HarrySolve

Harry, a shy fourth grader, is very upset because he couldn’t get one rebound in a game of basketball. He comes to you with head down dejected, saying: “I’m tired of being the shortest person in the class. I wish people would stop calling me ‘shorty’.”

1) Which building block of self-esteem do you believe would be most affected? Why? (recognizing that a combination of factors may come into play)

2) What would you specifically say to the student in response to the problem?

3) Which point on the "cycle of self-esteem" would your response most address?

Critique

1) Harry's worthiness would be primarily affected, because he feels badly about a physical characteristic--being short, and his sense of competence would be affected, because he didn't get rebounds.

2) Help him recognize he can improve his rebounding if that is a goal by positioning himself better.
Emphasize that in spite of the rebounding, he can contribute some other things in the game, such as dribbling, passing or shooting.
Emphasize that, aside from basketball entirely, he can excell in other activities, physical and nonphysical.

3) Ideas could potentially break the cycle of low self-esteem by causing Harry to practice more when he may have considered practicing futile.