The Role of Self-Esteem in the Healthy School Environment All educators, and in particular health educators, have an opportunity to positively impact their students. Experts believe that self-esteem is linked to virtually every aspect of a student’s life at school.

Self-Esteem Positive Self-Esteem is linked to: Getting along with others Doing well academically Coping with stressful situations Off-setting self-defeating behaviors

Some behaviors associated with poor self-esteem Lack of attention – therefore don’t do well in academics Disruptive – want attention Withdrawing Don’t cope well with life situations Depression and loneliness Uncomfortable with self

Classroom efforts to Improve Self-Esteem Satisfying group relationships – encourage appropriate social networks Steer them toward activities they are geared for; otherwise they will have poor self-esteem reinforced Reinforce the concept that uniqueness is good; kids are different physically, emotionally, intellectually. Focusing on differences may lead to poor self- esteem.

Opportunities to Improve Self-Esteem Remember it is a cumulative process. Every positive thing you do to enhance self-esteem will help. Only parents have more opportunity to improve self- esteem. Reinforce what they did well, e.g. recall something that they performed well and tie it to the next event. Build a base.

Opportunities to Improve Self- Esteem Create an environment of mutual support and caring. Don’t allow them to pick on each other. Don’t let them put one another down.