How to build self-esteem in school children

How to build self-esteem in school children

By Cindy Thompson

Facilitator – Open Minds Campus

Developing strong self-esteem and confidence in students is crucial to ensure they succeed in their studies and social interactions. Students should develop a healthy sense of self-confidence to help them become more flexible in how they approach life. Boosting self-esteem and confidence in students can help students feel good about themselves while they receive respect from others. 

A high level of confidence can help students overcome bullying and harassment. One of the most effective ways to boost a student’s confidence is through various self-esteem activities. These can help students develop skills that will help them feel valued and included in society. 

Strong self-esteem can also motivate them to take risks and express their creativity. Having a balanced view of one’s capabilities also helps individuals recognise their flaws.

However, self-esteem can also diminish over time due to various external and internal factors. It is important to observe one’s students so that one can intervene where necessary.

Here Are the Ways to Boost Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem In Students

Create Realistic Expectations

It is essential to set realistic goals and expectations for students. Having a plan that is not achievable will harm self-esteem. Setting reasonable and manageable goals can help students develop their skills and knowledge. 

At Open Minds Campus, we facilitate the students, work with them on their learning journey, and ensure they have realistic goals.

Motivate Students

Motivating students at home and school can help them improve their self-confidence and motivation. This is because they are believed to be capable of reaching their goals and improving their performance. Unfortunately, those who are criticised and frequently ridiculed are more prone to giving up and failing. 

Don’t overpraise your students. Praise that does not feel earned does not ring true. Rather be honest while being positive. 

Praise you students’ effort rather. Offer your credit for effort, for progress, and for attitude. With this kind of praise, students will put effort into their tasks, they will work toward their goals, and try again if they need to. When students do this, they’re far more likely to succeed.

At Open Minds Campus, we don’t believe in students being dependent on praise from the facilitator. Students must realise their potential, praise themselves, and be happy with their work regardless of outside approval. We encourage this by reassuring the students.

Embrace A Growth Mindset

Self-esteem and confidence are two of the most critical factors a student should consider when it comes to their studies. Having low confidence can prevent them from seeing the progress that they’ve made. This is why students need to use mistakes as teaching tools. They should also remind themselves that they are not dependent on their weaknesses.

Communication Is Key

When students talk about their problems, teachers and parents should take them seriously. Discussing their issues openly can motivate the pupils to improve their confidence.

Communicating effectively is an essential skill every individual should have to improve their self-esteem and confidence. This also benefits students emotionally, allowing them to share their concerns with their teacher.

Help Students Establish Self-Discipline

Students who have difficulty developing self-discipline also need more help. They have more problems developing resilience and self-esteem. These students act before they think and frequently express opposition to boundaries. Discuss with students when establishing classroom rules so that they understand the requirement for regulations and have the motivation to follow them.

Motivate Students to Develop New Skills

Parents and teachers should provide their students with the necessary opportunities to develop their skills and confidence. This can be done through developing various skills such as reading a book, dressing well, and tying their shoelaces. It will help them feel successful and set them up for future success. 

Do Not Compare Students

At Open Minds Campus, we understand that each student is different; therefore, our teaching techniques are moulded to each student. Every student has their own sets of unique strengths, needs and talents. Most students will have the skills others do not have, and we do not treat them as a homogenous group. Differentiated learning can assist students in identifying how they learn best. Take notice of the unique strengths and learning styles your students have, and create a classroom ambience that motivates the unique abilities of students.

Be a good role model. 

You are setting a good example when you put effort into your tasks and when you are learning new skills. Your students will then learn from you into doing their homework and packing away their toys. 

Modelling a proper attitude is also important. You teach students to be positive when you complete tasks cheerfully or without complaining. When you avoid rushing through tasks and take pride in a well-done job, you teach your child to do the same.

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