Keep going like this, making up events that have reduced your self-esteem until your portrait is totally crumpled. Question the students about what might be the message of this story and get them to reflect on what makes them unhappy, low in self-esteem etc., and what makes them positive, confident, happy etc. Give them a four-minute time limit. The teacher should also prepare a bag. Students and teacher place bags in the centre of the circle.
Students sit still in chairs and listen.
The next part of the activity must be done very carefully. Provide students with a bunch of the paper slips. Emphasise that notes are anonymous - they do not put their own names on the slips they write. The teacher MUST establish total commitment here and stress how destructive negative comments are to other class members . Time needs to be given to the note writing - they should write rapidly to as many participants as possible.