
Two of the most powerful tools a person can be equipped with are high self esteem and a strong sense of self.
Because we are living in an era where we have access to all types of information and images, some positive, and quite unfortunately, a lot that are negative, it's so important for us to speak life into our young people, help them define who they are, and declare who they want to be in this world.
The most powerful and affirming gift I have ever received was an acrostic poem written by my big sister Jashonai. An acrostic poem is one in which the first, last, or other letters in a line spell out a particular word or phrase.
My sister used the letters in my first name to create the poem, and because she knows me so well, with each letter of my name she was able to write a phrase that affirms who I am and what I value. Anytime I may feel a little lost, or like I need some direction, this poem helps to get me back on track!
I suggest that we do the same for the young people in our lives. We can either help them create their own acrostic poems, or we can take the time to consider all the things that make them who they are and write poems to help empower and affirm them. If you need some ideas on how to get started click on the following links: Poetry4Kids - readwritethink - Scholastic
Here is the text from the poem my sister wrote for me. I have moved three times since she gave me the framed version; it always has a place in my home, and most importantly, in my heart.
Because we are living in an era where we have access to all types of information and images, some positive, and quite unfortunately, a lot that are negative, it's so important for us to speak life into our young people, help them define who they are, and declare who they want to be in this world.
The most powerful and affirming gift I have ever received was an acrostic poem written by my big sister Jashonai. An acrostic poem is one in which the first, last, or other letters in a line spell out a particular word or phrase.
My sister used the letters in my first name to create the poem, and because she knows me so well, with each letter of my name she was able to write a phrase that affirms who I am and what I value. Anytime I may feel a little lost, or like I need some direction, this poem helps to get me back on track!
I suggest that we do the same for the young people in our lives. We can either help them create their own acrostic poems, or we can take the time to consider all the things that make them who they are and write poems to help empower and affirm them. If you need some ideas on how to get started click on the following links: Poetry4Kids - readwritethink - Scholastic
Here is the text from the poem my sister wrote for me. I have moved three times since she gave me the framed version; it always has a place in my home, and most importantly, in my heart.