Positive Pep Talk
K-12
Big Idea
Want to turn a defeated attitude into a positive outlook? Try using a pep talk or affirmation that is sure to reinforce the notion that you are able to accomplish anything! Our minds often stand in the way of achieving our goals. Positive pep talks and affirmations using motivational words will help to shift ones mindset and build the self-perception that students are capable and will help them internalize a positive identity.
Directions
1. Choose
Choose an affirmation or set of affirmations that you will use with your class.
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. Lead the class in giving the pep talk/affirmation.
7. Model positive self-talk. Just like with modeling good self-esteem, it is important to let your students hear you talking positively to yourself. So try to avoid negative self-statements and using phrases like “I can’t”, “I never” and “I always”. Instead, model the things that you would like your students to say to themselves, like “I know today was hard but I can try again tomorrow” or, “I believe I can be my best”!
When to Use
When targeting a desired behavior, pep talks / affirmations should be given more often at first to increase likelihood that behavior will be repeated. Make sure that all students are given pep talks or are affirmed from time to time, not just the same few students all the time… Use positive pep talks / affirmations to:
· Increase a desired behavior.
· Acknowledge a desired behavior.
· Create a classroom community of respect, rapport, and positivity.
Strategy 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.”