How to Build Self-Esteem in Your Students

Diana Cortese Author

It's not always about what your student's need to improve. Make sure to find ways for them to see how valuable they are as they right here, right now.

Building Self-Esteem in Students

As special educators and related professionals, we're dedicated to helping our students progress and achieve their goals. We meticulously track progress, implement IEPs, and celebrate small victories. However, in our zeal to support our students, we sometimes inadvertently overemphasize their current challenges, which can negatively impact their self-esteem. Protecting and nurturing self-esteem is absolutely crucial, as it forms the bedrock of their future success.

The Importance of Self-Esteem for Student Success

A 2022 study in the Journal of American Psychologist found that individuals with high self-esteem generally experience greater success in school and work, enjoy more fulfilling social relationships, exhibit improved mental and physical health, and are less likely to engage in antisocial behavior. These benefits extend from adolescence through adulthood, underscoring the long-term significance of fostering self-esteem. It's vital to remember that focusing on our students' strengths is just as important as addressing their needs.

Qualities of a Leader/Good Friend: A Self-Esteem Building Activity

One effective exercise I use in my social skills groups encourages students to recognize their own positive attributes. It's a simple yet powerful way to promote self-awareness and build self-esteem.

How to Facilitate the Activity

1. Brainstorming: Begin by asking students to brainstorm qualities they admire in a leader or a good friend. Guide them with prompts like, "What makes someone a good friend?" or "What qualities do you value in a leader?"
2. Listing Qualities: As students share, write their positive adjectives on a whiteboard or chart. Encourage a diverse range of traits, such as "kind," "curious," "helpful," "brave," "hard-working," "creative," etc.
3. Individual Reflection: Each student (or you, if they need assistance) writes down at least one quality from the list that they believe describes them. Encourage them to consider specific instances where they demonstrated that quality.
4. Interactive Display: Have students take turns taping their chosen word to the board. This simple act of movement adds engagement.
5. Self-Affirmation: Once all the words are displayed, ask students to review the list. Then, pose the question: "Which of these words truly resonates with you?" Have them add their initials next to the word(s) they choose. This physical act of self-validation is more impactful than simply being told they are great. It prompts them to reflect on their own behaviors and feelings.
6. Discussion and Sharing: Facilitate a brief discussion about why they selected those specific words. Encourage them to share examples of times they embodied those qualities.

Beyond this activity, educators can employ several other strategies to increase self-esteem in their students:

Highlight Strengths and Achievements: 

Regularly acknowledge and celebrate students' strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small. Make this a consistent practice, not just an occasional event.

Create Opportunities for Success: 

Design learning experiences where students can experience genuine success and build confidence. This may involve differentiated instruction, breaking down tasks, or providing individualized support. You can also plan lessons around preferred interests of your students so they can showcase their knowledge to others.

Give Specific and Sincere Praise: 

Offer praise that is specific, genuine, and focused on effort and progress, rather than just innate ability. For example, instead of "Good job," try "I really appreciate how you persevered on that challenging problem. I noticed you kept trying even when it was difficult."

Cultivate Self-Compassion: 

Teach students to treat themselves with kindness and understanding, especially when they make mistakes. Help them understand that everyone makes mistakes, and that self-compassion is essential for growth.

Empowering Students Through Social Skills Development

Nurturing self-esteem is an integral part of supporting our students' overall well-being and social development. By implementing these strategies and creating a supportive learning environment, we can empower them to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and thrive both academically and socially.

If you are interested in further developing your skills in creating and running your own fun and effective Social Skills Groups, my online learning opportunity, Social Skills Groups for 21st Century Kids, may be right for you.

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Categories: : self-esteem, social skills, socialskills groups, special educaiton