Talking Positive Lesson Plan Talking Positive!
Lesson Plan • Mindset Makeover Series
25 Minutes
Middle School
Learning Objective
"Students will learn to identify negative self-talk and transform it into positive, empowering statements."
The "Why"
Middle school is a peak time for self-doubt. Mastering self-talk enhances self-esteem, promotes mental well-being, and builds a resilient mindset for academic and social challenges.
Required Materials
Worksheet: Transforming Self-Talk
Discussion Guide: Positive Self-Talk
Slides: Talking Positive! Deck
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
3 Mins
Introduction
Welcome students and introduce the objective: transforming negative self-talk.
Briefly explain that our "inner voice" significantly impacts how we feel and act.
Set the stage: Today we're learning to be our own best advocates.
2
4 Mins
Video Viewing
Play the video: Ways to Boost Your Self Esteem.
Instruct students to listen for three specific exercises mentioned in the video to lift their mood.
3
8 Mins
Group Discussion
Lead a discussion using the Positive Self-Talk Discussion Guide.
Focus on the concept of treating yourself like a best friend .
Explore the "Gratitude Practice" mentioned in the video.
4
8 Mins
Worksheet Activity
Distribute the Transforming Self-Talk Worksheet.
Students work individually to identify their common negative thoughts and rewrite them.
Circulate to provide support, especially for students struggling to find a "positive spin."
5
2 Mins
Closure
Recap: Positive self-talk is a practice, not a one-time event.
Challenge: Try to catch one negative thought today and "edit" it.
Thank students for being vulnerable and open.
Transforming Self-Talk Worksheet Transforming Self-Talk
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________
Your "inner voice" is the narrator of your life. This worksheet helps you practice catching negative thoughts and rewriting them into something helpful and positive.
Negative Self-Talk Statement
Hint: "I always mess up everything."
Transform it to Positive
Hint: "I am learning and I will do better next time."
Another Negative Statement
Hint: "I'm just not good at this."
Transform it to Positive
Hint: "I can get better with practice."
Self-Compassion Challenge
Think about how you would talk to your best friend. Why is it often easier to be kind to them than to yourself?
Positive Self-Talk Discussion Guide Positive Self-Talk
Discussion Guide
"This discussion helps students explore the impact of self-talk on their self-esteem. By sharing experiences, students realize that negative thoughts are common, but they can be managed and transformed."
1
What are some examples of negative self-talk you have experienced?
Teacher Prompt
Encourage students to share personal experiences. Remind them that everyone has negative self-talk sometimes. The goal is recognizing it, not judging it.
"I'm not smart enough."
"Everyone is looking at me."
2
How did the exercises mentioned in the video help with transforming self-talk?
Discuss the three exercises from the video:
Quick Wins: Doing something you’ve been putting off.Gratitude: Noticing small things that are going well.The Best Friend Filter: Treating yourself like a best friend.
3
Why is it important to treat yourself like your best friend?
Facilitation Tip
Guide students toward self-compassion. Explain how this kindness reduces stress and increases our ability to handle challenges.
"If your friend failed a test, would you tell them they're a loser? No. Why do we say it to ourselves?"
Final Thought
Self-talk isn't about being perfect; it's about being kind to yourself while you learn and grow. Practice makes permanent.
Talking Positive Slides Talking Positive!
Mastering your inner voice for a better mindset
Mindset Makeover
? What is Self-Talk?
"The internal narrative you have about yourself and the world around you."
It's Constant
We have thousands of thoughts every single day.
It's Powerful
How you talk to yourself affects how you feel.
3 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem
Watch closely for the three exercises mentioned!
Embedded media
The "Mindset" Exercises
1
Quick Wins
Do something small you’ve been putting off. It builds momentum!
2
Gratitude
Focus on what's going right, not just what's going wrong.
3
The Friend Filter
Treat yourself with the same kindness you give a best friend.
The "Best Friend Filter"
If you wouldn't say it to your best friend, don't say it to yourself.
Try it now:
"I'm so stupid for making that mistake."
"I made a mistake, but I'm learning how to fix it."
Your Turn!
Grab your "Transforming Self-Talk" worksheet. Practice catching 2 negative thoughts and giving them a makeover.
Time: 8 Minutes
Stay Positive!
Your mindset is like a muscle. The more you practice positive self-talk, the stronger it gets.
Be Kind
Be Brave
Be You
