing I learned about myself today…”