Supporting Children's Self-Esteem - post

Children are able to develop their creativity and in turn, build their self-esteem when they are able to create their own works of art. They can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they have completed an art project. As teachers, we want to foster this creativity and give children a variety of opportunities to express themselves. Each child is unique and while some children can easily express themselves verbally, others may find it difficult. Providing art as a form of expression in the classroom helps those children that find it difficult to express themselves in other ways. Consider providing children with a variety of art supplies and give them the freedom to use whichever they choose. Suggestions for art supplies in the classroom:

Markers, crayons, finger paint, watercolors, oil pastels, clay, recycled materials, colored pencils, pencils, scissors, glue, feathers, sequins, colored paper, textured paper

My Personal Shield Activity.

Objective: To express or represent a feeling or value in a drawing.

Have children draw a picture or symbol in each section of the shield to represent: 

• one of my goals.
• something that makes me happy.
• one of my strengths.
• something that represents me.

Interested in learning more ways to support children's self-esteem, art, and creativity?

ChildCareEd offers several training courses that provide strategies for early childhood educators in their work with young children.

• Power of Art: Bldg Self-Esteem & Positive Behavior for ALL Abilities
• Open Heart, Open Art
• Opportunity for Growth: Emotional Development