Build your students' self-esteem with this simple activity. Provide each student with a piece of paper and instruct them to fold it in thirds, creating a brochure. Take a photo of each child and have them glue the photo and write their names onto the front of the folded paper. Instruct them to pass their papers to the person sitting behind them, who writes something positive inside the brochure. The papers go around the room until each student has written inside one another's brochure. Students collect their own brochures and read them. Instruct them to place them inside their desks and pull them out whenever they need a pick-me-up.
Students create collages to boost their self-esteem. Provide students with construction paper, markers, crayons, magazines and scissors. Instruct them to look through the magazines and cut out pictures of items that showcase their attributes or things they like -- they may also use the crayons and markers to draw pictures of these things. When they are done, have them share their pictures with the class. This activity helps remind children that their uniqueness makes them special.
Have students create a list of things that make them happy. Instruct students to write down a list of things that bring them joy, including activities, people, foods, places and animals. Students in younger grades may draw pictures that indicate these things. Hang the lists on a bulletin board or have students place them in their desks to refer to when they are feeling blue.
Send your students through a train of praise at the start of each week or before a big test. Divide your class in half and have them form two lines with a space in between. One student at a time walks between the two lines while the other students pat him on the back, offer high fives and shower him with words of praise. Allow each student to walk down the praise train. This activity will boost spirits and help inspire students.