Saturday, August 15, 2015


Affirmations for Teachers

Words have incredible power. They also have their own energy. I am such a huge believer in using affirmations. I use them on a daily basis, and they have helped me remain calm in many situations. You know how many different situations you encounter as a teacher.  Things are constantly happening in the classroom, in the hallway, on the playground, in the cafeteria, in the bus line, and in the library. You just can’t get away from situations. You probably just dealt with a situation.

Affirmations have been proven to have positive effects on your body and mind. The mental and physical changes that affirmations produce are due to the chemicals released when words are spoken. Just notice how you feel when you repeat certain words during the school day. Some words will produce feelings of happiness whereas others will cause you to get angry and upset. The language you use can alter your students’ feelings about themselves and help change their internal dialogue that can work against them and prevent academic success. Personally, I have witnessed the change in my students’ behavior when affirmations were used in the classroom. Affirmations helped change my classroom bully into one of my helpers. They work! Believe it!

Just as words have power, so do your unspoken thoughts. Be aware and fully conscious of your thoughts because as Dr. Joseph M. Carver states, your thoughts change your brain chemistry. The neurotransmitters in your brain changes throughout the day as your experiences and emotions change. Your most challenging student says something disrespectful and inappropriate to you and your face turns into a frown and your heart beats faster and faster. You are upset!  A little while later, one of your students gives you an unexpected hug and flashes the most beautiful smile and at that moment, your heart is filled with immense joy. Those are examples of two students. Now add about 19 more students to that equation. You experience a variety of emotions on a daily basis.

Affirmative phrases will help you get back to a place of calm and peace. If you are prone to having negative thoughts (and we all are), find a way to help you dismiss the thought quickly. Some people put a rubber band on their wrist and pop themselves when a negative thought arises. Others will simply pinch their wrist to return to a positive state. My favorite is to repeat the words, I return to place of love. Sometimes I will just whisper the words love, love, love. The most important thing is to find something that works for you. Your thoughts and words will have an impact on your students’ behavior, their academic success, and their perception of themselves. Here are a few affirmations you can use. Repeat them every day, all day and watch the magic happen. When you say the words, feel them with every fiber of your being. Feel the reality of the words. Whisper them to yourself as you walk in the hallway. Think about them as you wait for your class finish with their water and bathroom break. Take advantage of every opportunity. Remember...you have the power to set the tone for the day. Own your power! Walk in it!

Side Note: You really have to have fun with these words. Say each phrase with a different voice. Put a little two step dance to them as you recite them before your students arrive. Pair up with a teacher buddy. When your students come in, they will see you all happy and feeling real good. Now that’s the way to start your school day!

I choose peace and calm today.

I have the power to choose how I react.

I see success when I look at my students.

Something good is happening in my class today.

This is the best place to be-----right here.

Imagine...my classroom filled with joy & excitement.

We have some good attitudes in here today.

Success? We got it!

Good thoughts! Right actions!

Love energy is bouncing off these walls.

We are magnets for success.

Success just seems to follow my students wherever they go.

These brains are turned on today!

These brains are smokin’ hot today!

We are family! We get along.

My students were born to win and succeed.

My mind is filled with peace, happiness, joy, & success.

Joy, success, love (whisper & repeat 3x)

I am the chosen one to guide my students to success.

I feel good, real good.


These will help you have a super duper year.

Please leave a comment and let me know your experiences, thoughts, and ideas about affirmations.

 Visit again for the next post Affirmations for Children with a freebie for you.
 
Happy teaching!


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