Affirmations

Affirmations are a wonderful way to boost self esteem! We learn about self-talk and then I introduce affirmations and how they can help us practice! 

They can be easily made! There are several printable affirmations by searching Google. In the past we have made some cards...like the one shown to the left. We laminate them and cut them out. Using a hole puncher, we punch a hole in the top left corner. Your cards can now be put on a key ring! 

I encourage my students to look at their Affirmation key Ring often. I tell them to put it in a visable place. We will sometimes pick out a card on their ring and that will be the affirmation for the week. I tell them they will receive a small prize or treat if they can remember to recite the affirmation upon arrival of our next meeting. They LOVE the challenge! 

Another neat idea is to use these cards in a classroom lesson.Before your lesson, cut out and laminate affirmation cards. Attach a small piece of velcro to the back of each card. Bring a long strip of the attaching velcro side with you to the classroom. Read a book about positive self talk......for example.....

After reading the book, allow students to pick out their own affirmation card. You could have them draw it out of a box, or pass the cards around and let them pick from them! While they are choosing their cards, go aroud the room and attach the velcro to the corner of the desk top. They can then velcro their card to their desk! (You might check with Head Custodian and get permission to use velcro strips on desks!) Encourage students and teacher to trade cards daily, weekly, or even monthly! The more they SEE it, the more they read it, the more they BELIEVE it!

How do you use affirmations with your students?