TWINSBURG, Ohio — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was originally published before the segment aired on 'Ellen.'
MoNique Waters has found herself in the national spotlight. The Twinsburg teacher is featured on Friday’s episode of Ellen after video surfaced showing the daily affirmations she conducts with her class of kindergarten students – and it wouldn’t be an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show without a big surprise. But more on that later…
During her virtual appearance, Waters tells guest host Tiffany Haddish that the affirmations are something she does with the students every day during their “morning meetings.”
“Our morning meeting time is just a time for the students to share how they’re feeling,” Waters explains. “A time for me to chat with them and just make sure that they’re doing OK. At the end of that morning meeting time we do that affirmation, and it’s just a way for us to start our day and make sure they know they’re brilliant, they’re talented and they’re all great things. They really get into it.”
Video shows Waters leading the affirmations with the following message, which the students repeat: “I am strong! I am talented! I am smart. I am so so special! I can achieve anything!”
She also said teaching during the pandemic has been a challenge, but the students have really helped her adjust.
“It was definitely a huge adjustment for me, and I had some guilt. Like, this is not the way that kindergarten is supposed to be. But they’re just so excited and so happy to be here every single day, so I feed off of their energy. They love school and it’s been great.”
OK, now for that surprise… At the end of her appearance, Waters competed in some solo trivia worth $1,000 per correct answer. After getting all five of her questions right, Waters was surprised with the news that Shutterfly wanted to boost her winnings to $10,000. You can watch the entire segment below. Ellen airs weekdays on Channel 3 at 4 p.m.
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