Observation and Assessment

1. Observationand Assessment Nita Thomason Ed.D. Chapter 3

2. Self-Identity • Self-concept – sense of self that includes both self-image and self-esteem • Self-image – the child’s inner picture of self that includes looks, gender, ethnicity, standing in the family, and abilities • Self-esteem – sense of self-worth, the individual’s evaluation or feelings about his/her image

3. Healthy Self-Identityin children Children with a healthy self-identity feel that the important adults in their lives accept them, care about them, and world go out of their way to ensure that they are safe and well

4. During the early years, young children’s self-esteem is based largely on their perceptions of how the important adults in their lives judge them.

5. Signs of Low Self-esteem • Makes self-critical remarks and puts others down • Easily frustrated, moody, and has difficulty talking about emotions • Displays poor problem-solving skills and frequently misbehaves • Has difficulty making and keeping friends • Requires excessive approval from others and is highly susceptible to peer pressure

6. Signs of Low Self-esteem cont’ • Has trouble taking responsibility for actions and readily blames others • Lacks confidence and avoids healthy risks and new opportunities • Feels powerless and often provokes power struggles

7. Ways to Build Self-Esteem • Give unconditional love • Pay attention • Teach limits, provide routines, structures • Offer choices • Support healthy risks • Let mistakes happen • Celebrate the positive • Help them cope with defeats

8. Ways to Build Self-Esteem • Listen well • Provide encouragement • Teach problem solving skills • Celebrate family heritage • Involve children in tasks offering real challenges that stretch and give sense of accomplishment • Treat children respectfully, ask their views and opinions and take them seriously