10 Ways to Build Student Self-Esteem

The following (underlined) tips are courtesy of Applebaum Learning Institute. I have provided more information after each tip.

• Watch for and recognize positive behaviors. This can range from praising the student verbally for their behavior, to giving a student a ticket for a weekly raffle, to giving the student a small piece of candy if appropriate. 
• Create experiences that foster success for students who need them. In other words, if a student is struggling with something and is becoming frustrated, make sure to give them an assignment that they can be successful with the next time.
• Provide opportunities for students to show their special talents and interests. During a long term subbing job in a fourth grade classroom I used this strategy. I noticed a girl who would do origami during lessons. After reminding her that she needed to focus on the lesson at hand, I kept her after class that day and made a deal with her. I told her that if she could prevent herself from doing origami during lessons for the week, I would allow her to conduct her own origami lesson for the class. She was very excited about this, and sure enough she earned her teaching time. The child's mother was also delighted that I had handled the situation in such a positive way.
• Make sure that students always know what is expected. This should start from day one when making the classroom rules. It should continue throughout the year. Rubrics for major assignments are a good way to ensure that students know what they must do. 
• Recognize Improvement. I have seen teachers who have students of the week and students of the month. Monthly award ceremonies can also be held to recognize those students who have made improvements.
• Use cooperative learning activities so that each students has friends. This is important when establishing a sense of community in your classroom, and providing opportunities for students to work together can help to foster this. It is also a great opportunity for students who may be weak in one academic to shine in another area.
• Put sticky notes on the child's work that say things like "Good job!" Little acknowledgments like this can go a long way!
• Encourage students to be responsible in decision-making. 
• Set aside time for communication between yourself and the student to "get to know them."This should occur naturally in lower grades where you are spending large amounts time with your students. It can be a good idea to schedule a "lunch time with the teacher" once a week for individual students in order to get to know them better. This will make students feel more comfortable with the teacher, and further establish a positive learning environment.
• Set aside time for students to pursue individual interests.  Set aside a time once a week for a student to be the "teacher" and discuss/lead a lesson based upon a personal interest.