- Definition
Self-concept is simply how your child sees and thinks about themselves, based on their experiences and what others tell them. It's like their own personal picture of who they are.
After learning to skip, a child might add 'I am a good skipper' to their self-concept.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Self-concept is like a collection of 'About Me' stickers that describe all the things you are and all the things you can do.
Ask your child: What are some things your body can do really well?
Common mix-up: Kids may think self-concept is about feeling good or bad about yourself. It's actually about the facts you believe about yourself, like 'I am a fast runner' or 'I am a good friend.'
Examples
- A child who often helps tidy up might see themselves as 'a helpful person.'
- After trying a new sport, a child might think, 'I am someone who tries new things.'
self-concept is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 5 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 6 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 7 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 8 Health and Physical Education
+1 more mention across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
