Key Takeaways
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First-grade teacher Tyler Richards created an uplifting end-of-day affirmation routine for his students in Haysville, Kansas.
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The daily practice of reciting phrases like 'I am kind' and 'I can do hard things' has quickly spread across Rex Elementary School.
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Students have embraced the ritual enthusiastically, showing greater connection and even coming up with their own empowering affirmations.
Spreading confidence and kindness through daily affirmations
In a classroom at Rex Elementary School in Haysville, Kansas, every afternoon wraps up with a chorus of energetic, confident young voices. First-grade teacher Tyler Richards has introduced an end-of-day ritual centered around positive affirmations, helping his young students depart for home feeling empowered, capable, and valued.
Standing together before the final bell, the children enthusiastically recite phrases such as “I am kind!” and “I can do hard things.” What began as a gentle exercise to close the school day on an encouraging note has resonated deeply with the wider school community. The goal is to ensure that no matter what challenges arose during the day, every child steps out the door rooted in a sense of safety and self-worth.
School leadership and fellow educators quickly took note of the heartwarming shift. Rex Elementary Principal Shane Paulus praised the initiative, emphasizing that the uplifting routine helps children realize they are welcomed and loved. Inspired by the first-graders’ enthusiasm, teachers across various grade levels have since embraced similar affirmation sessions in their own classrooms.
Most promising of all, the students have begun taking personal ownership of the tradition, actively proposing their own empowering ideas. Richards noted that these small, intentional moments help students build a stronger connection to their teachers and peers, cementing school as a safe haven where they can thrive.
