Teach your child to *THINK* before they speak. A helpful mnemonic to remind your child that words are powerful.
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“Think before you speak” – what exactly does that mean?
A child will wonder “What do you want me to ‘think’ about?” Here’s a helpful way to spell it out: *THINK.*
Core Marbles
- T – Is it True?
- H – Is it Helpful?
- I – Is it Inspiring?
- N – Is it Necessary?
- K – Is it Kind?
It’s true that it is hard for children to pause – to *THINK* – before they speak. It’s true that thinking about *THINK* may not come naturally and it may take practice. But, if your child only remembers ‘Is it True?’ or ‘Is it Helpful?’ or ‘Is it Kind?’ – well, that’s pretty great.
Our favorite printables to remember *THINK* (especially impactful for emerging readers):
Model and rehearse *with* your child. Words are powerful. Just watch.