Assertiveness/Self-Esteem

In school and in life, learning to believe in ourselves and speak up respectfully is an important skill. This month, we are focusing on self-esteem and assertiveness. Self-esteem is how we see and value ourselves — recognizing that we are capable, important, and worthy of respect. Assertiveness means expressing our thoughts, feelings, and needs in a confident and respectful way.

When students build healthy self-esteem, they begin to trust their abilities, try new things, and bounce back from challenges. Learning to be assertive helps students communicate clearly, set boundaries, and stand up for themselves and others while still showing kindness and respect.

By practicing these skills, students learn that their voice matters. Developing self-esteem and assertiveness helps them build stronger friendships, make thoughtful choices, and grow into confident learners both inside and outside the classroom.

For example, Assertiveness & Self-Esteem as a Student Can Look Like:

• Believing their thoughts, feelings, and ideas matter

• Speaking up respectfully to share opinions or ask questions

• Asking for help when something feels confusing or difficult

• Saying “no” to things that feel unsafe or uncomfortable

• Expressing feelings using calm and respectful words

• Trying new things even if they feel nervous at first

• Accepting compliments and recognizing their own strengths

• Standing up for themselves or others in a kind, respectful way

• Setting healthy boundaries with peers

• Taking responsibility for their choices and actions

• Learning from mistakes without being overly hard on themselves

• Encouraging themselves with positive self-talk

Why Do Assertiveness & Self-Esteem Matter? They help students:

• Develop confidence in their abilities and decisions

• Communicate their needs and feelings clearly

• Build healthy friendships and respectful relationships

• Handle peer pressure and challenging situations

• Advocate for themselves in the classroom and beyond

• Strengthen resilience when facing mistakes or setbacks

• Feel proud of their growth and accomplishments

• Build a positive sense of identity and self-worth

Why/How Mrs. Tammen teaches Assertiveness & Self-Esteem:

• Classroom Lessons: Teaching students the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication while helping them understand that being assertive means expressing themselves with confidence and respect. 

• Practice & Reinforcement: Using visuals, sentence starters, reflection activities, goal-setting exercises, and read-alouds that highlight confidence, self-respect, and positive communication. 

• Tools & Resources: Using visuals, emotion charts, sentence starters, reflection activities, read-alouds, and kindness challenges to help students understand and apply empathy and loving actions. 

• Collaboration with Families & Teachers: Partnering with teachers and families to reinforce language and strategies that support confident communication, healthy boundaries, and positive self-belief both at school and at home. 

• Personal Support: Working individually with students to build confidence, practice expressing their needs respectfully, navigate peer situations, and strengthen their sense of self-worth.