Focus on What Children CAN Do!
As therapists, it is our job to determine a child’s areas of weakness then we have to report on that to teachers and parents. We do not get referrals regarding what children can do only for what children can not do. Do you ever feel like we spend so much time focusing on what children can not do? It can be easy to get sucked into negativity. Instead find each child’s strengths and build upon those strengths to improve areas of weakness. Every child is a star at something. Let’s focus on what children can do! Need some ideas to determine what a child’s strengths may be? Here is a list of positive character traits and talents:
adventurous
active
agile
artistic
attentive
aware
articulate
amusing
beautiful
big-hearted
blissful
brave
bright
calm
capable
carefree
caring
cautious
cheerful
clever
courageous
courteous
creative
competent
confident
coordinated
charming
cooperative
cool
dependable
determined
eager
easy going
flexible
focused
friendly
generous
happy
helpful
honest
imaginative
kind
loyal
magnificent
nice
nimble
open
out going
passionate
patient
physical
polite
practical
quick
responsible
realistic
self-reliant
simplistic
strong
superb
thoughtful
terrific
unique
watchful
zany
Keep all these attributes in mind as you work with a child. Also, refer to the list to spark descriptive words for a child when it comes to IEP time.
Try having students complete “I Can” cards when they accomplish a skill and hang it up or send it home to encourage success!
Want to encourage positive thinking? Check out Positive Affirmations to empower children to realize their full potential.
