At times, we can be over-critical of ourselves. We may harp on our imperfections, forgetting about the already existing good qualities. This activity will have students make positive affirmations for themselves. By creating five or more affirmations, students will have to think about more than just surface characteristics.
You may find that students have trouble listing five good things about themselves. This is a troubling reality, but is exactly the reason why this topic is important to cover. It shouldn’t be hard to talk positively about yourself. If a student is struggling, a good idea is to tell them what you like about them as a student (class participation, good listener, hard worker, etc.). Students should also be encouraged to think about their hobbies and why they stick with them!
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Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of positive self concept by creating five or more positive affirmations for yourself in a storyboard.
Foster a safe environment by starting with a group discussion about what affirmations are and why they matter. Encourage students to share examples and brainstorm benefits together to build trust and comfort.
Demonstrate how to make affirmations by sharing your own examples aloud. Show vulnerability and positivity so students see it's normal to celebrate themselves.
Guide students to use specific, personal traits or interests in their affirmations. Remind them that affirmations are most powerful when they reflect individual strengths and values.
Integrate affirmations into morning meetings or transitions by having students read or share one aloud. Repetition helps these positive messages become habits.
Invite students to discuss how affirmations affect their mindset and self-esteem after a week. Listen for changes in confidence and encourage ongoing use.
Positive affirmations for students are encouraging statements students say or write about themselves to boost self-esteem and self-confidence. Examples include "I am a hard worker" or "I am a good friend." These help students focus on their strengths and build a positive self-concept.
To teach positive affirmations, start by discussing what affirmations are and why they matter. Guide students to create five or more affirmations about themselves, encourage self-reflection, and support those who struggle by sharing positive observations about them. Visual activities like storyboards can make the process more engaging.
Some students may find it difficult to list positive traits due to low self-esteem, past negative experiences, or a tendency to focus on imperfections. Encouraging a supportive environment and highlighting their unique strengths can help them recognize their value.
A quick self-esteem activity is asking students to create five positive affirmations about themselves, using images and short blurbs in a storyboard. This encourages self-reflection and helps them focus on their strengths in an engaging way.
Positive affirmations support social emotional learning by promoting self-awareness, resilience, and a positive self-image. Practicing affirmations helps students recognize their strengths and handle challenges with a growth mindset.