First published in 1988. The mounting concern in schools over widespread failure in academic achievement, greater disaffection in children and the lack of confidence in many school leavers are highlighted by the difficulties experienced by children who have special educational needs. Within this group the importance of the child’s evaluation of him or herself – i.e. self-esteem – is a neglected issue. This book investigates how the level of self-esteem appears to influence social behaviour and school performance in children with special educational needs. It discusses the practical steps that can be taken to assess and enhance self-esteem in children with special needs and evaluates their effectiveness. The author emphasises the discrepancy between the performance of children who have special educational needs in ordinary classrooms with that achieved in special settings. He argues that the negative impact on a child’s self-esteem created by placing him/her in an ordinary classroom may outweigh the benefits of greater integration. A full and informative treatment of both the theoretical and practical implications of a neglected subject, this text book is suitable for experienced special educational needs teachers and those undergoing teacher training, as well as psychologists with an academic interest in the self-concept or a professional involvement in assessing children.

Focusing on the period from birth to school, this book is about babies′ and young children′s feelings, their learning; and the ways in which the adults in their lives can support their emotional, social and cognitive development. Looking at the perspectives both of the child and the adult, it presents thought-provoking ideas and questions on how adults can make the most of opportunities to support the children with whom they live and work. A story, in episodes embedded throughout the book, makes this an accessible and enjoyable read. In this third edition, there are new and updated chapters on: • Young children′s transitions, with a particular focus on starting school • Young children′s positive ′learning dispositions′ • Brain research and its possible implications • Further reading, signposting some enchanting children′s books as well as important new texts. The book explores the basis of the ′key person′ relationship, looking at attachment ′in practice′, and linking developmental issues with the early development of self esteem. Written for students on early childhood courses and staff in early childhood care and education settings and integrated Children′s Centres, the book will also be of interest to parents and carers.

Praise for the first edition: `The underlying philosophy of this practical book is that raising self-esteem in pupils (including dyslexics) will lead to achievement of higher academic results and fewer behaviour problems. This book is primarily for primary and secondary teachers but would provide much material for discussion among SpLD teachers, given the unexpected and controversial results of Denis Lawrence′s research′ - Dyslexia Contact `Many useful suggestions offered in this book about learning activities are likely to help pupils to feel better about themselves, to learn to respect others and to experience how feelings can be expressed safely′ - British Journal of Special Education Raising self-esteem in pupils can lead to the achievement of higher academic results and fewer behavioural problems. Outlining in simple terms what self-esteem is and providing strategies to support it in the classroom, this book includes clear explanations of the terminology and theory behind self-esteem, and lots of practical examples and useful activities for use with children. The book also covers the main issues surrounding the self-esteem of practitioners. It sets out tried-and-tested strategies that teachers can use to recognise and reduce stress and maintain their self-esteem. This new edition has been fully updated and now includes new case study material and activities.

Providing comprehensive coverage of self esteem, this text presents a four phase process - Identity, Strengths and Weaknesses, Nurturance, and Maintenance - which is described along with the resistance on encounters, and provides the basis for successfully enhancing self-esteem. Interventions are outlined to bring together theory and methods - cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. The strategies included are applicable to several populations (child, teen, and adult) and several settings (school, business, and community). For both children and adults, this book is designed to be a textbook for courses, workshops, and seminars. It will also serve as an excellent resource for teachers and counselors and will be used by individuals for self-improvement. Some key features of the third edition are: It translates theory into practice; provides 107 activities with specific procedures and anticipated outcomes; relates each activity to one of four phase processes; utilizes a systematic approach to enhancing self esteem; incorporates cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of individuals.