Resources To Raise Self Esteem In Children

Time to Talk

by: Alison Schroeder

Amazon Price: $52.99 (as of 06/03/2012)

The Time To Talk book is invaluable when working with younger children. I've listed it here as a Self esteem game but it is written as a Social skills resource. However, it not only addresses social skills, but also Self esteem, Feelings, Friendships, vocabulary and a whole host more.

The book comprises of an introduction for professionals with background information and assessment tools which include pragmatics an semantics as well as elements covering social understanding and behaviour. I use elements of the assessment lists and differentiate according to the input that is required for the child concerned.

The book includes lesson plans. These tell you what your learning objective is for that lesson, what resources you need and it basically scripts it out for you. The book is written for you to work with a group of children, I have also used it successfully on a 1:1 basis. Photocopiable worksheets, letters to parents, certificates, games and activities are within the book.

The attraction for children is Ginger Bear. The programme follows Ginger from the rules of Listening to lining up, taking turns and so much more.

I wouldn't go into an Infant school without this!

THE TIME TO TALK GAME

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)

The Time To Talk board game is a follow up product to the Time To Talk Book. This game helps reinforce the lessons taught from the book but can also be used independently from the book. Children take turns to move around the board and may have to answer questions, use their imaginations, or maybe hide the little Ginger Bear from the others, along the way.

The children absolutely love this game. It will also help when teaching feelings, friendship and social skills.

The Bear Cards

by: Sandy Harman, John Veeken

Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 06/03/2012)

The Bears Cards come as a range of coloured cards, each depicting a bear displaying an emotion. With very young children, I would only use three or four cards and maybe stick to obvious feelings such as happy or sad. Of course, with older children/young people you can use more cards and more complex feelings.

The cards allow you to use them in anyway you choose. You could ask a child to pick a bear that shows how they feel when they get a painting put on the wall display for example. the cards are a visual cue for children who don''t necessarily have the language skills to communicate freely.

Of course the cards come complete with instruction cards but I have a tendency to read instructions, then do my own thing! Don't be afraid of using resources in a way that you're comfortable with.

Marvelous Me (Values & Feelings)

by: Linda Schwartz

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 06/03/2012)

This book contains worksheet activities that help a child to raise their self awareness. It helps them to recognise their strengths as well as any possible weaknesses that you can help them work on. You'll be able to help them talk about their interests and hobbies, talk about their home life and much more. The book will help you build a relationship with the child and gradually you'll help with their self esteem too in a fun way.

Esteem Builders: A K-8 Self Esteem Curriculum for Improving Student Achievement, Behavior and School Climate, Second Edition

by: Dr Michele Borba

Amazon Price: $121.55 (as of 06/03/2012)

Esteem Builders is a book absolutely packed with the most useful and wonderful ideas, photocopiable resources, lesson plans and more. One of the reviews on Amazon contains this sentence; 'The program works because it builds upon the five sequential components of healthy self-esteem.' I think that sums it up nicely. Not only will you find a resource here to match your need, you'll find so may ideas. I'deliberately not added an age to this one as I have used it from age 4 through to about 14 but mostly I use it for the 7 - 11 age range.

Developing Emotional Literacy with Teenage Boys: Building Confidence, Self Esteem and Self-Awareness (Lucky Duck Books)

by: Tina Rae, Lisa Pedersen

Amazon Price: $28.00 (as of 06/03/2012)

Working with teenagers can be hard work! This book gives you session plans to help address a variety of issues that affect teenage boys. This would be used in a group environment and works extremely well when the programme is followed.

Developing Emotional Literacy with Teenage Girls: Developing Confidence, Self-Esteem and Self-Respect (Lucky Duck Books)

by: Tina Rae, Lorna Patricia Nelson, Lisa Pedersen

Amazon Price: $69.94 (as of 06/03/2012)

This is written along the same lines as the book for teenage boys that I've highlighted above.