Self-Esteem Activities in the Classroom

It is essential for children to have healthy self-esteem and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. Self-esteem helps children grow into successful adults. If a child doesn't like herself and has a poor self-image, this can lead to behavior problems in school and at home. A child's self-esteem can be positively influenced by parents who display healthy self-regard, as well as through self-esteem activities in the classroom.

Chain of Talents

• Making a chain of talents will help improve the self-esteem of individual students, as well as the class as a whole. This activity is a good way to start the school year. The teacher hands each student five different colored strips of paper and a pencil, asking if they have any special talents or skills. Students write one talent on each strip. Afterward, everyone is asked to share his or her talents with the entire class. The teacher forms a circle from each strip of paper and intertwines them with each other to form a chain. The chain is hung in the classroom for all to see. The teacher may refer to it throughout the school year, reminding the students of their talents.

Compliments

• How we perceive ourselves is often influenced by what others think of us. In this exercise, the teacher hands each student a piece of paper, crayons, a paperclip and a pencil. They fold the paper in half so there is a front, middle and back. On the front, students can write their names and add decorative drawings or designs if they so choose. In the middle, they write answers to questions asked by the teacher. She can ask them to write down an activity at which they excel or what they like best about themselves. Students never need to reveal their answers. They hide them by placing a paperclip on the paper, then handing the paper around the classroom so each student can write a positive comment on the back. Afterward the paper is returned to its owner. Students can take the paper home and look at it when their self-esteem needs a boost.

Drawing Yourself

• This exercise will give both the student and teacher a good idea of the student's level of self-esteem. Students draw a self-portrait on a piece of paper. They include their head, neck and shoulders. Exact drawings are not necessary. The students divide their portrait in half by drawing a vertical line through the middle of the face. One half must reflect the way the student sees himself and how he feels. The other half must reveal how he believes his fellow students see him. Different colors can be used to represent different emotions. The student can draw different facial expressions. A smile for instance, can express happiness. Underneath the portrait the student can write down information to explain his drawing and how he interprets certain colors or patterns he used. The portrait serves as a representation of the student and can be as elaborate as he or she desires.

Making a Commercial

• The teacher instructs the students to make a commercial about themselves. In the commercial the student must explain why he is the right person for a particular job. The students work on their commercial in the classroom and write down a scenario that is up to three minutes long. This exercise can be accomplished individually or in groups, with several students working together on making the commercial. Once finished, students present the commercial to the class. The exercise motivates students to think about their good qualities and highlight them.