Confidence is a skill and just like any other skill, it needs to be developed through appropriate measures. It is the foundation of a kid’s well-being and serves as the key to success when they become an adult. However, kids tend to learn new skills at a dizzying rate ever since birth and hence fail to build confidence within themselves. This is why teachers need to look for a way to foster self-confidence in children and want to make it fun.
With children struggling with self-confidence they often dislike studying, shy away from challenges, and lack the courage to try out new things. But, as a kid gets older it becomes essential for them to trust their capabilities and be aware of the situations they can or cannot handle on their own. Moreover, as teachers, you just want to see children chasing their dreams and living a fulfilled, meaningful life.
But the question is where do you start?
Allow us to help you out and walk you through 5 tips to build self-assurance in children.
1. Amplify Your Own Self-Confidence
Fostering confidence in a child can be a little challenging if you don’t model it yourself. However, as a human being, it is not always possible to put on a happy face all the time. But your unhappiness can transfer to your learners and it can be disastrous for them. Since children are mirrors and imitators, it is essential to portray confidence even when you are not feeling it.
In the initial days, a child's concept of self-worth is intimately tied to the people they are surrounded with. Thus, you as educators should decide what image you want to reflect on your child. If you are not content with yourself or are in a foul mood, they mirror the same emotion and if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, it is advisable to seek help and resolve those feelings before stepping into the classroom. Seeing you being the best version of yourself and tackling tasks with optimism sets a good example for the kids.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
Students who lack self-confidence often tend to focus only on the negative aspects. Hence their growth is curbed and they do not possess any goals or aspirations. Thus, you as an educator must set realistic expectations about what your learners can and cannot accomplish. Make it a habit to acknowledge and praise your kids whenever they are doing something correctly.
Moreover, understand their capabilities while assigning tasks and some students might make achievements high above the norm, it is simply not attainable by others. Allow your students to set their own goals and review their accomplishments with them. This will enable a sense of belonging and they will be encouraged to try out new things.
3. Allow Them To Make Decisions
As children, they often have very little control over their lives. Children are often told what to eat, and wear, when to wake up, what time to sleep, how to behave, etc. It is not generally wrong to establish routines; however, this can sometimes make them feel powerless as they are not able to make their own decisions. But, when you give them choices and when they learn to decide for themselves, they learn to hold themselves accountable and transform into confident adults.
When a child’s decisions are valued and when they are allowed to make choices from a very early age, they develop a sense of better judgment. Even though kids love to run the show, too many choices might be overwhelming for them. Hence, initially start with two or three options and allow them to pick and choose. These little changes will eventually enable them to be self-confident individuals.
4. Induce Problem Solving Skills
Problem-solving is a skill that every individual must learn regardless of their age. The ability to find the root cause of a problem and formulate viable solutions facilitates a send of self-worth among the kids. Thus, teaching your kids critical thinking skills that will enable them to solve complex problems easily will boost their self-esteem.
However, no learner is perfect and hence mistakes are inevitable. Moreover, there might be some students who focus solely on their failures thus curbing their growth. Therefore, you as an instructor must constantly remind them that they are not defined by their shortcomings and must reassure them to try harder. Developing a growth mindset in your students will make them more positive and ensure success.
5. Be A Positive Mirror
A child reflects what they perceive. Their perception of themselves comes mostly from what others think about them. Most of a child's self-image comes from their teacher’s reaction as they spent most of their time in a classroom. Thus, it is important to ask yourself, do you reflect a negative or positive image to your child?
When your kid imbibes positive reflections from you, they learn to see themselves in a different light. They will also rely on you for their behaviors which then become a discipline tool. Additionally, you should not compare one student to another and make your child feel special. Providing your undivided attention to them will not only make them sensitive but will also allow them to be open with you.
Final Thoughts
Teachers often misunderstand confidence as being one of those many things they need to provide their kids to ensure a comfortable life. However, self-esteem is a journey that needs to be perfected one step at a time. If you want to raise a confident and motivated child then International Teaching Diploma Courses in Kolkata might prove to be beneficial. With this, you can be the teachers you hope they will become one day!
Leave a comment!
Looking for earning an international teaching certificate? Call us at +9197396 15888 or contact us at our toll free: 1800 - 212 – 6400. You can mail us as well at act@asiancollegeofteachers.com. Our experts are here to help you out dedicatedly!
Written By : Sanjana