Wheel 4 of 4
The Identity and Value wheel.
A child's sense of who they are, what they can do, and whether their future is worth building toward. The wheel that carries them when no one is watching.
Stretch 2 · Settling InSelf-esteem, purpose, and the development of a positive sense of self.
A wheel is built from a center hub, a rim on the outside, and spokes that connect the two. On this page you will find every hub inside this wheel, the spokes that hold each hub steady, and the rim that ties the whole wheel together.
Hubs and spokes
The building blocks inside this wheel.
Each hub is a bigger building block. Each spoke is a small, specific practice you can start with today. Pick one spoke. Leave the rest for later.
Self-Discovery
Supporting the child in exploring and understanding who they are.
Spoke
Exploration
Encouraging the child to try new activities, interests, and experiences.
Spoke
Individuality
Supporting the child's unique personality, preferences, and style.
Spoke
Personal History
Helping the child understand and integrate their life story.
Spoke
Creative Expression
Providing outlets for artistic, musical, or creative self-expression.
Self-Esteem
Building the child's belief in their own worth and capabilities.
Spoke
Positive Self-Image
Helping the child develop a positive view of themselves.
Spoke
Overcoming Challenges
Supporting the child through difficulties to build confidence.
Spoke
Goal Setting
Helping set and achieve age-appropriate personal goals.
Spoke
Peer Relationships
Building healthy friendships and social skills.
Autonomy and Independence
Developing the child's capacity for self-direction and agency.
Spoke
Decision Making
Giving age-appropriate choices and honoring the child's decisions.
Spoke
Problem-Solving Skills
Teaching strategies for working through challenges independently.
Spoke
Life Skills
Building practical skills for increasing independence.
Spoke
Critical Thinking
Encouraging questioning, reasoning, and independent thought.
The rim
Strengths-Based Empowerment
The child's internalized belief that they have value, agency, and a future worth building.
The rim is the outer edge of the wheel, the part that actually touches the trail. Hubs and spokes give the wheel its shape. The rim is what the child experiences, day after day, as the wagon rolls forward.
Help pages
When this wheel gets loud.
If you are in a hard moment right now, these pages meet you where you are.
Keep reading
Where to go next.
Read another wheel, or open the glossary for any word that tripped you up.
Common questions.
Why is Identity and Value one of the four wheels?
Self-esteem, purpose, and the development of a positive sense of self.
What does the Self-Discovery hub cover?
Supporting the child in exploring and understanding who they are. It contains 4 spokes: Exploration, Individuality, Personal History, Creative Expression.
What does the Self-Esteem hub cover?
Building the child's belief in their own worth and capabilities. It contains 4 spokes: Positive Self-Image, Overcoming Challenges, Goal Setting, Peer Relationships.
What does the Autonomy and Independence hub cover?
Developing the child's capacity for self-direction and agency. It contains 4 spokes: Decision Making, Problem-Solving Skills, Life Skills, Critical Thinking.
What is the rim of the Identity and Value wheel?
Strengths-Based Empowerment. The child's internalized belief that they have value, agency, and a future worth building.