Time
5 minutes
Level
Primary / Junior
Material
Recycling paper, technology, music, timer
Purpose
To provide a fun way for students to send each other positive affirmations and to encourage an optimistic outlook amongst others
- Ask students to write a positive affirmation on the recycling paper (model what an appropriate message looks like).
- Next, crumple the paper and toss it. Keep picking up and tossing the “snowflakes” until the music stops. Remind students to keep the “snowflakes” moving and not to aim them at someone.
- Then pick one up and read it to yourself. Repeat the message to yourself a few times if desired. Then embrace that concept for the day!
- Wrap up by having students sit with their affirmation paper and take a few deep breaths to reflect on the ideas.
- An anchor chart of ideas or pre-printed ideas if needed.
- Could make the snowball fight theme focused (e.g., today we are going to share ideas for ways to reduce feelings of stress, or today we are going to share ideas for welcoming new students).
- Another alternative is to have a few students read their affirmation aloud.
Noticing joy and positivity, and sharing kindness, can be helpful in maintaining an optimistic worldview. Many evidence-based programs that are designed to enhance optimism and reduce depressive symptoms have activities that help students to “find the silver lining”.
Optimism serves to help any individual as: 1) a protective factor for both mental and physical health, 2) a support for resiliency, 3) it correlates with positive coping skills, 4) it predicts both positive outcomes after adverse events and peer acceptance in early adolescents and 5) it benefits overall health and well-being (Schonert-Reichl & Lawlor, 2010).
Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Lawlor, M. S. (2010). The effects of a mindfulness-based education program on pre-and early adolescents’ well-being and social and emotional competence. Mindfulness, 1(3), 137-151.
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