Whether it's through painting, drawing, acting, sculpting, music or another medium, the arts has great potential to boost self-confidence in both children and adults. Through establishing and building on existing skills and talents, people who work at various arts-related activities gain a positive sense of self-identity that many other pastimes can't provide. Often, the most benefits come through practicing art with a variety of other people in a supportive, respectful environment.
Step 1
Choose an activity that allows for maximum creative expression and enjoyment. Consider matching your students' personalities with artistic forms that seem to fit them best. For example, people who are obviously extroverted and like loud, lively environments might receive the most positive feedback and appreciation by acting in a play or singing in a musical. Quieter, calmer students may do better with gradually building confidence through individual activities such as painting or sculpting.
Step 2
Connect arts activities with applicable skills that produce pride and satisfaction. Maribeth Joy, executive director of Chicago's organizations CircEsteem and CircTeen, encourages teenagers who have attended the programs as children to apply for jobs with her organization, prepare resumes and sit for interviews. Such interdisciplinary approaches to the arts are successful at showcasing participants' talents and demonstrating that both your students, and their artistic gifts, are worthwhile, useful and appreciated.
Step 3
Foster an environment in which self-expression is welcome. Often, poor self-esteem and self-confidence stem from doubt about true feelings and experiences, and validation of those qualities through art can help reverse the process. Dory Kanter, author of "Art Escapes," urges people to keep an art journal that they use to visually or textually record expressions on a daily basis. Encourage your students to express themselves to build self-realization and help them feel more secure about their emotions.
Step 4
Offer your students support, respect, appreciation and validation. Provide as much feedback as possible, and always emphasize the positive. Constructive criticism is also useful but should be kept to a minimum and remain relevant. Give comments with a goal of harboring self-respect and guiding positive thought processes. Choose specific aspects of a piece of work to praise or comment upon rather than providing generic feedback.
Step 5
Allow for experimentation and new opportunities. In many activities, fear of failure can be crippling for those with minimal confidence and may prevent them from trying new things altogether. Be open to new ideas and suggest them regularly. Encourage risk-taking through trying a new medium, putting works on display and sharing art with others.
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