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A    Affirm
A    Affirm
Chapter 3
I AM A GOOD STUDENT Study Skills Program
By: Constance M. Messina, Ph.D.

Purpose/Background

Affirmations are positive statements, words or phrases you give to yourself or receive from others. They can be written or verbal statements, hugs, nonverbal affirmations or confirmations designed to give the feeling of value and worth as a human being.

 

Each student is encouraged to generate self-affirmations for themselves based on an individual assessment of their existing abilities. These affirmations compliment their skills, abilities, capabilities, goodness and worth. The affirmation process is continuous with the component of the home-school-student triad included. These affirmations imply unconditional acceptance of self.

 

Once the statements are generated they should be placed on 3 X 5 index cards or post-it papers and placed where they can be seen daily and remind individuals of their positive aspects. Everytime these cards are seen they remind the individual to affirm themselves about their positive qualities and attributes

SUGGESTED PLACES FOR AFFIRMATION CARDS

  • mirror in the bathroom
  • mirror on the dresser
  • refrigerator door
  • closet door
  • front door
  • bedroom door
  • telephone
  • books that you use at school
  • desk

Affirmation Word Examples

 

able
absorbing
ardent
assured 
authoritative
avid 
beautiful
bright 
brilliant
capable
conscientious courageous 
creative
curable
curious
dedicated
determined

elevated

fantastic 

giving
grand

hopeful
influential
inquiring
inquisitive
inspired 
intense
intelligent 
lively
magnificent 
motivated 
optimistic
patient
powerful 
problem solver   

quick 

 

reassured
receptive
resolute 

responsible

self-confident 
sharp
skillful  
smart 
strong
successful 
superb
terrific 
thoughtful 
turned on
valued 
well-equipped
wise
worthy

 

AFFIRMATION WORD PHRASES

  • be a winner
  • believe in me
  • dare to be different
  • do it
  • do it now
  • seize the opportunity
  • take a risk
  • take action
  • take the lead
  • think wisely
  • trust in me
  • work smart

AFFIRMATION STATEMENTS EXAMPLES - "I" STATEMENTS

I am: A statement of who you are. This is a positive affirmation of a real state of being that exists in you. You can achieve a full list of I am... statements by taking a personal positive inventory of your attributes, strengths, talents and competencies.

  • I am a good student
  • I am competent.
  • I am intelligent.
  • I am a capable human being.
  • I am a deserving human being.
  • I am smart.
  • I am creative.
  • I am talented.
  • I am so proud of me.


I can: A statement of your potential. This is a positive affirmation of your ability to accomplish goals. It is a statement of your belief in your power to grow, to change, and to help yourself. I can...statements are developed after you develop a set of short term goals.

  • I can gain self-confidence.
  • I can be a winner.
  • I can pass Math.
  • I can be a problem-solver.
  • I can take risks.
  • I can change.
  • I can be positive.
  • I can succeed.
  • I can keep a calendar.
  • I can remember to do my assigned work.

 

I will: A statement of positive change in your life. This is a positive affirmation of a change you want to achieve. It is a positive statement of what you want to happen. It is a "success prophecy." I will...statements are developed after you have set your priorities for the short term goals that you have set.
  • I will offer my comments in class today.
  • I will challenge myself to change today.
  • I will manage my time better today.
  • I will take a risk to grow today.
  • I will maintain an assignment book.
  • I will be prepared for class today with the necessary equipment.
  • I will take notes in class.
  • I will use the Instant Study Formula - See It, Say It, Hear It, Write It.
  • I will organize my desk and locker so that I can find materials efficiently.
  • I will use the SQRRR technique to read textbooks.
  • I will study for and pass my tests.
  • I will use the specific skills I have learned.
  • I will make good study skills a habit.

AFFIRMATION STATEMENT EXAMPLES
"I" statements are but one of the self-affirmation statements that can be employed. Other examples appear below.

  • I have solved problems like this before.
  • I have the ability to handle this.
  • I like the way I handle problems.
  • I like the way I handle problems.
  • I like the way I handle change.
  • There are interesting things happening in my life daily.
  • I experience the excitement of growth daily.
  • Taking risks is the pathway to growth.
  • My possibilities are endless.
  • Success is to be enjoyed.
  • Belief in self is a step toward personal growth.
  • I can handle all the changes that come my way.
  • Smile and let others in on the secret.
  • You can do it. I know it.

Activities

1. Generate a list of positive words and place them on tagboard. Place them in visible locations around the room.


2. Make a bulletin board entitled "Affirmations Galore" or such and place individual student's affirmations on the board.


3. Have the children write their own affirmations based on their specific individualized needs and post them appropriately.


4. After individual affirmations are generated, have the children illustrate them.


5. Have children keep an Affirmation Journal listing their appropriate affirmations.


6. Using a mirror, have the children repeat their individual affirmations in front of the mirror.


7. Have the children write affirmations (words, phrases, sentences) on index cards and use them as needed.


8. Place affirmations on Post-Its and place them on each child's desk.


9. Read the "Attitude" poem and discuss its ramifications for the youngsters' academic and life pursuits.
ATTITUDE

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't;
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't
It's almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in the world you'll find
Things begin with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise;
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
Document
A-Affirm Handout