Champion Lesson Plan Talk Like a Champion
Group Session Lesson Plan
Duration 30m
The Purpose
Positive self-talk helps children develop confidence, manage challenges, and foster emotional resilience, supporting academic and social success. This lesson targets the "inner coach" rather than the "inner critic."
Learning Objective
Students will identify negative self-talk and learn to transform these thoughts into positive, confidence-boosting statements to build resilience.
Audience
3rd Grade Tier 2 Group
Approach
Discuss, role-play scenarios, and practice transforming thoughts.
Materials Needed
Scenario Cards
Transformation Worksheet
Chart paper & markers
Sticky notes & Timer
Prepare Materials (10 mins)
Print and cut out Scenario Cards.
Make copies of Transformation Worksheet.
Set up "Negative" & "Positive" chart columns.
Gather markers, sticky notes, and timer.
Instructional Sequence
Intro 5m
Introduction to Self-Talk
Gather students in a circle and define self-talk: the thoughts we say to ourselves. Ask for examples of “negative self-talk” (e.g., “I can’t do this”). Write responses under “Negative Talk” on chart paper. Explain how changing our words can change how we feel and perform.
Play 10m
Scenario Role-Play
Divide students into pairs and give each a Scenario Card . Pairs read their scenario, identify the negative thought, and discuss the feelings involved. Invite a few pairs to role-play their scenario and share their "inner critic" thoughts with the group.
Work 10m
Thought Transformation Practice
Distribute the Transformation Worksheet . Students write a negative thought on the left and craft a positive version on the right. Circulate to support and prompt stronger affirmations (e.g., changing “I’m bad at math” to “I can improve with practice”).
Close 5m
Share and Reflect
Invite volunteers to read their negative vs. positive statements. Reinforce the impact of positive self-talk and praise students for their efforts. Close by asking each student to share one positive self-talk phrase they’ll use today.
Champion Slides Champion Mindset
Talk Like a
Champion
Building Confidence and Resilience Through Positive Self-Talk
What Is Self-Talk?
Self-talk = the voice inside your head.
Negative: "I can't do this."
Positive: "I can try my best!"
Why It Matters
Boosts Confidence
Makes us feel ready to take on new challenges.
Helps Us Try Again
Mistakes become chances to learn, not stop.
Reduces Worry
Helps us stay calm when things get tough.
Growth Mindset
Teaches us that we can improve with practice.
The "Inner Critic"
Common Negative Thoughts:
"I'm not good enough."
"I always mess up."
"No one likes me."
"I can't do this."
Scenario Role-Play
1 Get a scenario card in pairs.
2 Read the situation and spot the negative thought.
3 Discuss how that thought feels.
4 Role-play it for the class!
The Transformation
Old Thought
"I'm bad at math."
New Thought
"I can get better with practice!"
Start your thoughts with: "I CAN..." or "I WILL..."
Champion Circle
Who wants to share their statements?
What difference do you feel when you say them?
How will this help you be a champion today?
You Are a Champion!
"Each person say one positive phrase you'll use today!"
Self Talk Scenario Cards Self-Talk Scenario Cards
Sheet 1 of 2
Champion Card 01
The Situation
You're working on a tricky math problem and can't figure it out.
Negative Self-Talk
"I'm just not good at math."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Champion Card 02
The Situation
The teacher asks you to read aloud and you stumble over several words.
Negative Self-Talk
"I will sound silly in front of everyone."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Champion Card 03
The Situation
It's recess, and you want to join a game of soccer but the other kids already picked teams.
Negative Self-Talk
"They won't let me play."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Champion Card 04
The Situation
A spelling test is tomorrow and you forgot to study one list of words.
Negative Self-Talk
"I always forget things, so I'll fail the test."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Self-Talk Scenario Cards
Sheet 2 of 2
Champion Card 05
The Situation
You have an upcoming art project and feel nervous showing your drawing.
Negative Self-Talk
"My artwork will look terrible next to everyone else's."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Champion Card 06
The Situation
You're in a small group and it's your turn to share ideas.
Negative Self-Talk
"My ideas aren't good enough."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Champion Card 07
The Situation
You see a classmate sitting alone and want to introduce yourself.
Negative Self-Talk
"They won't want to be my friend."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Champion Card 08
The Situation
The teacher calls on you to answer a question in front of the class.
Negative Self-Talk
"I'll get it wrong and everyone will laugh."
Identify. Discuss. Transform.
Transformation Worksheet Champion Transformation
Turn negative thoughts into powerful affirmations!
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read a negative thought you’ve had or one from your Scenario Cards . Write it on the left, then transform it into a positive statement on the right.
Negative Thought
Champion Transformation
Negative Thought
Champion Transformation
Negative Thought
Champion Transformation
Negative Thought
Champion Transformation
Negative Thought
Champion Transformation
My Champion Affirmation
Write one powerful phrase you will use today whenever you need a boost:
Champion Exit Ticket Champion Exit Ticket
Victory Lap Reflection
Name
Date
1. My champion affirmation (positive self-talk phrase) is:
2. I will use this affirmation when I (describe a situation):
3. This positive self-talk will help me to:
Be your own champion every single day!
Champion Exit Ticket
Victory Lap Reflection
Name
Date
1. My champion affirmation (positive self-talk phrase) is:
2. I will use this affirmation when I (describe a situation):
3. This positive self-talk will help me to:
Be your own champion every single day!
