Student Contributor: T. Cavin
This tool includes a mirror, and positive affirmations all around the mirror — students are able to look at themselves and think positive thoughts/cool down if needed/etc.
A positive affirmation station helps students in more ways than one. It can be used as a place where positive self-talk takes place, which I think is really important for older elementary/middle school students because that is often when they start thinking they should look/feel a certain way (which is sad, but true in today’s society). Having a place where they can look themselves in the face and repeat these positive affirmations such as “I am smart”, “I am loved”, etc. might be just what they need that day to have a better day — and therefore be able to comprehend more of what you’re teaching. I don’t have any personal experience with this tool but I do plan on implementing it in my future classroom because I think positive self-talk is very important.
This tool best relates to the Supportive phase because it can happen during the learning, and it can also help model those prosocial behaviors that you're looking for. For example, you can include vocabulary words in the affirmation station so students are equipped with words they can use when constructively criticizing classmates, complimenting their friends, or saying it to themselves as positive self-talk. I think this is better for the older grades, because they are able to read the affirmations themselves so if they need a self-talk moment they can go do so at the affirmation station. This is also why I think it is student-directed; students are able to use this as a place where they can go to be alone for a quick second or reset.
More Information –
Tool Source: Tik Tok
