Affirmations are phrases or sayings to help inspire, motivate or comfort. We are surrounded by affirmations daily, though we don’t always take note of them. Take a walk through your favorite store and chances are you will see at least one mug or t-shirt with a positive affirmation on it.
I LOVE affirmations; both personally and professionally. In my classroom, I use positive affirmations as a way to teach growth mindset. Some years I have had them displayed all of the time. Other years we have worked on one affirmation a week. It fully depends on the students you are working with, but these can be so much more than just decoration.
My top 10 affirmations for the special education classroom:
1. Mistakes Are Proof You’re Trying.
For the perfectionist students who do not like being wrong.
2. If You Never Try, You’ll Never Know.
For the student who is scared to try something new.
3. All Things Are Difficult Before They Are Easy.
For the student who doesn’t like a challenge.
4. Be The Reason Someone Smiles Today.
For the students who may need some encouragement to interact with their peers.
5. It’s Okay Not to Know. It’s Not Okay Not to Try.
For the student whose favorite response is “I don’t know…”
6. Aim to Be Better Than Yesterday.
For the student who had a tough day the day before.
7. You Are Braver Than You Believe, Stronger Than You Seem and Smarter Than You Think.
For the student who needs a little bit of encouragement and boost of confidence.
8. Asking For Help is The Bravest Move You Can Make.
For the student who needs encouragement to ask for help.
9. Grow Through What You Go Through.
For the student who needs support externally processing their emotions.
10. You Matter, You Belong.
For every student, every day.
And a bonus affirmation for special education teachers:
My influence on my students goes way beyond the curriculum.
For days when you need to remind yourself why you do what you do.
What is your favorite affirmation?
