Take-Home - Sense of Self - ECE Resource Hub

TAKE-HOME STRATEGY

Developing Sense of Self at Home

What It's About

Sense of Self is the way children see themselves or would describe themselves. This starts as a child’s awareness of themselves and grows into their understanding of their own preferences, interests, beliefs, and culture. It also includes understanding how they are the same or different from others.

You can support your child’s growing Sense of Self by celebrating their unique qualities and abilities, introducing them to cultures and traditions, and embracing differences among people.

Here are some ways you can support Sense of Self at home. Keep in mind that you can change these activities to work for you and your child based on their current abilities, interests, and what you have available at home. Make sure to use safe materials and watch your child closely during these activities.

Take a look, and try out your favorites!

Character Talk

Read books and pause to talk about the characters. Point out any traits you value, such as when they are being kind, helpful, brave, or caring. Tell stories of a time your child showed those characteristics.

My Favorite Things

Make a book where each page features something your child loves. Have your child draw or find a picture for each page. For example, one page could focus on a toy they like. Another page could be about their favorite foods.

Share a Proud Moment

At dinner, bedtime, bath time, or a nightly commute, have your child share something they are proud of, or talk about what you think makes your child special. For example, "You said you are proud that you built a tall tower! That did take a lot of hard work!"

Self-Portrait

Encourage your child to create a self-portrait using any art materials you have available. Comment on their unique physical features and point out ways you and your child look the same and different.

Act it Out!

Use puppets, pictures, books, or scenarios to talk about issues related to fairness and kindness. For older children, ask how they would solve problems that may arise.

Look at Photos

Look at photo albums or digital photos of family and friends. Talk about who is in the picture, where they come from, and how they are the same and different from the other people in the photos. Consider making a photo book with photos and names of people special to your child.

Quick Cues for Supporting Sense of Self

Some things you might do or say to help strengthen your child’s Sense of Self

Label Characteristics and Interests

Notice and value who your child is and what they are interested in.

This can sound like:

“You are smiling while you try on these hats. You must like them!”

“You love to dance! You are so creative with your dance moves.”

“Wow! You helped me make cards to make Grandma smile. You are really kind and helpful.”

Give Choices

Give your child some choices, or consider their abilities, in deciding what happens in their everyday life.

This can sound like:

“You don’t want to build with blocks? Okay, let’s see what else we have!”

“Would you like to read this book or that one?”

“Where would you like to take a walk today?”

Embrace Similarities and Differences

Notice and celebrate the similarities and differences in the world.

This can sound like:

“Look, you and your brother are both wearing shoes!”

“Our art projects are so different! I can’t wait to hang them up in the kitchen. It will look so nice with all the different colors and designs!”

“In this book, they do some things different than us, but what’s the same? … Yes! We eat different foods, but all love eating with our families.”

Our Book Recommendations for Sense of Self

Engaging stories that support children's Sense of Self

We're Different, We're the Same

Written and illustrated by Joe Mathieu, this book features text and illustrations describing a variety of ways people are alike and different.

Have fun with it:
Talk with your child (positively and respectfully) about how you and the people in your life are the same and different.

I Am Enough

Written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo, this book features a young girl expressing her love for herself – who and how she is.

Have fun with it:
Talk about what makes you and your child special. What do you love about yourselves?

More Take-Home Strategies

We’re creating a library of resources like these so families and other caregivers can quickly and easily promote children’s development at home. Be sure to see all the strategies we have available!