Put an older student with a younger one, in this self-esteem building exercise. Using a Thanksgiving theme, like "Write a story from the turkey's point of view", have the younger student tell the story, with the older writing it down. Then they can both illustrate it. The young kids feel important because they're telling the story. The older students, even those who are lower scholastically, will feel like they are being looked up to.  

And they both gain skills in cooperation and working together.