Triangle Talk Teacher Guide Triangle Talk
Teacher Guide • Social Emotional Learning
35 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to explain the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions in a given scenario using the Cognitive Triangle model.
Why This Matters
Understanding this connection helps students gain self-awareness and practical tools to manage their emotions and behaviors, leading to better emotional regulation and healthier social interactions.
Materials
Smartboard or projector
Triangle Talk Slides
Triangle Tracker Worksheet
Self Talk Starters Worksheet
Pencils or pens
Prep (10 Minutes)
• Review the slide deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
• Print Triangle Tracker Worksheets (1 per student).
• Print Self Talk Starters Worksheets (1 per student).
• Ensure projector is ready and seating allows for discussion.
Lesson Sequence
5
Mind-Body Connection
Begin with a brief discussion: "Have you ever noticed how your thoughts can change how you feel?" Introduce the idea that our brains and bodies are connected.
Use Slides 1-2
10
The Think-Feel-Act Triangle
Present the Cognitive Triangle. Explain how Thoughts influence Feelings, which influence Actions. Use relatable examples (e.g., "Thinking 'This is too hard' might make you feel frustrated, leading you to give up.").
Use Slides 3-8
10
Analyzing Scenarios
Distribute the Triangle Tracker Worksheet. Guide the class through one example together, then have students work independently or in pairs on the remaining scenarios.
Triangle Tracker Worksheet
5
Positive Self-Talk
Introduce positive self-talk as a way to "re-wire" the triangle. Distribute the Self Talk Starters Worksheet. Model turning a negative thought into a positive starter.
Self Talk Starters Worksheet • Slides 10-11
5
Reflection & Sharing
Bring the class back together. Invite volunteers to share one thing they learned or a positive phrase they created. Emphasize that these are skills that take practice.
Slide 12
Triangle Talk Presentation Slides Triangle Talk
Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions
Inner World Check-in
What is going on inside your head and heart today?
Take a moment to notice...
Brain & Body Connection
Have you ever noticed how a happy thought can make you smile?
Or a worried thought can make your tummy feel funny?
They are linked!
The Think-Feel-Act Triangle
Thoughts
Feelings
Actions
They all influence each other!
What are Thoughts?
Thoughts are like the words and pictures inside your mind.
"This is hard."
"I can do it!"
"My friend is mad at me."
"It's going to be a great day!"
What are Feelings?
Feelings (or emotions) are what you experience inside your body.
Happy
😊
Sad
😢
Angry
😡
Excited
🤩
Frustrated
😣
What are Actions?
Actions are what you do or how you behave.
Helping a friend
Giving up on a puzzle
Smiling at someone
Yelling when upset
Scenario: You Spill Your Milk
Thought
"Oh no! I always mess things up!"
Feeling
Frustrated, sad, embarrassed.
Action
Crying, hiding, or snapping at someone.
This is how a "tricky" thought can lead to hard feelings and actions.
Same Scenario, New Thought!
Thought
"Oops! Accidents happen. I can clean this up."
Feeling
Calm, a little annoyed.
Action
Grabbing a towel and cleaning it up.
Changing the THOUGHT changed the whole triangle!
Your Turn!
Let's practice filling in the triangle for different situations using your Triangle Tracker Worksheet.
Work Together
Or With a Partner
Power Up Your Thoughts!
Positive Self-Talk
Talking to yourself in a kind, encouraging way. It's like being your own best coach!
Ready to practice?
Reflect & Share
1
What was one important thing you learned today?
2
How can you use positive self-talk this week?
Your Thoughts are Powerful!
Triangle Tracker Worksheet Triangle Tracker
Thoughts • Feelings • Actions
Name:
Date:
We've learned that our Thoughts , Feelings , and Actions are all connected like a triangle! For each scenario below, imagine what someone might think , how that makes them feel , and what they might do .
Scenario 1
You didn't get picked for a game at recess.
What might you THINK?
What might you FEEL?
What might you DO (Action)?
Scenario 2
You got a really good grade on a test you studied hard for.
What might you THINK?
What might you FEEL?
What might you DO (Action)?
Scenario 3
Your friend accidentally knocks over your tower of blocks.
What might you THINK?
What might you FEEL?
What might you DO (Action)?
Scenario 4
You have to speak in front of the class, and you feel nervous.
What might you THINK?
What might you FEEL?
What might you DO (Action)?
Self Talk Starters Activity Self-Talk Starters
Be Your Own Best Coach!
Name:
Date:
What is Self-Talk?
Sometimes, our thoughts can be a bit tricky and make us feel down. But you have the power to change them into helpful, positive ones!
Instructions
Read the "Unhelpful Thought" in each box.
Choose a starter from the list.
Write a new "Helpful Thought" in the blank space.
Positive Starters
"I can try my best."
"It's okay to make mistakes."
"I am learning and growing."
"I am strong and capable."
"I can ask for help."
"I will keep trying."
"This is a challenge, and I can face it."
Practice Time!
Unhelpful Thought
"I'm not good at math."
My Helpful Thought
Unhelpful Thought
"This drawing is terrible."
My Helpful Thought
Unhelpful Thought
"No one wants to play with me."
My Helpful Thought
Unhelpful Thought
"I'm going to fail this test."
My Helpful Thought
Unhelpful Thought
"This is too hard. I want to give up."
My Helpful Thought
Triangle Talk Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Triangle Talk & Self-Talk Starters
TEACHER REFERENCE
Triangle Tracker Exemplars
Scenario 1: Not picked for a game
Thought
"They don't like me" or "I'm not good at this game."
Feeling
Sad, lonely, or embarrassed.
Action
Walk away, sit alone, or get angry with the leader.
Scenario 2: Good grade on a test
Thought
"My hard work paid off!" or "I'm really learning this."
Feeling
Proud, happy, or relieved.
Action
Smile, tell a parent, or try even harder next time.
Scenario 3: Friend knocks over tower
Thought
"They did that on purpose!" (Negative) OR "It was an accident." (Positive)
Feeling
Angry/Frustrated (Negative) OR Calm/Understanding (Positive)
Action
Yell/Push (Negative) OR "It's okay, let's rebuild" (Positive)
Self-Talk Starter Exemplars
Unhelpful Thought
"I'm not good at math."
Possible Helpful Response
"I am learning and growing, and I can ask for help."
Unhelpful Thought
"This drawing is terrible."
Possible Helpful Response
"It's okay to make mistakes. I'll keep trying."
Unhelpful Thought
"No one wants to play with me."
Possible Helpful Response
"I am strong and capable. I can try to find a different group to join."
Unhelpful Thought
"I'm going to fail this test."
Possible Helpful Response
"I can try my best. This is a challenge, and I can face it."
Unhelpful Thought
"This is too hard. I want to give up."
Possible Helpful Response
"I will keep trying. It's okay to make mistakes while I learn."
Use these examples to guide student sharing and correct misconceptions.