For this article, we wanted to provide our readers with tools and resources to help parents and teachers with this sometimes-daunting task of helping a child or student with additional needs to develop a healthy level of confidence and self-esteem. Below, you may discover just the right resource, tool or combination of both to assist you in helping a child who needs just a bit more self-confidence in the classroom or simply in his day-to-day activities outside the classroom. We hope you will find that these resources will enhance the quality of life for a child or student you care about or serve.
Tools and Resources to Help Challenged Kids Build Self-Esteem
How to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem: ADHD Parenting Advice---by Larry Silver, M.D. & ADDitude
Many kids with ADHD and learning disabilities also struggle with poor self-esteem. Here's how parents can help.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1465.html
The Importance of Self-Esteem for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues---by Bob Cunningham & Understood
Children develop self-esteem by experiencing repeated successes. Children with learning and attention issues are at risk for low self-esteem. You can help your child develop positive self-esteem with some of the tips included in this article.
https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/empowering-your-child/self-esteem/the-importance-of-self-esteem-for-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues
Building Self-Esteem: The Emotional Needs of the Dyslexic Child---by Pauline Croxall & READyslexics
Good information to help both parents and teachers understand the emotional needs of a child/student with dyslexia. Provides a self-esteem inventory or checklist to assess a child’s needs as well.
http://readyslexics.com/web/about-dyslexia/building-self-esteem
Self-identity and self-esteem for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder---by Raising Children Network
During adolescence, your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is forming an independent identity. This is a normal and important part of becoming an adult, and you can do a lot to support your child and build his self-esteem along the way.
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disorder_self_esteem_teenagers.html
12 Booster Activities for Kids with Down Syndrome---by Vicki Vila & Parents Magazine
These learning activities will help your child with cognitive and educational development as he grows.
http://www.parents.com/health/down-syndrome/booster-activities-for-kids-with-down-syndrome/
7 Ways to Build Confidence in Kids with Speech Disorders---by Chris O & speech buddies
Speech disorders and delays can not only effect how children are able to communicate, but also their confidence and self-esteem. When this happens, their behavior, learning, and relationships can be affected to various degrees. In fact, some researchers propose that kids with speech delays can be more at risk for things such as bullying because they can seem more reclusive. Here are a few ways, however, that parents, teachers, and caregivers can help build confidence and ease frustrations.
https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/speech-disorders/7-ways-to-build-confidence-in-kids-with-speech-disorders/
Building Self-Esteem in Children with Special Needs---from the Special Education Guide
Self-esteem is always a concern for students with special needs. In a mainstreamed classroom, it’s not difficult to see students divide into groups. If you as a teacher are aware of this, you can take steps to ensure that the entire class is cohesive. For instance, there may not be a real peer group for the only student in class with visual impairment; therefore, you need to make certain that the entire class is a peer group. This is can be accomplished with help from this article.
http://www.specialeducationguide.com/pre-k-12/behavior-and-classroom-management/building-self-esteem-in-children-with-special-needs/
How to build your child’s self-esteem---by Randi Chapnik Myers & Today’s Parent
Simply praising your child can actually do more harm than good. Here’s a comprehensive guide to building self-esteem in children.
http://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/how-to-build-your-childs-self-esteem/
How to Build Healthy Self-Esteem in Children---by Sasha Emmons & Scholastic’s Parent & Child
In trying to boost kids’ self-esteem, we may be tearing it down. Learn how to build a healthy sense of confidence in children.
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/praise-discipline/how-to-build-healthy-self-esteem-children
10 Ways to Help Your Child Build Self-Esteem---by Ivan Dimitrijevic & Lifehack
If you want to help your child build self-esteem, try out some of these strategies.
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-ways-help-your-child-build-self-esteem.html
7 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Special-Needs Students---by Thomas Armstrong & Education Week TEACHER
Here are seven ways that you can activate the strengths of your students with special needs, whether you run a full-inclusion classroom, a self-contained special ed classroom, or anything in between.
http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2013/04/08/fp_armstrong.html
Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem---from family lives
Building self-esteem in children is an ongoing process and starts early. You can help to build your child’s self-esteem by letting them know how well they have done and how proud you are of them. The tips in this article can help.
http://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/primary/health-and-development/helping-your-child-build-self-esteem/
Tools to Help Build Self-Esteem in Kids with Reading & Learning Challenges
Dyslexia Toolkit---by Dr. Linda Silbert
Get your Dyslexia Toolkit here in one simple step (requires online registration). Extensive research has shown that children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. That’s why every activity in this guide is designed for children to have fun while learning to read. This is especially important for the child with dyslexia! In this FREE downloadable book from Dr. Silbert, you’ll find activities to use again and again to help improve reading skills at all levels.
http://drlindasblog.com/dyslexia-toolkit/ and http://drlindasblog.com/ty-dyslexia/
Reading Focus Cards Low-Tech & Digital Desktop Tools (Patents 7,565,759 & 8,360,779)---from Brennan Innovators, LLC
Inexpensive yet innovative tools to help improve focus, tracking, comprehension and retention when reading either physical or digital media (for Macs & PCs). This comprehensive reading tools system can make all the difference in reading success for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, stroke, brain injury and other conditions that often impact reading ability.
Physical Tools: http://www.focusandread.com/products
Digital Desktop App: http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590
FREE Printable: CHILDREN'S SELF-ESTEEM---by Kristin Zolten, M.A. & Nicholas Long, Ph.D., Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Artwork by Scott Snider)
Self-esteem can be defined as how people feel about themselves. Children's levels of self-esteem are evident in their behavior and attitudes. If children feel good about themselves, these good feelings will be reflected in how they relate to friends, teachers, siblings, parents, and others. This article provides some useful facts and tips to assist adults in helping to build a child’s self-esteem.
http://www.parenting-ed.org/handouts/self%20esteem.pdf
For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for challenged readers with ADHD, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897
Images courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com
