Constructing an Affective Statement
When responding to behavior (either to reinforce positive behaviors or re-direct
negative behaviors with any member of the school community), the following three
steps will assist in the construction of an affective statement.
Step 1 – Self-identify what you are feeling or how you are impacted = selfawareness.
Step 2 – Self-identify the specific action or behavior that you are responding to
= separate the doer from the deed.
Step 3 – Bring step 1 and 2 together in an authentic expression of:
1. your feeling or how you are impacted, by the
2. specific behaviors or actions you are reinforcing or redirecting.
Ex. Phillip, I get very distracted when you continuously tap your pencil on the
table. It makes it difficult for me to concentrate.
**Be mindful to always consider the needs of the students when addressing them.
It is important to take responsibility for your own feelings and not impose your
feelings on others. The purpose of affective statements is for people to learn how
their specific behaviors impact those around them—it is not for the purpose of
them having to carry the load of everyone’s feelings—this is very important,
especially for our students who have experienced severe or complex trauma in
their lives.