Low self-esteem frequently impedes students' academic achievement. By incorporating different learning and teaching strategies, this practicum attempted to build self-esteem for fifth grade students who exhibited low self-esteem. Participants were selected based on their attendance, academic achievement, and/or behavior. The writer incorporated activities that promoted cooperative learning, parental involvement, and counseling for the students. Class instruction was designed to target low self-esteem students which allowed them to use their individual interests and learning styles for academic achievement. The researcher employed different strategies such as giving low self-esteem students leading roles in class plays, involving all parents in the classroom rather than just the guardians of the study participants, and developing class cooperative groups to build self-esteem. Results indicated that classroom behavior, attendance, and academic achievement improved for the study group. A self-report questionnaire revealed that the students' self esteem also improved. The researcher considered parent involvement as critical in developing a positive self-esteem for some students. Four colored graphs represent the practicum's results. Four appendices provide forms for student records as well as a copy of the self-esteem survey. Contains 17 references. (RJM)