As a role model and educator for preschoolers, you play an important role in fostering their self-esteem. When young children have healthy self-esteem, they’re more likely to be prepared for everyday challenges and feel confident and valued in all that they do. Here are three tips for fostering your student’s self esteem while they’re in your care:
- Offer Praise While Encouraging Repeat Behavior
When you focus on a specific act your students did well, you’re helping them understand why they’re being praised and encouraging them to repeat that action. For example, children are much more likely to clean up their toys again if you specifically thank them for doing it. - Focus on Your Preschooler’s Strengths
Pay attention to what children do well and find opportunities to help them develop those strengths. Nurturing strengths helps children feel good about themselves when they see they are succeeding. - Help Children Learn News Things
During preschool, children are just beginning to learn about themselves, others and the world around them. Teaching your students new things they’re unfamiliar with, like learning to read or learning to count, provides perfect opportunities for self-esteem to take root.