These days, it’s especially important to instill a sense of confidence and self-love in our school-aged children.
Every morning, the kindergarteners at Wilcox Primary School in Twinsburg, Ohio, remind themselves – and each other – that they’re strong, smart, talented, and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to!
Their daily affirmations were created by teacher MoNique Waters, who wanted to get her 5- and 6-year-old students fired up each day while reminding them of their value.
“I am strong!” MoNique calls out before the kids repeat the words back to her. “I am talented! I am smart! I am so, so special! I can achieve anything!” The awesome educator then has them kiss their “smart, smart brains” so they can move on with their lessons.
After Monique shared a video of her morning affirmations on Instagram, it went viral! She has over 72,000 followers on social media now, many of which are fellow educators.
MoNique didn’t start the chant for online fame, however. She was simply looking for a way to guide her students through a difficult season. With lockdowns and social isolation in place because of COVID-19, the teacher wanted to tell her kids how important they are in the grand scheme of things. She originally got the idea by listening to “What I Am” by Will.i.am, which the kids recognize from “Sesame Street.”
“We say it as a reminder of all the things they are,” MoNique told GMA. “It’s important because adults are really stressed during the pandemic, but we forget that it’s stressful on our kids, on our students, too. I am really doing my best to make sure they’re [doing] well, as well.”
“Whether you are teaching virtually or in person, you can do this with your kids,” she added.
In another Instagram post, MoNique explained that teaching is her purpose in life, and she is thankful to be living her purpose. Now that she’s gone viral for her positive affirmations, she hopes to spread her love of learning and teaching beyond the walls of her classroom.
“My ‘why’ has always been to inspire my students, inspiring others outside my classroom is just an added bonus,” she wrote.
MoNique is so full of life and energy! We love that she’s sharing her light not only with her students, but also with the world. We could all use her daily affirmations.
Get a boost of your own by watching the video below, and share this story to spread the joy even further.
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