Schools and Self-Esteem

1. Schools and Self-Esteem Schools can offer alternative support so that the child is equipped to develop a safeguard to cope with life stresses It is a student’s self-esteem and resiliency to these contributors that affects their ability to succeed. Self-esteem is generally considered to be a person’s measure of his or her own worth and competence. Student’s belief in themselves and their abilities is a tremendous protective factor against the different components that put them at risk.

2. How Schools Can Help Schools and teachers have the capabilities to help students harness and develop their self-esteem Early interventions lead to gains for children, particularly those at risk of low achievement Recognizing low self-esteem at an early onset or the factors that may contribute, teachers and schools can help an at-risk child further succeed It is critical to recognize when a student is suffering from low self-esteem and as a teacher one should know different warning signs. A student’s attitude toward school can have a significant effect on their self-esteem. Relationships and interactions between youth and trusted adults are one of the key mechanisms through which healthy development occurs

3. Warning Signs for Teachers Schools and its teachers need to be aware that low self-esteem is quite common in students and know how to recognize it in order to help reach out to students. Warnings Signs of low self-esteem in students Unwillingness to take risks in different areas (social, classroom, athletics) Tendency in a student to quit when facing a difficult or challenging task Clowning to relieve pressure and to hide fear and lack of confidence Bullying and aggressiveness-a child may feel vulnerable and responds by “going on the offense” Denial, especially when students refuse to admit their unhappiness, insecurity, or intimidation Procrastination in attempts to avoid a challenging task.

4. How Teachers Can Help Self-Esteem in the Classroom Teachers need to support students and inform parents of different warning signs of low or negative self-esteem. When parents are informed they can watch for the warning signs and be aware. Children are in a school setting more waking hours during their day than outside of school or any other setting. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a connection for students to school. In fact, higher school connectedness related to lower stress and higher social confidence If teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, or administrators show an interest in a student and develop a relationship with them the student may feel more self-worth and motivation to strive further Teachers can use classroom management routines that establish consistency in expectations in regards to student attendance and behavior Teachers may be trained to increase opportunities for students and their involvement within the classroom and school They should reward students for their involvement, and encourage cooperative learning and interactions among students

5. Ways to Improve Self-Esteem Outside the Classroom So many organizations can involve serving the common good and promoting the welfare of local, national, and world communities and empowering others to also make a life long commitment to the cause Teachers can help promote such an idea and advocate for it to help promote the welfare of communities Programs like this contain many aspects or basic goals, which can help develop high self-esteem All youth are capable of growing up properly and avoiding trouble if they can be attached to a variety of social resources that facilitate healthy development and discourage harmful behavior (Butts, Mayer, and Ruth, 2005). Teachers and other school personnel are tremendous factors that can encourage a child to engage in meaningful activities, influence students to strive for goals, excite and enthuse children to learn, and develop and maintain students self-esteem.

6. To Summarize… Children are exposed to all sorts of different factors that can contribute to a detriment in self-image and perception Low self-esteem may cause children to engage in unsafe behaviors, lose interest in school, feel helpless and lost, and give in to pressures they may otherwise show resiliency towards. Having high self-esteem, in contrast, may be an asset that protects youth from negative outcomes associated with risk exposure Fostering school connectedness with children and relationships between school faculty and students can contribute to a student’s interest and self-esteem in school. Teachers can have a huge effect by recognizing warning signs and implementing in and out of classroom strategies that strengthen self-esteem. REFERENCES: “Schools and Teachers: Preventing at Risk Students of Low Self-Esteem From Being Left Behind” by Anthony Lebbad