Enhancing Self-esteem in the Classroom

Praise for the first edition: `The underlying philosophy of this practical book is that raising self-esteem in pupils (including dyslexics) will lead to achievement of higher academic results and fewer behaviour problems. This book is primarily for primary and secondary teachers but would provide much material for discussion among SpLD teachers, given the unexpected and controversial results of Denis Lawrence′s research′ - Dyslexia Contact `Many useful suggestions offered in this book about learning activities are likely to help pupils to feel better about themselves, to learn to respect others and to experience how feelings can be expressed safely′ - British Journal of Special Education Raising self-esteem in pupils can lead to the achievement of higher academic results and fewer behavioural problems. Outlining in simple terms what self-esteem is and providing strategies to support it in the classroom, this book includes clear explanations of the terminology and theory behind self-esteem, and lots of practical examples and useful activities for use with children. The book also covers the main issues surrounding the self-esteem of practitioners. It sets out tried-and-tested strategies that teachers can use to recognise and reduce stress and maintain their self-esteem. This new edition has been fully updated and now includes new case study material and activities.

Table of Contents:
WHAT IS SELF-ESTEEM? Clarifying the Terminology How Self-Esteem Operates The Self-Esteem Hierarchy The Evidence for Self-Esteem Enhancement THE ROLE OF THE SELF-CONCEPT IN SELF-ESTEEM ENHANCEMENT Misapprehension over the Nature of Self-Esteem Can Children Have Too Much Self-Esteem? The Child with the Undeveloped Self-Image The Child with the Weak Ideal Self SELF-ESTEEM AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Origins of Differences Children′s Reactions to Differences Physical Differences Specific Learning Difficulties Hearing Difficulties Visual Difficulties General Learning Difficulty Gender Differences Different Ethnic Groups SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCES ON THE SELF-CONCEPT Parental Influences Changes in Family Structure Peer and Sibling Influences Failure Experiences Media Influences Adolescence Cultural Identity Other Crises ASSESSING SELF-ESTEEM Measuring Self-Esteem Behavioural Checklist The Lawrence Self-Esteem Questionnaire (the Lawseq) Other Methods of Assessment ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM WHILST TEACHING Desirable Personal Qualities Teacher Self-Esteem Communication Teacher′s Preferred Teaching Style Expectancy Effects Everyday Contacts SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE SELF-ESTEEM Aims and Rationale Introducing the Activities Trust Activities Recognizing and Describing Emotions Expression of Emotions Positive Feedback Taking Risks WHOLE SCHOOL AND WHOLE-CLASS APPROACHES TO ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM Whole School Approaches Curriculum Activities Developing Internal Locus of Control Active Tutorial Work Developing Critical Thinking Skills Developing a Self-Image Respect for Individual Differences Bullying Cooperative Behaviour Assertive Behaviour Conflict Resolution Teaching Relaxation Setting Goals INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMME FOR ENHANCING SELF-ESTEEM Rationale Who Should Conduct the Programme? Using Non-Professionals Selecting the Child Seeking Parental Permission The Status of the Programme Provider and the Setting Introducing the Sessions to the Child Principles of the Programme Terminating the Programme A Ten-Week Programme Peer Support and Befriending Programmes CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR The Disruptive Child Defence Mechanisms against Low Self-Esteem Seeking the Positive Features in the Child SELF-ESTEEM AND READING DIFFICULTIES Research Findings Selecting Appropriate Treatment for Reading Programmes The Maintenance of Reading Gains in the Long Term The Effects of Therapeutic Intervention on Dyslexic Students THE TEACHER′S SELF-ESTEEM The Hedonistic Philosophy Changing Emotions by Changing Thinking Self-Acceptance Challengin Parents as a Threat to Self-Esteem Have Fun Maintaining Self-Esteem as a Manager Self-Esteem and Teacher Stress

About the Author :
Students of education studies; early childhood education; foundation degree modules on factors affecting learning and individual differences; PGCE primary and secondary.

Review :
Praise for the first edition: `The underlying philosophy of this practical book is that raising self-esteem in pupils (including dyslexics) will lead to achievement of higher academic results and fewer behaviour problems. This book is primarily for primary and secondary teachers but would provide much material for discussion among SpLD teachers, given the unexpected and controversial results of Denis Lawrence′s research′ - Dyslexia Contact `Many useful suggestions offered in this book about learning activities are likely to help pupils to feel better about themselves, to learn to respect others and to experience how feelings can be expressed safely′ - British Journal of Special Education