I Have Noticed One Constant in the Children I Teach
I've worked with children as young as five years old and it always amazed me how certain some kids could be that they COULD do something. Alternatively, it was also just as amazing to see how certain other children would be that they could NOT do something.
The secret to this lies in the quote from Henry Ford. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right,”
The perspective of a child varies greatly from adults in that they have lived through less and don't have a lot to compare to. Because of this, I feel it is of the upmost importance to instill a positive mental attitude about themselves as often as we can. All kids have to do hard things and it is our privilege to encourage them every step of the way.
How can I do this in my classroom?
The easiest way to achieve this is to be a positive role model. Children are keen to every move you make, every tone you use and every way you react to something. I believe it starts with modeling exactly how you'd like to see them behave.
Aside from this practice, I would also suggest combining Positive Affirmations with movement as a part of your every day schedule. I use the video below weekly to not only get my kids up and moving first thing in the morning, but to also help reassure them that they can do anything! I absolutely love saying these affirmations with my kids.
What are Positive Affirmations?
Positive affirmations are positive phrases and statements that are repeated to help challenge negative thoughts and encourage positive changes in your life. I think this is where it all starts and ends for kids that thing they can and cannot succeed.
If children do not learn a better way to speak to themselves, they it is really up to outside influences such as the internet and negative role models to shape how their little brains work. I truly believe that by practicing a positive mindset daily and pairing it with movement, we can help children develop a positive outlook on not only themselves, but their peers and community at large.
