Self-Esteem and Socialization
September 2009 Newsletter Topic: “Self-Esteem and Socialization”
As early childhood educators, Ms. Myra and I both realize the importance of a child’s self-esteem and socialization, especially at a very young age. The development of a young child’s self-esteem and socialization bear significant importance throughout the child’s schooling and adult life. Language is one of the most crucial component in this developing and is necessary in the process of thinking and understanding oneself, not to mention grasping commucation and education concepts. A healthy self-esteem is boosted by good language skills and is essential to eased socialization.
Before children can begin to learn they must have an understanding of themselves, the more valuable and worthwhile they feel, the better they will be able to learn. To help create a solid base of self-esteem and socialization needed for learning, there are activites both directed and self directed that help foster and increase a children’ self -worth:
Teaching Attainable Skill Mastery
Each child is unique and different and since we teach a” developmentally appropriate program” we work on each child’s individual challenging them to attain their next skill level.
Teaching Autonomy and Personal Competence
We teach the children self help skills and personal responsibility. Children are encouraged to participate in using classroom materials and centers independently. They are also encouraged to paticipate in working with new materials and new activities in a group setting.
Encouraging Personal Creativity
Children are encouraged to pursue all aspects of creative art activities including mental imagery drawing at the child’s developmental level
Encouraging a Positive Sense of Oneself, including Body Image and Awareness
As early child educators we create an environment of empowerment, acceptance and support. In this way every child benefits and gets the oportunity to form the best possible foundation for learning.
I wholly believe that if we teach to the needs of each individual child, each child in part benefits by an increased sense of mastery at each level.