Affirmations

How to Use

1. Choose

Choose an affirmation or set of affirmations that you will use with your class (see templates for examples).

2. Teach

Teach your students what the affirmation(s) look like and sound like and how to do them appropriately.

3. Establish Guidelines

 Set up guidelines for when and how affirmations can be earned and post these in the classroom. 

4. Target Behaviors

Target the desired behavior(s) that will earn an affirmation.

5. Acknowledge Behaviors

Publicly acknowledge a student or group of students who have exhibited the desired behavior. Say out loud exactly what they did.

6. Give Choices

Allow the acknowledged students to choose which affirmation they want to receive.

7. Give Affirmation

Lead the class in giving the affirmation.  

When to Use

When targeting a desired behavior, affirmations should be given more often at first to increase likelihood that behavior will be repeated. Make sure that all students are affirmed from time to time, not just a few students all the time. Use affirmations to:
• increase a desired behavior.
• acknowledge a desired behavior.
• create an atmosphere of rapport and respect within your classroom.

Variations

Written Affirmations

Place an affirmation board In a prominent place in your classroom. Post written affirmations for students and parents to view the positivity and encouragement happening in your class. Students or teachers may add positive notes to your affirmation board. 

Positive Notes Home

Send home a positive note on a card or paper with a special logo, like “Good News from School.”

Phone Call

Make a fake phone call to a famous person telling him or her about a positive behavior that occurred in your classroom (see templates for examples).

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