Assignment 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 27 July 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Sam’s emotions and their possible effect on his behaviour and self-esteem
Sam is experiencing sadness, disappointment, frustration and self-doubt after
receiving a low mark for his Mathematics test. His sadness can be seen when he sits
alone with his head down instead of spending recess with his friends. He is
disappointed because he studied hard and expected his effort to produce a better
result. Sam may also feel frustrated because he does not understand why his
preparation did not help him achieve the mark he wanted. Emotions influence how
children respond to situations and can be shown through their words, facial
expressions, posture and behaviour (LSK2601 Study Guide, 2020).
The statement that he is not good at Mathematics shows that the test result has
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Sam’s emotions and their possible effect on his behaviour and self-esteem
Sam is experiencing sadness, disappointment, frustration and self-doubt after
receiving a low mark for his Mathematics test. His sadness can be seen when he sits
alone with his head down instead of spending recess with his friends. He is
disappointed because he studied hard and expected his effort to produce a better
result. Sam may also feel frustrated because he does not understand why his
preparation did not help him achieve the mark he wanted. Emotions influence how
children respond to situations and can be shown through their words, facial
expressions, posture and behaviour (LSK2601 Study Guide, 2020).
The statement that he is not good at Mathematics shows that the test result has
started affecting his confidence and self-esteem. Instead of seeing the low mark as
one difficult experience, Sam begins to treat it as proof that he lacks mathematical
ability. This negative belief may cause him to avoid Mathematics activities, stop
answering questions or give up quickly when work becomes difficult. Low self-
esteem can make a learner fear making mistakes because the learner may believe
that another mistake will confirm a lack of ability (LSK2601 Study Guide, 2020).
Sam may also withdraw from his classmates because he feels embarrassed about
his result. He could become quiet, lose interest in schoolwork or compare himself
negatively with learners who performed better. These reactions may reduce his
classroom participation and make it harder for him to ask the teacher for help. When
disappointment is not handled properly, it can affect a learner’s motivation and
willingness to continue trying (LSK2601 Study Guide, 2020). Thato’s caring response
is therefore important because it reminds Sam that one test does not determine his
value or future ability.
1.2 Ways of helping Sam feel better and regain confidence in Mathematics
If I were in Thato’s position, I would first give Sam enough time to explain how he
feels without interrupting or judging him. I would listen carefully and show that his
sadness and disappointment are understandable because he worked hard and
hoped for a better result. A caring friend should not dismiss another learner’s