Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book

About the Book

This second edition of the highly successful Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem is packed with fun and effective activities to help children develop and maintain healthy self-esteem.

New and updated material has been added including a section on running parent groups alongside children's groups, as well as a brand new layout, fresh illustrations, an expanded theoretical section and extra activities.

Based on the author's extensive clinical experience, this activities book will equip and support teaching staff, therapists and carers in encouraging feelings of competence and self-worth in children and their families. It is primarily designed for use with individuals and groups of children aged 7-11, but the ideas can easily be adapted for both older and younger children and children with learning difficulties.

This fully photocopiable resource is invaluable for anyone looking for creative, practical ways of nurturing self-esteem in children.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Introduction. Part One: Theoretical Background. 1. Imagery, Imagework and the Process of Change. 2. Understanding Self-Esteem. 3. Working within the School Curriculum. 4. The Child with Speech and Language Difficulties. 5. Guidelines for Facilitators. Part Two: Instructions for Self-Esteem Activities. I. Getting Started (STARS and EMERALDS). II. Who Am I? (RUBIES). III. Friends and Feelings (SILVER). IV. Feeling OK About Being Me (GOLD). V. Taking Care of Myself (PEARLS). VI. More Than Just Talking (SAPPHIRES). VII. Solving Problems (RAINBOWS). VIII. Setting Goals (MOONBEAMS). Part Three: Activity Worksheets. I. STARS and EMERALDS (Getting Started). II. RUBIES (Who Am I?). III. SILVER (Friends and Feelings). IV. GOLD (Feeling OK About Being Me). V. PEARLS (Taking Care of Myself). VI. SAPPHIRES (More Than Just Talking). VII. RAINBOWS (Solving Problems). VIII. MOONBEAMS (Setting Goals). Part Four: Working with Parents. Introduction. Session 1. Getting Started. Session 2. Foundation Element: Self-Knowledge. Session 3. Foundation Elements: Self and Others and Self-Awareness. Session 4. Foundation Element: Self-Acceptance. Session 5. Foundation Element: Self-Reliance. Session 6. Foundation Elements: Self-Expression and Self-Confidence. Session 7. Make-believe, Playing Games and Telling Stories. Session 8. Course Review and Goals for the Future. Appendix A: The Iceberg of Low Self-Esteem. Appendix B: Relaxation Script. Appendix C: Instructions for Calm Breathing. Appendix D: Children's Books. Subject Index. Author index. Activities index.

About the Author :
Deborah M. Plummer has over 30 years' experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she also has extensive experience as a senior lecturer in aspects of health psychology and counselling. She ran workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery, games and story-telling in the promotion of well-being. Deborah is now retired.

Review :

Praise for the second edition:

'The layout of the book is well planned. I particularly like:

1. the list of recommended children's books (appendix)

2. the photcopiable activity sheets

3. the guidance on constructive use of the resources when working with children and parents

My favourite chapter was Chapter 2 - "Understanding Self Esteem'"which provided in depth and useful information. I will definitely be making good use of the information and ideas that I read about in this book…I think the book is an excellent resource that teaches ways of helping every child to build self esteem. I recommend it wholeheartedly to parents, childminders and professional childcare providers.'

This photocopiable book is packed with ideas for activities to boost self-esteem and confidence. Although it is primarily aimed at children aged seven to 11 years old, the ideas are designed to be flexible and easily adapted for children of different ages as well as those with disabilities. The author has tested the activities and some have examples of reactions children had to illustrate their effect. This updated and expanded volume offers activities for use by therapists, teachers, social workers, nurses, and other professionals to encourage self esteem in children aged 7-11.

Praise for the first edition:

'The book is practical and positive. [It] is thoughtfully produced and is evidently grounded in practical experience. It will be useful for professionals working to develop children's self-esteem and confidence.'

a rich resource in its own right, or to "pick and mix", incorporating activities into other ways of working, according to the needs of the children and one's own personal and professional preferences. This practical guide has a fund of ideas describing how teachers can harness powerful young imaginations and help build self-esteem. This workbook is designed to assist children in moving from head information on self-esteem to heart experiences that [can] impact deeply on their sense of themselves. Deborah Plummer uses imagination and empowerment to move children and adults from discouragement to success. She shows again what people such as Ignatius Loyola and Virginia Satir knew - imagination can be a powerful tool for change. This publication should find its way into resource libraries in schools and speech and language therapy departments as well as being generally available to parents and carers. It contains clear instructions for people working with children to put together a group programme, and whilst Plummer emphasises helping children with speech and language difficulties, it would be easy to adapt the activities to other children. The book will be of genuine interest and use for Special Educational Needs coordinators and class teachers alike.