Brain Boss Worksheet
BRAIN BOSS
SEL • 3rd Grade
ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors: B-SMS 7 (Coping Skills) & M 1 (Self-Belief)
Name:
Date:
What is Self-Talk?
Self-talk is the voice inside your mind. Sometimes that voice sounds like an Inner Critic that makes you feel down. You have the power to be the Brain Boss and turn on your Inner Coach!
The Storm
Inner Critic Voice
- Says: "I'm not smart enough for this."
- Makes you feel discouraged, upset, or scared.
- Makes you want to give up right away.
The Power
Inner Coach Voice
- Says: "I can't do this YET, but I can try!"
- Makes you feel calm, hopeful, and brave.
- Helps you take a breath and try again.
The 3-Step "Thought Flip" Formula
1 CATCH IT!
Notice the negative thought.
2 CHECK IT!
Take a breath. Is this true?
3 FLIP IT!
Say what a good coach says.
Example 1: See How It's Done (Model)
Inner Critic Thought
"This math problem is impossible! I'm terrible at math."
Brain Boss Flip
"This problem is challenging, but if I break it down and ask for help, I can learn it."
Practice 1: Try Flipping This Thought!
Helpful words: practice, try again, mistake, learning
Inner Critic Thought:
"I ripped my art drawing by mistake. I ruin everything!"
Write your Brain Boss Flip below:
Turn to Page 2 for the Thought Flip Challenge & your Brain Boss Pocket Cards! ➡️
THOUGHT FLIP CHALLENGE
Read each critic thought, then write what your Brain Boss coach would say!
Part 2 • Independent Work
1 Situation: Reading in Class
Critic Thought
"I stumbled on a hard word while reading out loud. Everyone thinks I'm not smart."
Your Brain Boss Flip:
2 Situation: Recess & Games
Critic Thought
"I missed the ball in four square. I'm bad at games and nobody wants to play with me."
Your Brain Boss Flip:
3 My Turn: A Tough Thought I Sometimes Have
Write one negative thought your critic sometimes whispers:
Now Flip It into your Brain Boss Coach words:
Brain Boss Pocket Mantras (Keep in your desk or backpack!)
"Mistakes help my brain grow stronger."
GROWTH
"I don't know it YET, but I am learning."
PATIENCE
"Breathe in calm, breathe out doubt."
CALM
"I am proud of myself for trying."
COURAGE
Brain Boss Pledge
"When my inner critic starts to talk, I promise to pause, take a deep breath, and flip my script with an inner coach!"
Student Signature:
My Coach Power Level
1
2
3
4
5
Circle your score (1 = Learning, 5 = Ready!)