Positive Words From A to Z

Kind, bright and brave words for children, one letter at a time. Each letter has words to describe a friend, feelings, doing words and big ideas, with a simple meaning for every word.

Pick a letter

Each letter’s page has a meaning and audio for every word, plus core words for grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8.

Ways to use positive words in class

Small routines that build kind words into the school day.

  • Morning meeting

    Share a word of the day. Read its meaning, then invite two children to use it in a sentence about a classmate.

  • Compliment circle

    Sit in a circle and pass a soft ball. Whoever holds it gives the next person a compliment with one positive word.

  • Word wall

    Post the week’s words with their meanings. Add a star each time someone uses one in their writing.

  • Name poem

    Write a name down the side of the page, one letter per line, and find a positive word for each letter. Ada might be Artistic, Dear and Amazing.

Questions about positive words

Why teach positive words?

Positive words give children language for kindness, feelings and effort. When a child can name a feeling or a friend’s strength, it is easier to talk about it, in class and at home.

Which letters are ready?

A, B, C and D are ready now, and more letters are on the way. Each one has a simple meaning for every word and core words for grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8.

Are the words right for children?

Yes. We picked words children and teachers really use, wrote each meaning in plain language, and checked every word and sentence against our list of words children shouldn’t see.