1. Fostering Self-Esteem in Our Students Jan’s Educational Collaborative Taught by Janta Rainey Texas Trainer Registry# 2468

2. Self-Esteem

3. Our Learning Objectives Educators will be able to Assist students with an age appropriate definition of self- esteem. Explain what the two components together comprise self- esteem Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy self-esteem. List 8 strategies that can be used to foster self-esteem in classroom environments. List 5 specific examples of modeling healthy self-esteem for our students.

4. Self-Esteem / Definition The experience of being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of happiness (Branden, 2006). A feeling of having respect for yourself and your abilities (Merriam-Webster) Self-esteem is the way people think about themselves, and how worthwhile they feel. Self-esteem also can be defined as feeling capable while also feeling loved. Self-esteem is the way in which an individual perceives them self- in other words, their own thoughts and feelings about themselves and their ability to achieve in ways that are important to them. Self-esteem is feeling happy about yourself. Self-esteem is giving yourself a high five or silent cheer in your heart.

5. Self-Esteem / Definition Two Components 1.Self-Efficacy – confidence in one’s ability to think, learn, choose, and make appropriate decisions 2.Self-respect – confidence in one’s right to be happy and in the belief that achievement, success, friendship, respect, love, and fulfillment are appropriate to us (Braden, 2006)

6. Self-Esteem Self-efficacy Children who have self-efficacy/self- confidence have an inner feeling that allows them to face challenges and struggles while working with others. A lack of self-confidence will lead the same child to see the surroundings as negative. They accept failure and reconcile themselves to defeat.

7. Self-Esteem Self-respect Our student’s feelings of self-respect / self worth for themselves generate a very private and internal strength. These feelings are heighten as they are successful at accomplishing and completing tasks. Our praises of them should not be empty nor over the top but we should seek to connect to their feelings inner satifaction.

8. Healthy Self-Esteem vs Unhealthy Self-Esteem Healthy Self-Esteem allows students to value themselves and be able to accept a reasonable amount of negative information. They tend to be happy, confident and less afraid of failure Unhealthy self-esteem make students feel less confident and uncomfortable with themselves or the things they do. They most often develop a theme negativity.

9. Strategies Begin with children when they are young laying the foundation needed for them to build a healthy self-esteem. Recognize that peer pressure starts early in students lives. Respond to children’s interests and efforts with appreciation and not empty praise.

10. Strategies Set children up for challenging success and not easy failures. Help children learn to accept occasional negative feedback. Encourage and support do not criticize and beat down.

11. Modeling Self-Esteem All eyes are on you - You become the example!! The same skills and strategies that we want our students to use have to be evident in us. Allow our students to see us fail and more importantly how we handle it. Show them how to accept criticism. Show them how to love themselves and others.

12. Self – Esteem Evaluation 1.List your age appropriate definition of self- esteem. 2.The characteristic of self-efficacy may also be known as __________ and the characteristic of self-respect may also be known as ___________. 3.Students that are developing an unhealthy self-esteem may be have a ______ theme. 4.List two strategies that you may use to foster self- esteem in your students. 5.List two specific examples of modeling positive self- esteem for our students.

13. References Green,Stephen (2006). School Age Connections Benard,B (August,1991). Fostering Resiliency in Kids: Protective factors in the family, School, and Community. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. (ED335781)