Using Positive Affirmations in the Classroom

Using Positive Affirmations in the Classroom
Have you ever found yourself repeating a positive statement enough that you finally believe it? For example, I can do this! I will get that data taken! I will try my best! We often say these positive affirmations to erase those negative thoughts in our heads. You know the ones: I can’t. It is too much. Why can’t I do this data?

Our students repeatedly have those negative thoughts; that negative mindset. We, as teachers, never wish for any of our students to suffer from those negative mantras repeating in their heads but what can we do? Studies have found that using positive affirmations daily in the classroom can help students succeed by changing their mindset; therefore developing skills needed for their success. Keep reading to find positive affirmations that are being used in real classrooms and likewise, that may just work in yours!

There is no one better to be than myself. I am enough.

Often our students dwell on the competition: for instance, thinking others are smarter, faster, prettier, etc. We need to help them to realize that they are enough by being just who they are and competing only with themselves. Above all, repeating daily that they are enough can help to change a mindset of trying to best others into trying to best only ourselves.

I keep trying even when it is hard. I won’t give up. I can do challenging things.

Have you ever had a student that sees a new type of work, different types of problems, a new game and they give up before they even start? I know I have had many kids who when faced with something new, different, or a little harder just stopped trying. Positively affirming that they can keep trying even when it may be challenging gives students a mindset of perseverance and determination; most importantly, skills they will need for the rest of their lives.

I will be kind to everyone. I am a good friend. I am helpful. I treat others how I want to be treated.

Building a sense of community and family within your school and your classroom teaches kids that they belong. In addition, let’s also teach them that they can treat each other well within that family! Kids receive labels from others very early in life, such as shy, rambunctious, a bit aggressive, troublemaker. These labels live in the minds of our kids shaping them to believe that they do not need to treat anyone any differently than how they always have. We can help change that negative mindset into one that will live on in them forever. Teach them that kindness counts and matters and it is within them!

I am a math whiz! I am a reader! I am a good worker!

Recent studies have shown that students who state daily that they are a reader improve more annually than their peers! It amazes me how what seems like a simple statement is actually an affirmation that changes progress. Consequently, students who begin to believe that they can do better and state that to themselves really do better! Incredible! I am starting these affirmations today!

Morning Mantra:

I am KIND. I am BRAVE. I am STRONG. I am SMART. I am HARDWORKING. I am a LEADER. I am ME!

This mantra from one of our teachers spoke to me with the bold, emphasis on these key descriptors. I can envision a class of firsties belting out these affirmations and therefore believing in themselves! To start, read Be You by Peter Reynolds, and then as an activity have your students affirm that they are kind, loved, curious, and brave. It is a great story to teach kids that words have power including those words we say about ourselves.

I am smart. I am kind. I can do hard things. I am loved!

OR

I am smart. I am kind. I am valued. I am loved.

OR

I am worthy. I am special. I am unique. I am me. I am loved.

These mantras warm my heart and comfort my soul! So many teachers out there show love every minute of every school day and it is so life-changing when our students start to believe that at school and at home; subsequently knowing that they are loved, they are safe, and they are so special!

33 Positive Affirmations for Kids

In addition, this is one of many YouTube videos dedicated to building self-esteem and self-worth in our students. One teacher stated that when the kiddos come in every morning, she has this on replay until the day begins.

Positive affirmations are a simple but powerful way of changing the negative thoughts of our students and lead them onto a path for perseverance, self-love, and community kindness. In summary, replacing a negative mindset with positivity can diminish anxiety and frustration in our students and help them to find success in their work and in themselves. Using positive affirmations daily in the classroom until it becomes a habit for the kids helps them to ingrain these new thoughts and make them permanent. We have only been able to share a small portion of affirmations happening in classrooms daily. If you too have some that are working for you, please share them with us as well!
Written by: Suzanne Kelley
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