alt=""/>Invite adults with intellectual, physical, sensory or other challenges to share their achievements with participants.
13. Have participants sit in a circle and take turns saying something they like about the person sitting next to them. This gives youth practice affirming others, as well as receiving affirmation.
14. Use puppets (for younger children) or role-plays (for older children) to demonstrate situations in which people give and receive compliments. Include examples of complimenting appearance (“What a cool haircut!”), behavior (“I like the way you are sitting quietly.”), and completion of an effort or task (“Look what a great job you’ ve done!”). Be certain to practice and generalize this skill in school and community environments.
Informal Activities:
1. There are many opportunities to foster self-esteem on a daily basis in natural settings. Making positive statements like, “John, I’m so glad to see you today.” or “I’d like to show everyone how beautiful Sarah’s writing is.” helps enhance a child’s self-esteem.
2. Peer groups can learn to reinforce each other. For example, clapping for each other’s successes and making comments to each other using “I like_________” statements helps develop this skill.
