Mirror affirmations are a great way to impact the self-esteem and
self-worth of African American preschoolers that they are valuable members of
the classroom and school building at large through planting seeds of the
possibilities which encourage a growth mindset.
The affirmations which are stated daily into the African American
preschoolers will assist keeping them focus on activities, believe in
themselves of their abilities of achievement along with the motivation to do
more along with showing the adults they could accomplish those affirmations
then end with a long hug. Yes, physical
touch can relieve stress and anxiety being felt by African American
preschoolers. There may be times when African American preschoolers need to be reminded,
we have different color hues but are loved, worthy and valued family and
community classroom family. Remember, have the African American preschoolers
look in the mirror as you point to written word/statements with accompany
picture when possible which correlates with the affirmation intervention work
conducted by Geoffrey Cohen.
Ask parents, family members, staff members and others if they can
donate either old mirrors or purchase some from Dollar stores. Use putty
or removal adhesive tape to display the mirrors strategically throughout the
classroom with bright future career options written on sentence strip or
regular sheet of paper. For example, place a mirror in the science/math
center with a written note “I see a scientist like Marie Van Brittan Brown –
invented the home security system. What will you invent today?”, “I see
an inventor like Garrett A. Morgan – invented traffic light. What will
you invent today?” (NOTE: Google picture of person to be displayed
alongside name. After the invention is created take a picture, written
dictation from African American preschooler of what and how the product was
invented. Post for others to see and show to parents, family members and
others. The invention and dictation report can be embedded in the class
newsletter, class Facebook page, and/or class webpage. In addition, the
educator once completed can send a text message to family members (communicating
a positive action not negative one). Within the message give the skills
African American preschoolers used to accomplish the goal. Remember,
whatever is being highlighted review members of the community to see if there
are ones to use as well. Include positive affirmations for the students
for the mirrors such as “I see a leader”, “I see a bright person”, “I see an
achiever”, and so many others. Collins (1992) stated, “Daily have
students repeat, “I am great, there is nothing that I cannot do. I am
smart. I was born to win. I am royal. I am the greatest … I will
not fail. This is a school where we learn to succeed … etc.” Do this each
day,” (p. 111). In addition, Collins stated, “Encourage students to clap
for the other students; create a spirit of group effort in the classroom”, (p.
115).
Below are words/statements that can be used with the African
American preschoolers for “I am …”.
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Kind, creative, special,
loved, brave, positive, curious, polite, a leader, a great listener, talented
and gifted, believe in myself, successful, friendly, beautiful, fun, confident,
unique, calm, enjoy learning, amazing, respectful, smart, and awesome.
Educators as you view popular children’s educational programs
listen and look very closely for ones you can change some words to reinforce
various positive emotional and social skills. For example, watch Daniel
Tiger’s Neighborhood and change “A neighbor is here to help” to “A
classmate/friend is here to help” which is used to build a sense of community
that we help that is a traditional characteristic of African American culture.
Here are other affirmations that can be displayed and reinforced
throughout the day with African American preschoolers.
1. Take care of yourself.
2. Take care of each other.
3. Take care of the community.
Exposing African American preschoolers to books is
critical to support the mirror affirmation concept. The following are ones that can be added to
reading center, throughout classroom at large along with sharing with
parents/family members that can be a part of book lending library in
conjunction with follow-up activities.
A.
Uncle Jed’s barber shop by Margaree King
Mitchell
B.
In the mirror: Positive affirmations for children by
Djennicia A. Francis
C.
Don’t you know you are beautiful just the
way you are! By G. A. Sealy
D.
I am … Positive affirmations for brown
boys by Ayesha Rodriguez
E.
My mind is my masterpiece by Nekita
Shelton
F.
Note to self: Affirmations to young queens by Celina M.
McMillian
G.
ABC I love me by Miriam Muhammad
H.
Because I am me: Positive affirmations for brown girls by
Erika J. Gibson
Yes, mirror affirmations are a great way for African American
preschoolers to start their day looking into their designed mirror and saying
positive words/statements about themselves.
Keep in mind before African American preschoolers go to bed recite the
affirmations with their parents/family members of these qualities they have
been gifted with us as human beings.
Here are two affirmation mirrors, I created to give you a visual. Yes, these are mirrors purchased from Dollar Tree so let the children’s creativity begin for their affirmation mirror to recite both day and night or throughout the day.
Reference
Collins, M. (1992). “Ordinary” children, extraordinary
teachers. Charlottesville,
VA:
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
