This April, we dove deep into Purpose, Habits, Rituals and Strengths as part of our ongoing journey to bring Positive Education into the classroom and into our everyday lives.
A key tool we focused on were positive affirmations. These are short, uplifting statements children can say to themselves to promote positive thinking, self-belief and resilience. They might be simple, but their impact is powerful. When children regularly practice positive affirmations, it helps to shape a strong, confident mindset. Try making them a part of your daily routine at home. A few encouraging words can go a long way.
As we grow, discovering our purpose becomes a meaningful part of life and our strengths are the compass that helps guide us there. Every child has unique strengths. Some are easy to spot, while others may need a little nurturing and reflection to uncover. By taking the time to recognize and talk about these strengths, we empower children to understand who they are and what they can become.
Research supports what we’ve long believed: when we focus on character strengths- like kindness, honesty and curiosity, we see positive outcomes. Strength-based approaches in education have been shown to increase student achievement, boost engagement and enhance well-being. In fact, using strengths regularly can help children (and adults) to:
- Manage and overcome challenges
- Build healthier, more meaningful relationships
- Enhance mental and physical well-being
- Perform better at school and in everyday life
In our classrooms, we worked on identifying and encouraging strengths like:
- Honesty
- Investigative Thinking
- Energy
- Generosity
- Playfulness
- Caring
- Imagination
- Understanding
- Patience
- Humor
- Calmness
- Kindness
To celebrate these strengths, we had a Superhero Dress Up Day- each child showcased their unique “Super Strengths.” It was a joyful empowering moment that sparked meaningful conversations about what makes each child special. We encourage you to keep the conversation going at home! Ask your child what their super strength is and share yours too!
At home, you can reinforce these ideas by modeling strengths-based behaviors in everyday life. Celebrate effort over perfection and help children see how growth comes through persistence and practice. When children understand how their actions connect to a greater purpose, they being to take real pride in what they do and that’s the heart of Positive Education.
Let’s continue to grow together in purpose, positivity and strength the rest of April and beyond!
