Here are a few ASCD resources to get you started in helping children develop self-confidence and healthy self-esteem.
- In his ASCD book, Totally Positive Teaching, Joseph Ciaccio offers strategies for boosting student confidence, using praise, and communicating high expectations. Read a sample chapter at <LINK URL="http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/104016.aspx">www.ascd.org/publications/books/104016.aspx</LINK>.
- The e-book Engaging the Whole Child: Reflections on Best Practices in Learning, Teaching, and Leadership is a collection of articles and book excerpts that offers tips for building students' motivation, self-confidence, and desire to learn. Check out sample chapters at <LINK URL="http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/books/scherer2009_excerpts.pdf">www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/books/scherer2009_excerpts.pdf</LINK>.
- Terri Apter's Educational Leadership article, "Resolving the Confidence Crisis" (April 2006) provides tips for moving tweens from self-doubt to self-confidence: <LINK URL="http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr06/vol63/num07/Resolving-the-Confidence-Crisis.aspx">www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr06/vol63/num07/Resolving-the-Confidence-Crisis.aspx</LINK>.
- Carol S. Dweck's article, "The Perils and Promises of Praise," in Educational Leadership (October 2007) cautions about using the "wrong kind of praise" and explains how to give praise that encourages students and motivates them to learn: <LINK URL="http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct07/vol65/num02/The-Perils-and-Promises-of-Praise.aspx">www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct07/vol65/num02/The-Perils-and-Promises-of-Praise.aspx</LINK>.
- The PD Online® course Understanding Student Motivation examines the basics of motivation, the role motivation plays in academic performance, and how to activate motivation in students.