By Leah Davies, M.Ed.
Encouragement means to stimulate initiative and positive actions. Teachers, counselors, and parents are asked to encourage children to do their best by acknowledging their efforts and strengths. However, when children do not feel good about themselves or their situation, they need to be reminded of ways they can encourage themselves and each other.
Ask your students for examples of thoughts that help
them feel better when they are unhappy. Explain that
helpful thoughts are called positive "self-talk" and that
adults often use this as a way to cope with their problems. List the
children's ideas on the
Some examples are:
- I am a good person no matter what anyone
does or says.
- It is okay to make mistakes because everyone
- I do not give up; I keep trying.
- I think about what is good in my life.
- Everyone feels good and bad, now and
- I can do it!
- Money cannot buy happiness.
- How I act is more important than how
- I am lovable.
- When I smile, I feel better.
- I can do many things well.
- I cannot control what grown-ups do.
- I am unique, one of a kind.
- When I feel sad, I think of things I
like about myself.
- Each new day brings a chance to do better.
- I think about my choices and then choose
what is best for me.
- I will change what I can and accept what
I cannot change.
- I treat others the way I want to be treated.
- I cannot change my family; I can only
- What I learn today will help me in the
making an extensive list, have the children choose a sentence that
is meaningful to them. Ask the students to make
a picture or poster featuring their saying
complete with illustrations. Have them prominently
sign their creation. Then divide into small groups
or pairs and have the children discuss
their work. Caution the students to be respectful
of each other's ideas. Display the results in the
classroom or in the hall to challenge
ALL children to use positive "self-talk" that will encourage
them to do their best.
Used by permission of the author,
Leah Davies, and selected from the Kelly Bear website [www.kellybear.com]. 2/02
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