Enhancing Self-esteem in the Classroom

by Denis Lawrence

• ISBN13: 9781412921114
• ISBN10: 1412921112
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-23
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Summary

Raising self-esteem in pupils can lead to higher academic results and fewer behavioral problems. Outlining in simple terms what self-esteem is and providing strategies to support it in the classroom, Denis Lawrence offers clear explanations of the terminology and theory behind self-esteem, and many practical examples and useful activities to use with children. Fully updated and including new case study material and activities, this resource also discusses the main issues surrounding the self-esteem of practitioners. It sets out tried-and-tested strategies that teachers can use to recognize and reduce stress and maintain their self-esteem.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	xi
Foreword	xii
Introduction	xiv
What is Self-Esteem?	1	(18)
Clarifying the terminology	1	(7)
How self-esteem operates	8	(3)
The self-esteem hierarchy	11	(2)
The evidence for self-esteem enhancement	13	(6)
The Role of the Self-Concept in Self-Esteem Enhancement	19	(12)
Misapprehension over the nature of self-esteem	20	(2)
Can children have too much self-esteem?	22	(1)
The child with the undeveloped self-image	23	(2)
The child with unrealistic self-image	25	(1)
The child with the weak ideal self	26	(5)
Self-Esteem and Individual Differences	31	(10)
Origins of differences	32	(1)
Children's reactions to individual differences	32	(1)
Physical differences	33	(1)
Specific learning difficulties	34	(1)
Hearing difficulties	35	(1)
Visual difficulties	36	(1)
General learning difficulty	36	(1)
Gender differences	37	(1)
Different ethnic groups	38	(3)
Significant Influences on the Self-Concept	41	(12)
Parental influences	41	(2)
Changes in family structure	43	(1)
Peer and sibling influences	43	(2)
Failure experiences	45	(1)
Media influences	46	(1)
Adolescence	46	(3)
Cultural identity	49	(1)
Other crises	50	(3)
Assessing Self-Esteem	53	(14)
Measuring self-esteem	53	(3)
Behavioural checklist	56	(1)
The Lawrence self-esteem questionnaire (the Lawseq)	57	(5)
Other methods of assessment	62	(5)
Enhancing Self-Esteem Whilst Teaching	67	(16)
Desirable personal qualities	68	(6)
Teacher self-esteem	74	(1)
Communication	74	(5)
Teacher's preferred teaching style	79	(1)
Expectancy effects	80	(1)
Everyday contacts	80	(3)
Small Group Activities to Enhance Self-Esteem	83	(12)
Aims and rationale	84	(1)
Introducing the activities	85	(2)
Trust activities	87	(1)
Recognizing and describing emotions	88	(1)
Expression of emotions	89	(2)
Positive feedback	91	(1)
Taking risks	92	(3)
Whole-School and Whole-Class Approaches to Enhancing Self-Esteem	95	(16)
Whole-school approaches	95	(2)
Curriculum activities	97	(1)
Developing internal locus of control	97	(1)
Active tutorial work	98	(2)
Developing critical thinking skills	100	(1)
Developing a self-image	101	(1)
Respect for individual differences	101	(1)
Bullying	102	(1)
Cooperative behaviour	103	(1)
Assertive behaviour	104	(3)
Conflict resolution	107	(1)
Teaching relaxation	107	(1)
Setting goals	108	(3)
Individual Programme For Enhancing Self-Esteem	111	(14)
Rationale	112	(1)
Who should conduct the programme?	112	(1)
Using non-professionals	113	(1)
Selecting the child	114	(1)
Seeking parental permission	115	(1)
The status of the programme provider and the setting	115	(1)
Introducing the sessions to the child	115	(1)
Principles of the programme	116	(5)
Terminating the programme	121	(1)
A ten-week programme	122	(2)
Peer support and befriending programmes	124	(1)
Challenging Behaviour	125	(16)
The disruptive child	126	(5)
Defence mechanisms against low self-esteem	131	(4)
Seeking the positive features in the child	135	(6)
Self-Esteem and Reading Difficulties	141	(14)
Research findings	142	(5)
Selecting appropriate treatment for reading programmes	147	(3)
The maintenance of reading gains in the long term	150	(1)
The effects of therapeutic intervention on dyslexic children	151	(4)
The Teacher's Self-Esteem	155	(26)
The hedonistic philosophy	156	(1)
Changing emotions by changing thinking	157	(3)
Self-acceptance	160	(2)
Challenging parents as a threat to self-esteem	162	(5)
Have fun	167	(1)
Maintaining self-esteem as a manager	167	(7)
Self-esteem and teacher stress	174	(7)
Conclusion	181	(2)
Appendix: Investigations into self-esteem enhancement and reading attainment	183	(4)
Bibliography	187	(11)
Index	198