Self-esteem and its Impact on Academic development
By Mariana De Luca, MA, [email protected]
What is Self-esteem?The way a person thinks and feels about himself or herself.
Why is self-esteem important?How you feel about yourself affects how you
act.
How children feel about themselves affects the way they act.
How you feel and think about yourself and how children feel and think about themselves can change each day.
Why is self-esteem important?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Five Areas of Self-esteem
Self -estee
m
Social area
Academic area
Family relationship
sPhysical image
General percepti
on
Characteristics of Children with High Self-esteemMake friends easilyShow enthusiasm for activitiesAre cooperative and follow age appropriate rulesControl their behaviorPlay by themselves and with other childrenLike to be creative and have their own ideasAre happy, full of energy, and talk to others
without much encouragement
( Nuttall, P. (1991). Self-esteem and children in NNCC)
Analyzing Language“I can’t do anything well.”“I can pass this test.”“I don’t like me. I wish I were someone else.”“I can never play.”“Don’t squeeze the kitten”.“I know I can’t do it.”“I know you can do it, keep trying.”“Hold the kitten gently.”“I had a great time.”
Analyzing ActionsExpect too much or too littleCriticizeUse inappropriate languageOverprotect or neglect
Parents Actions that Help Build Self-esteemShow affection and love.Provide support.Spend time with child.Teach respect.Teach positive attitude.Praise each child’s successes.Show interest in each child’s activities or
problems.Tell children what to do instead of what not to
do.
Home Activities to Build Self-esteem
•Set goals together•Discuss feelings, what they are proud of, what they are good at, etc.•Read, play games, draw, have fun together•Do chores
Children with high self-esteem feel…Good about themselves
LovedHappy
Do well in school
Get along with others
Have fewer emotional problems
References(2008). Your child’s Self-Esteem. South
Deerfield, MA: Channing L. Bete Co. Marzano, R. (2004). Building Background
Knowledge for Academic Achievement. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Nuttal, P. (1991). Self –esteem and children. (Family Day Care Facts Series). Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts.