We all have doubts when learning new things, and it can be difficult to know strategies to boost self-confidence and persevere. Students are no different. How students feel about themselves has far-reaching effects on their success in school.
Why is building self-confidence for students important?
Why is self-confidence important for students? Confidence helps students realize that reaching full potential is possible. The path to success at school becomes a little smoother when educators keep real-world skills, like teaching problem-solving and social skills, in mind.
A confident student has a “can-do” attitude. This doesn’t come naturally for all students. Teaching confidence through self-esteem activities helps students learn to trust themselves. Building student confidence also prepares them for handling challenges that will inevitably come throughout life. When students have solid real-world skills and positive self-esteem, they have a healthy sense of worth. They are more likely to take academic risks and overcome setbacks.
Encouraging science and math confidence through growth mindsets
A growth mindset can positively impact science and math confidence. If students feel they’re not good at math or science, it can translate into motivation and effort. By encouraging growth mindsets that emphasize new learning over time rather than one test score, students begin to see the bigger picture.
Students who feel blocked in the learning process are less likely to take risks. Self-doubt may cause them to doubt their abilities and give up easily. Activities to build confidence in students show them how to turn that attitude around.
9 self-esteem boosting activities & strategies for students
There’s a multitude of factors that affect the self-esteem of the students sitting in your classroom. Everything from family conflicts to health concerns and peer relationships can affect them. Things that may seem small to adults can have big effects on their confidence. Teens and kids notice every little detail and are not afraid to voice their helpful and hurtful opinions.
Taking the time and effort to encourage confidence and boost self-esteem should be part of the classroom community-building plan. Consider incorporating these strategies and self-esteem activities for kids in your class.
- Create a respectful, safe environment that encourages open communication and academic risk-taking.
- Provide constructive, actionable feedback so students know what steps to take independently.
- Ask students to set short-term and long-term goals for work habits as well as academics.
- Plan learning experiences involving collaboration to give students a sense of belonging to the group.
- Offer opportunities for reflection and self-assessment, such as once per quarter or at the end of each unit.
- Celebrate successes and make plans for necessary adjustments in areas of concern.
- Encourage students to use their strengths and showcase their interests in projects such as art or music to boost individuality.
- Build student autonomy by offering choices and involving them in decision-making tasks when appropriate.
- Teach some positive affirmations for students (“I am prepared to succeed” or “I’m going to grow smarter today”) to help challenge or combat negative thoughts and worries.
Don’t stop with these! You know your students best. That means you’ll find those personalized ways to boost the confidence of each student in your class.
If you’re searching for tools that help to strengthen academic skills in math and science that also motivate and engage students, it’s time to give ExploreLearning programs a try. Choose the one that best fits your needs and get started.
