How to Make an “I Am” Affirmation Card Deck for Kids

Overview

Affirmation cards help children name emotions, choose supportive thoughts, and practice self regulation. This activity guides students to create a personal “I Am” affirmation deck they can use in class, clubs, or at home. It works across ages and supports reflection, voice, and confidence. If you want ready-made visuals for practice, explore our affirmations.

Why this activity matters

• Builds language for feelings and values

• Strengthens focus and calm through short mindful pauses
• Encourages positive self talk that carries into the school day
• Creates a reusable tool students can pull before transitions or group work

Materials

• Index cards, at least eleven per student
• Small box to hold the deck
• Watercolors or tempera paint, optional metallics
• Markers and pens
• Sample affirmation cards or a short word bank of heart qualities
• Paper for brainstorming

Prepare the class

1. Open a brief discussion about how thoughts influence feelings and actions.
2. Make a list of emotions and heart qualities students want to grow.
3. Share that all emotions are welcome. The deck reminds us of who we are at our core.
4. Offer a short guided recall: invite students to remember a moment when they felt a chosen quality. Where were they, what did they notice in the body, who was present, what could they see or hear.

Create the deck

1. Brainstorm “I Am” statements on paper. Keep each one clear and specific.
2. Write or paint one statement per card. Add a sentence or small image that supports the idea.
3. Design the back of every card in a similar style so the deck feels unified.
4. Place finished cards in the box. Invite students to title the box and decorate it.

How to use affirmation cards for kids

Daily pull

Shuffle, stop when ready, and turn over the top card. Read the message out loud and sit for one slow breath while noticing how the body feels.

Question pull

Hold a simple question such as “What quality will support me today.” Shuffle, pull a card, and write a short reflection in a journal.

Group circle

Invite one student to pull a card for the class. Share one sentence about how to show that quality during the next activity.

Calm corner

Keep decks in a visible spot students can reach during transitions. Pair pulls with one regulation breath or a posture from your visual tools.

Teacher tips

• Model feedback and language. “I noticed your statement was clear and strong.”
• Offer sentence frames for emerging writers. “I am brave when I…” “I am kind by…”
• Use short reflection moments. A thirty second pause is enough to reset attention.
• Rotate optional extensions such as collage backgrounds or simple borders.

Classroom variations

• Younger students: limit the set to six to eight cards and add more over time.
• Older students: invite quotes, synonyms, or values from literature or history.
• Clubs and camps: make community decks students can pull at the start and end of meetings.
• Home practice: invite families to add one new card each week.

Affirmation cards become a steady reminder of strength and choice. Over time students learn to pause, name what they need, and return to center. For ready-to-use prompts, see our affirmations.

Resources:

“I Am” sung by Guru Singh. Album, A Game of Chants 

“I Am The Light Of My Soul” & “I Am Happy” & “Sa Ta Na Ma” sung by Snatam Kaur. Album, Feeling Good Today

Meditation:

“I Am Happy, I Am Good” by Shakta Khalsa. Album, Happy.

“I Am What I Am” Grounded Pose (click for ideas)

Book:

I Am: Why Two Little Words Mean So Much by Wayne W. Dyer, Kristina Tracy and Stacy Heller Budnick (Mar 15, 2012)

Cards:

I Think, I Am!: Teaching Kids the Power of Affirmations by Louise Hay, Kristina Tracy and Manuela Schwarz (Oct 15, 2008)

Manifest Your Magnificence (64 Affirmation Cards for Kids 6-12 Years Old) by Susan Howson and Mike Polito (2002)