Mindset Champions Teacher Guide Mindset Champions
Teacher Facilitation Guide
30 Minutes
4th Grade
Learning Objective
Students will define and differentiate between the "Inner Coach" (supportive self-talk) and the "Inner Critic" (negative self-talk) to build self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Why This Matters
Developing an awareness of internal dialogue empowers students to manage stress and self-doubt, fostering a growth mindset and improved confidence.
Preparation & Materials
Video Battle Slides (w/ embedded video)
Inner Voices Worksheets (1 per student)
Pencils or colored markers
Lesson Procedure
5 MIN
Introduction: Brain Chatter
Open with a hook: "Have you ever noticed that there's a voice in your head that talks to you all day?"
Explain self-talk : It's the internal dialogue that affects how we feel and what we do.
Ask: "Has that voice ever cheered you on? Has it ever made you feel like you couldn't do something?"
6 MIN
Video Viewing: Confidence & Self-Esteem
Transition to the Voice Training Slides .
Play the "Wellbeing For Children" video.
Focus Task: Ask students to watch for the two different ways we can talk to ourselves.
10 MIN
Guided Discussion: Coach vs. Critic
Use the slides to define the Inner Coach (Supportive, Positive) and Inner Critic (Judgmental, Negative).
Discussion Prompt: "Think of a time you were trying something hard, like a sport or a math problem. What did your Inner Coach say? What did your Inner Critic say?"Discuss the "Volume Control" strategy: How can we turn down the critic and turn up the coach?
7 MIN
Reflection Activity: Voice Catchers
Distribute the Inner Voices Worksheet .
Students write down specific phrases for both voices based on their own experiences.
Circulate and help students rephrase critical thoughts into coaching thoughts (e.g., "I'm bad at this" → "I'm still learning this").
2 MIN
Closure: Practice Plan
"This week, whenever you feel frustrated, try to 'catch' your Inner Critic. Pause, take a breath, and ask: What would my Inner Coach say right now?"
Mindset Champions Slides MINDSET CHAMPIONS
Training Your Inner Voice
Coach vs. Critic
What is Self-Talk?
Self-talk is the "voice in your head" that narrates your day. It’s how you talk to yourself.
"Your thoughts are like a radio station playing in your brain."
Video Training
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Embedded media
Watch for: How we can support ourselves
The Inner Coach
What does it do?
Encourages you to keep trying.
Reminds you of your strengths.
Uses kind and supportive words.
POSITIVE VOICE
The Inner Critic
What does it do?
Points out every mistake.
Uses mean words like "always."
Tells you to give up.
NEGATIVE VOICE
Locker Room Talk
Coach Moments:
Can you share a time when your Inner Coach helped you through a tough situation?
Critic Catching:
How does your Inner Critic sound? What are some things it says to try and stop you?
The Volume Control
"How can we listen MORE to our Inner Coach?"
1
CATCH IT
Notice when the critic is talking.
2
FLIP IT
Change the thought into a tip.
3
BOOST IT
Repeat the positive thought.
Voice Catcher Worksheet Voice Catcher
Mindset Champions
Champion Name
Training Date
The Inner Critic's Trap
What is something mean or discouraging your Inner Critic says when you make a mistake or feel nervous?
The Inner Coach's Game Plan
What is a kind or encouraging phrase your Inner Coach could say to help you keep going?
Turn Up the Volume
How can you remind yourself to listen to your Inner Coach more often? (Hint: Think about positive reminders or talking to a friend!)
Remember: You are in charge of your own radio station!
Voice Dialogue Discussion Guide Voice Dialogue Guide
Inner Coach vs. Inner Critic Discussion
The Inner Coach
An inner coach is a positive voice that encourages and supports you. It focuses on growth, effort, and kindness.
"You've got this! Just take it one step at a time."
The Inner Critic
An inner critic is a negative voice that criticizes and doubts you. It often uses words like "never," "always," or "can't."
"You're going to fail. Everyone else is better than you."
Socratic Circles: Deep Dive
1
Personal Impact
Can you share a time when your Inner Coach helped you? How did it change your mood or your actions?
Goal: Recognize the power of positive self-talk.
2
Volume Control
How can we listen more to our Inner Coach? What are specific "tricks" to ignore the Inner Critic?
Goal: Develop strategies for mindset shifts.
3
The "Yet" Factor
When the critic says "I can't do this," how can the coach add the word "yet"? Why is that one small word so important?
Goal: Understand the Growth Mindset.
Coach's Tip: Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend.
