help mental block

what strategies could you use to encourage children and/or young people to develop confidence in their own abilities?

praise them when they do things as best they can, give them activities you know they can acheive is this on the right tracks?

I would ensure that play is directed at the appropriate level ensuring it meets the child's development level, thus ensuring they achieve. If it is to difficult the child will not be able to achieve hence they will loose confidence. Provide activities that have no end product e.g Play- doh is easily managed by most children they can make their model or whatever it can then be squashed and they can start all over again. Give plenty of encouragement and verbal praise every time child does achieve, also praise for trying, don,t point out when the child is wrong, just give them the correct word or help where needed. Just re-read your question yes i'd say you are on the right track

[Ruthierhyme]

Sounds good

I'm still trying to find a bullet point list of ideas for this (if anyone has a link please post !!)
Some of these have already been recommended ..

• Correct and guide errors without criticism.
• Praise
• Reassure – whenever necessary that every things ok.
• Watch – standing back and taking stock can help assess many situations, emotions, relationships, highs & lows of a mornings session.
• Be available – always have time .. maybe even to say you have no time !!
• Delegate – show the children you work in partnership with other adults and with them.
• Smile lol