Dictionary before guess-ionary.
Hello friends — I’m a teacher who believes a few small words can change a big moment. I call this little collection "Dictionary before guess-ionary": pick the right word before guessing what you feel or what someone else might mean. Learning short, clear phrases gives you tools to name feelings, slow down, and choose what to do next. I’m not a doctor or a therapist, just someone who wants you to have language that helps when things get sticky.
Below are simple phrases you can try. Say them to yourself, whisper them to a friend, or write them on a sticky note. Use them as a map when your feelings feel like a fog.
- “I feel _____.” (Name one feeling — sad, mad, worried.)
- “That was hard.” (Admit difficulty without blaming yourself.)
- “This will pass.” (Remind yourself feelings change.)
- “Can you help me?” (Ask for support.)
- “One small step.” (Break big problems into tiny actions.)
- “Breathe with me.” (Invite someone to calm down together.)
- “I’m learning.” (Turn mistakes into growth.)
- “You’re not alone.” (Comfort a friend or remind yourself.)
Each phrase does a job. “I feel _____” turns guessing into a clear word — when you name an emotion, it becomes smaller and less frightening. “That was hard” tells your brain the moment mattered, without turning you into a problem. “This will pass” helps when you need hope for a short-term storm. Asking “Can you help me?” moves a problem from your shoulders into a team effort. “One small step” keeps you from freezing in front of big tasks; just pick the tiniest next thing. “Breathe with me” creates a quick pause so your body and mind can catch up. Saying “I’m learning” changes how you see mistakes, and “You’re not alone” builds connection — we all need that.
Try practicing these phrases in class like a game: pick one phrase for a week, make a poster, or use a secret handshake and say the phrase quietly when someone looks overwhelmed. Role-play helps: one student pretends to be upset while another uses the phrase and notices what happens. Celebrate when a phrase helps — a small victory card or a thumbs-up goes a long way.
Keep this Dictionary before guess-ionary in your pocket of words. The more you use the right phrase at the right time, the more you’ll notice hard moments becoming easier to understand and to move through. You’re learning a language of courage and care, and every sentence is practice for a stronger you.