What is the Build ’Em Up Hot Seat activity?

It’s a self esteem activity where a student sits in a chair while classmates write compliments about their character and strengths on a sheet of paper behind them.

What materials do I need?

You’ll need a large piece of card or butcher’s paper, coloured markers, and a class list.

When can I use this activity?

It’s perfect for Friendship Day, Kindness Day, Anti-Bullying Month, or anytime you want to strengthen classroom connections.

How does this activity help students?

It builds self esteem, helps children feel seen and valued, and encourages peers to notice and celebrate each other’s positive traits.

Build ’Em Up Hot Seat: Self Esteem Activity For Elementary Students

Inside: This meaningful self esteem activity teaches your students the power of giving compliments and helps create a warm sense of belonging in your classroom.

If you’re looking for a simple but powerful way to boost confidence, the Build ’Em Up Hot Seat is one of the most beautiful lessons that your students will cherish.

It’s an easy to set up friendship activity to build confidence that works across grade levels and has a positive ripple effect on classroom relationships.

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This activity is perfect when you want to:

Improve your classroom community
Support shy students who lack confidence
Celebrate Friendship Day, Kindness Day, or Anti-Bullying Month

It’s not just an activity to build self esteem. It also helps them develop empathy, recognize strengths in others, and feel proud of who they are by encouraging classmates to notice and celebrate one another’s positive qualities.

Why It Works

When kids sit in the “hot seat,” they receive compliments from classmates about their positive qualities. These encouraging words often highlight traits they may never have noticed in themselves.

This self-confidence activity for students can be especially moving for kids who feel shy, disconnected, or unsure of their place. Sitting in the hot seat helps a child feel seen, valued, and appreciated, while classmates learn to look for and acknowledge the good in others.

You will need

a large piece of card or butcher’s paper
several different coloured markers
a class list or roll call sheet

Instructions

1
Explain that everyone will get a turn in the “hot seat” during the year. Use your class list to make sure no one is missed.
2
Place a chair in front of the paper (on an easel or taped to the board). The student will sit with their back to the paper.
3
Invite the selected student to sit down. Classmates take turns writing compliments behind them. Explain that they’re to focus on positive qualities and compliment them on things they like about them, but they’re not to focus on their appearance.

Examples

You’re such a great friend.
I love that you smile so much. It makes me happy.
You are so kind and helpful.
I love having you in our grade.
You’re really good at drawing.

4
Once everyone has written something, ask the student to turn around and read their compliments. You may like to take a photo or short video of their reaction or standing beside the sheet.
5
Leave the sheet displayed until the end of the day. Let the child take a photo on their device so they can look at it whenever they’re feeling sad or self-critical. Present them with the paper to take home to show their family or hang in their bedroom.

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Build 'Em Up Hot Seat: A Heartwarming Friendship And Self Esteem Activity.

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Variations to Try

Compliment Circles: Instead of writing, get students to sit in a circle and say their compliment aloud while you jot them down for the focus child. This gives kids practice speaking directly to people.
Kindness Cards: Give each student an index card to write their compliment. Collect them in an envelope and present it as a “kindness pack” for the student to keep.
Digital Compliments Wall: Use a tool like Padlet or Jamboard so students can post their compliments online. Print them at the end to give to the child.
Themed Hot Seat: Link compliments to specific lessons, like teamwork during a group project or perseverance during math challenges. This helps kids notice strengths in different contexts.

Pair It With a Friendship Favorite

This self esteem activity pairs perfectly with Enemy Pie by Derek Munson. A much-loved read-aloud, it's a popular book among teachers to build character, nurture positive character traits, and improve social skills.

The activities in the Enemy Pie pack help address anti-social behavior and teach friendship skills as students learn to cooperate, include others, and be patient and considerate towards their peers.

The Hot Seat activity matches perfectly with "Enemy Pie" lessons

Enemy Pie Picture Book Companion Packet With Craft Activity, Reading Comprehension Lessons, Word-Searches, Coloring Pages And Posters.

See why this friendship activity is so popular!

Have You Tried This?

The Build ’Em Up Hot Seat is more than just a fun lesson. It’s a self worth activity that helps kids feel valued, appreciated, and connected to their peers.

Have you tried something similar? Share your ideas and photos HERE. I’d love to see how it works in your classroom.

Encouragement notes are another great way to build self esteem

A Selection Of Encouragement Notes For Teachers To Give Students To Help Boost Self-Esteem And Conficence. A Great Reward System.

Check out all the designs here!

Build ’Em Up Hot Seat: Self Esteem Activity for Elementary Students