Self-Confidence in the Early Years is the greatest gift a parent, carer or educator can give a child.
The old saying goes that if a child is confident, they will be able to face any new challenge head on without feeling afraid. An essential factor at any age for a happy and successful life.
What makes a child feel self-confident?
A child’s feeling of confidence stems from a belief in their own ability. This belief is usually formed from the accomplishment of goals and achievements.
At Pingu’s English schools’ children begin their learning journey very young and often have not yet had the opportunity to build up their self-confidence and self-belief. A lack of self-confidence can instantly be recognised in children who are shy and/or unwilling to place themselves in new situations. They will often feel upset, anxious and uncomfortable when carrying out tasks which are alien to their usual routine.
With time and exposure to Pingu’s teaching and learning methods, children become more confident risk takers who go on to complete difficult tasks with greater ease and more confidence.
Ten dos and don’ts to building self-confidence in the early years:
Do…
1. let children make age-appropriate choices;
2. play with children and let them lead the process;
3. let children contribute to age-appropriate house/school chores;
4. help children discover their own interests and talents;
5. let them hear you praise them to another person; this is more believable for a child than direct praise.
Providing children with each of these features on a regular basis will empower children and let them know that they are important which in turn leads to greater self-confidence.
Don’t…
1. criticise a child or overlook their emotions and feelings;
2. become personally upset with a child if they acted out of line, rather refer to the choice that they made;
3. give insincere praise, instead, praise their attitude, effort, process to develop a growth mindset;
4. do everything for them – the more they overcome challenges the more confident they will become.
5. compare a child to another child – comparisons will make them doubt themselves which will lead to a loss of confidence.
Why is self-confidence important in language learning?
Early years experts generally agree to the enormous benefits of self-confidence during the formative years and beyond. However, how does this affect second language acquisition? When a child is lacking in confidence their Affective Filter (See Krashen – Affective Filter Hypothesis) will be higher meaning that their ability to acquire language is lower than that of a child with less anxiety.
According to Krashen, the two main variables that aid second language acquisition are motivation and self-confidence whereas anxiety and a lack of self-confidence actually prevents language acquisition.
In Pingu’s English Schools, parents receive regular communication on how their child is progressing, as well as specific methods for developing their child’s skills holistically to prepare them for the demands of the 21st century.
For further information about our proven method that is used all around the globe, please contact opportunities@pingusenglish.com
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