Young children experience big emotions every day, and they are still learning how to understand and manage them. Kids learn emotional regulation by hearing and repeating language that feels safe and supportive.
Affirmations give them supportive language they can return to during moments of stress, frustration, or self-doubt. When used consistently, affirmations strengthen self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience, and this can have a long-lasting effect on their lives.
A Dutch study found that children who engaged in effort-focused positive self-talk (e.g., “I will do my very best!”) improved their performance on a math test compared to children who did not use positive self-talk. The benefits were strongest for students with lower confidence in their abilities, suggesting that positive self-talk can boost academic achievement when children focus on effort rather than fixed ability.
Young learners are constantly forming beliefs about themselves. Short, repeated statements help them practice:
“Affirmations are not just something I teach in classrooms. I use them at home too. This is the affirmation board my son and I used when he was younger, and we repeated these statements every morning before school. Kids rise to the level of the words they repeat, and this simple daily practice helped him build resilience, confidence, and a grounded sense of self. Even now, as a young adult, many of these phrases still guide him through challenges. Affirmations truly stay with children long after they leave our classrooms.
Short, rhythmic, and easy for preschool–early elementary students to repeat. Use physical movement you could pair with each one.
These affirmations emphasize self-esteem, kindness, and building a positive community. Say these during the morning meeting.
These affirmations boost persistence, curiosity, and the belief that effort leads to success.
These affirmations help students feel secure and practice techniques for managing their emotions. Say these before transitions or after a chaotic activity.
Affirmations work best when they’re woven into daily routines rather than treated as a one-time lesson.
A consistent affirmation routine helps normalize emotions, reduce stress, and build a stronger classroom climate.
Some children may feel shy or uncomfortable saying positive statements at first. That’s normal. Don’t force participation. Allow them to listen quietly if speaking feels too hard.
Offer gentle alternatives like:
“I am trying.”
“I am learning to calm my body.”
“I can take one small step.”
Affirmations should feel like support, not pressure.
Affirmations are far more than just feel-good phrases; they are tools that fundamentally equip children for life. They give students the language that strengthens emotional awareness, builds confidence, and solidifies a sense of safety within their learning environment. When adults consistently model and reinforce these simple, positive statements, children carry these powerful phrases into challenging moments and, ultimately, into the world beyond the classroom.
For more SEL tools and strategies that help students thrive, explore our Teach Happy resources and SEL Curriculum for Students https://strobeleducation.com/sel-curriculum/ at Strobel Education.
