Do we really need to enhance student’s self-esteem?

Self-esteem is how we see ourselves, the value we give to our personal characteristics. We build a self-esteem once we’re born, and we know it is impossible to turn back time and change things from our past that affected us in anyway. But yes we can influence the development of self-esteem on our students. They are easily mold, and it is important to realize that what we teach today will influence them tomorrow. When our students learn to build self-esteem from a young age they are doing an investment in  their present and future happiness. 

As teachers we should always beware of the negative comments we might say to our students. YES we have to tell when they have done something wrong, but in a way they don’t feel accused. We can tell them "you're wrong ", but we should never say " you're stupid " or "you don’t do anything right ".

Students should be able to discover, explore, create, have their personal space, and learn from their mistakes. They should feel secure to discover things and get to answers, with teacher’s approval and support. Overprotecting, giving them the answers, and putting them in the easiest situation can make their confidence about themselves weak and their ability to use their own knowledge and reasoning will be below expectation.

The nonverbal communication has to be consistent with what we express verbally. Teachers have to let students see a smile, a sincere gesture of approval or a hug to build self-esteem more than anything else. We have to show them how proud we are, not only for what he or she does well, but the whole person.

Students are frighten and afraid to make mistakes or fail… There is nothing that limits us and affects our learning skills more than be afraid of being wrong . The best way to help them go through mistakes is to calmly explain how to avoid making it again in the future.

Something we, as teachers, should always do, is to encourage their sense of self-efficacy. Whenever we can say, "You can do it", " you are unique, special", we should say it. To show students that we trust them; we help them believe in their capabilities. If they complete assignments correctly, we should make them feel proud… if they make a mistake and they face it, we should make them feel way much better and show them how proud we are.

TEACHERS, WE HAVE TO ATTEND THEIR EMOTIONAL NEEDS. We have to be aware of students emotions and always keep in touch with their parents. Students know they can trust their teacher for whatever they need when we give them the approval and demonstrate them that we care about their feelings. We are that person that can listen to them and give them attention. The emotional support is one of the strongest roots of self-esteem, and it will develop a trust in others and in themselves.

We should never underestimate students concerns. We might see the magnitude of the problem very different from the point of view of our students. We should give importance the situation, and listen to what he or she has to say without ignoring what it can bring them. The student has to feel his or her opinion is valid.

It is important for teachers to detect self-esteem issues. We have to be aware of the areas in which our students 's self-esteem may be faltering (social, academic, physical... ) in order to work with them. We are molding a person who will be productive, and effective in a not so far future. The more self-confidence gained, the easier it will be for the child to face the world and its challenges. We all have an important role in this process. Lets enjoy it and work with parents on it!