Inside Thoughts Teacher Guide Inside Thoughts
Outside Voices
A 3rd Grade Social-Emotional Learning Lesson
Duration
30 MIN
Objective
Students will learn to differentiate between internal thoughts and external expressions, with practical examples to enhance their self-regulation and communication skills.
Why it Matters
This lesson promotes self-awareness and effective communication by teaching children when to keep thoughts internal and when to share them externally in appropriate ways.
Prep & Materials
Review lesson plan and scenarios
Set up Inside Thoughts Outside Voices Slides
Print and cut Scenario Cards from activity sheet
Prepare role-play examples
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction & Discussion
10 Minutes
• Introduce the concepts of 'inside thoughts' (private, in your head) and 'outside voices' (words we speak to others) with simple definitions.
• Engage students with a prompt: "Have you ever thought something but decided NOT to say it out loud? Why did you make that choice?"
• Explain that choosing words carefully helps us be kind and respectful in different situations.
2
Role-Play Activity
10 Minutes
• Organize students into pairs or small groups for role-play exercises using the provided Scenario Cards.
• Challenge students to identify the "raw" inside thought and then practice converting it into a helpful or kind outside statement.
• Teacher Tip: Circulate to offer guidance. Look for students who find creative ways to be honest but respectful.
3
Wrap-Up & Reflection
5 Minutes
• Bring the class back together to share what they learned during the role-play.
• Ask: "How did it feel to change an unkind thought into a kind outside voice?"
• Summarize: We all have inside thoughts, but our outside voices are how we build bridges with others.
Quick Scenario Ideas
A friend has a new haircut you don't like.
Inside: "That looks weird."
Outside: "I see you got a haircut! You seem really happy with it."
Someone is taking a long time at the water fountain.
Inside: "Hurry up, I'm thirsty!"
Outside: "Are you almost finished? I'm waiting for a turn, please."
Mind Your Words Slides Inside Thoughts
Outside Voices
Learning how and when to share our ideas
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the lesson by welcoming students and giving an overview. Mention that today we'll learn about the difference between what's going on inside our heads and what we say out loud.
What are Inside Thoughts?
Inside thoughts are the things we think quietly in our minds.
"They are private and not always shared with others. They are just for you!"
TEACHER NOTES: Explain definitions clearly using simple language. Emphasize that 'inside thoughts' are private and 'outside voices' are for sharing with others.
What are Outside Voices?
"Hello!"
Outside voices are the words we speak out loud.
They are used when we share our ideas, feelings, or messages with other people.
TEACHER NOTES: Provide a clear contrast by defining outside voices. Use examples that they can relate to.
Tools for Managing Emotions
Watch this video to learn simple strategies for managing your feelings before you speak.
Embedded media
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the video: Explain that this clip will teach tools for noticing and managing emotions before speaking. Ask students to pay attention to how emotions can influence what we say out loud.
The Power of Words
Let’s see how our words can affect people and why choosing them wisely matters.
Embedded media
TEACHER NOTES: Explain that words have a big impact on others. Ask students to notice examples of kind versus unkind words in the video.
Examples & Scenarios
The Recess Dilemma
Inside Thought
"I wish I could play longer during recess."
Outside Voice
"I would like to ask for more playtime at recess, please."
Role-Play!
Practice turning an inside thought into an appropriate outside voice with your partner.
TEACHER NOTES: Discuss scenarios to help students differentiate between the two. Ask interactive questions such as: 'When is it okay to share your thoughts?'
Wrap-Up & Reflection
1
Why is it important to know the difference between our private thoughts and our spoken words?
2
How can we make sure we share our ideas in a kind and appropriate manner?
TEACHER NOTES: Wrap-up the lesson by summarizing the key points and encouraging students to think about when to share their thoughts out loud. Engage them in reflection.
Thought Filter Activity Sheet Thought Filter
Role-Play Activity
Name:
Date:
How to Play
1 Pair Up: Find a partner and decide who will be Person A and Person B.
2 Read: Choose a scenario from the cards below.
3 Act it Out: Person A says the "Raw" inside thought. Person B helps change it to a "Kind" outside voice.
4 Reflect: Answer the questions at the bottom when you are done!
1
The Gift
A friend gives you a drawing they made for you, but you think it looks messy.
Inside Thought:
"This is kind of a mess."
2
The Game
You are playing a board game and your friend is taking a really long time to move.
Inside Thought:
"Ugh, stop being so slow!"
3
The Answer
Someone in class gives the wrong answer to a math problem that you think is super easy.
Inside Thought:
"How do they not know that?"
4
The Snack
Your friend shares their snack, but you think it smells really weird.
Inside Thought:
"That smells gross."
Reflection Questions
1. When is it best to keep your thoughts to yourself?
2. When should you share your thoughts with others?
3. How did it feel to practice saying your thoughts out loud in a respectful way?
"Your words can make a big difference in how others understand your thoughts!"
