Words create worlds - we say it every day! However, this is unfortunately true for negative words too. Even though we can apologise (which is very important) our negative words can leave a mark on others. We showed our Tautoru tamariki the reality of this with the toothpaste experiment.
The children got to let loose on Jess last week, saying unkind words while she squeezed out the toothpaste representing how the words made her feel. The kids then said sorry for what they said and tried to take it back. Jess tried to put the toothpaste back into the tube, which was of course impossible. We scooped and scooped but to no avail the toothpaste was not going back in. This is exactly how our words impact others. Even though we say sorry, our words do not go away and neither does the impact they leave.
Saying positive words however, has the opposite effect. A study by Fredrickson, Cohn, Coffey, Pek and Finkel in 2008 showed the benefits on individuals after hearing kind words for 28 days straight. These individuals reported more positive relationships with others and improved physical health - let Jess know if you would like more information about this!
We practiced our positive complements outside after the toothpaste experiment. Our students moved around back court in various ways, and whenever Jess blew the whistle they had to stop and complement the person closest to them, a different person every time.
Tamariki reported feeling really 'good inside' after this small game. Here are some examples of the positive complements we gave:
Remy H - "I like your shiny crocs"Felix "you are such a great writer"
Vera "I Like your eyes"
Erik "you are a good friend"
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