Affirmation Animal Necklaces

My third-grade artists began by discussing affirmations and learning how an affirmation is anything you say or think about yourself. All of our self-talk, both negative and positive, are affirmations. We learned how positive affirmations are the practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment to retrain our brains to think more positively. We then shared positive qualities and traits about ourselves with the class. It was beautiful to hear all the wonderful things they had to say about one another! I used the same presentation introduction and resources from a similar printmaking lesson. 

Next, my young artists were tasked with thinking of an animal that represents one positive affirmation about themselves. (Ex. I am clever like a fox, I am energetic like a cheetah, I am nurturing like a penguin).  

They then wrote that affirmation on a 4" x 5" sheet of paper and drew a picture of their selected animal on the other side of their paper.  Feel free to make a copy of my reference document!

Affirmation Animal References_PaulaLizArt_

During the second class, we taped our drawings to the back of a sheet of heat-shrink plastic.  They used a pen or permanent marker to trace their animal and colored pencils to add color. Once the animals were drawn, they used a hole puncher to make a hole at the top before cutting out their animal. After, they wrote their affirmation on a separate strip of heat-shrink plastic. Some artists chose to add color and decorations to their writing! 

I then took their work home and baked the pieces in the oven. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging of the heat-shrink plastic you purchased! 

During the third class, artists attached their animals and affirmation pendants to a necklace cord using split rings. They could also use colored craft wire and beads to embellish their work before presenting it to the class. These young artists were so excited to wear them! The hope is that every time they put them on, they serve as a reminder of how remarkable they are!

This is one of the lessons featured in my book "Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids!" 

Student ArtÂ