Words of encouragement are powerful for students––and educators, too.
When students are having a hard time, try a “give and take what you need” wall to offer positive quotes, affirmations, and words of encouragement. As adults and educators, what can we offer ourselves when we are the ones in need of encouragement?
Listen to the talk and guided practice… for YOU. >>
“Give and Take What You Need” Wall
In my middle school and high school classrooms, I had a “give and take what you need” wall for my students. On that wall, I hung bags labeled with various offerings––Courage, Strength, Gratitude, Patience…
Anytime my students found themselves in a challenging moment and or in need of a gentle reminder, they could pick out a positive quote, affirmation, or poem from one of the bags. Some would choose to read the words out loud to share with their classmates. And sometimes they just read the words to themselves to really absorb and internalize the message.
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Educators Need Resources, Too
As adults and educators, we can experience many of the same challenges or feelings of overwhelm and unworthiness as our students. We may notice feeling undervalued, that we are not good enough, or that we are not doing enough. Indeed, we need gentle, encouraging reminders, too.
I want you to know that these negative and unhealthy thoughts about ourselves are completely normal. Because guess what––we are human and we are perfectly imperfect.
You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.
––Maya Angelo
There’s a saying about the worth of a $20 bill. Even as it passes through everyone’s hands, and gets crumpled up, stomped on, and fades in someone’s laundry––at the end of that journey, its value has not changed.
I’m not sure where you are on your life journey––whether it’s your personal practice journey at home, or it’s your journey as an educator to accomplish great things with your students. Wherever you are, I invite you to offer yourself some grace and some flexibility, as your value has not changed. Even as the challenges and seasons and years change, your value does not. You are enough.
You Are Enough.
Listen to the Full Talk and Guided Practice (24 min)
Listen to “Community Practice: You. Are. Enough.” on Spreaker.
When you find yourself in that challenging place, as our students sometimes do, needing a bit of encouragement and affirmation, I invite you to try this practice––it can be your own personal “give and take what you need” wall.
This is a practice of offering ourselves love and positive affirmations. Speaking positively to ourselves and acknowledging and accepting that we are enough can motivate us, shift our emotions, and even challenge us when we need it.
I invite you to be intentional about loving yourself each and every day, and to resource yourself each and every day. Mindful Schools appreciates you. Thank you so much for practicing with us.
As educators, our jobs can be all consuming. We are often focused on meeting the needs of others and can forget to create space for self-care. Join us to discover simple, yet powerful strategies to incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion practices into your day. Register Here >>
