Talking to yourself doesn't make you crazy. In fact it might make you smarter, happier, and healthier.
Just this week I overheard a first grader state "my life is the worst!" This kind of self-talk is negative self-talk and can be harmful. A lot of our students and perhaps a lot of us adults, often engage in harmful negative self-talk.
While negative self-talk can harm us, positive self-talk can support our mental health, help regulate emotions, and reduce anxiety.
Our words matter. Especially the ones we say to ourselves. If we do not talk kindly to ourselves we are less likely to talk kindly to others.
For many of our students positive talk does not occur at home. They likely hear a lot of negative talk about adults, themselves, and negative self-talk from caregivers.
In her book Good Inside Dr. Becky talks about adopting mantras and encouraging children to do the same. Mantas are another form of self-talk. A short sound, word, or phrase that create a positive and productive feeling and behavior. Dr. Becky shares that mantras help during challenging situations. When there is a struggle a mantra can help build confidence.
Below are a few examples of mantras and positive self-talk.
Children who struggle with test taking may need a manta such as:
-My mind is brilliant
-I've got this
-Trust my gut
Students who struggle with motivation may need a mantra of:
-Move 1% forward
-Progress not perfection
-I am choosing to have a productive day
A child who struggles with feelings and emotions may need:
-I am in control of my emotions
-I am grateful for my life
-My positive thoughts guide me
Other good mantras to adopt:
-Trust the process
-Forgive and let go
-Everything is figureoutable
-I am responsible for my reactions
-I am moving forward
-I believe in my abilities
-There is no can't only won't
-Things are hard before they are easy
-My power comes from my choices
-Discomfort means growth
-I'm not afraid to be wrong
If you awork with younger grades you'll know this one from Inner Explorer;
-I have the power to make wise choices
If we choose to adopt a mantra and positive self-talk and then use it around students they will hear and learn this behavior.
When we want to change a student's behavior we must start with our own. For a lot of young children learning by example is easier than being told what to do. We've talked before about students barrowing our calm or chaos. They will also barrow our positivity or negativity.
What moments during the day could use more positive self-talk or a mantra?
Once you start, then take time to begin to encourage your students to start using mantas too.
Try putting a mantra post-it note on desks daily.
Greet students with a positive affirmation or mantra.
Find ways to add more positivity to your day for you and your students.
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