Mirror Mirror Slides Mirror Mirror
Who is that voice in your head?
Glow Guide: Lesson 1
The Two Voices
The Inner Critic
• Focuses on mistakes and "flaws"
• Uses words like "never," "always," or "can't"
• Makes you feel small or stuck
The Inner Cheerleader
• Focuses on effort and possibilities
• Uses words like "yet," "learn," or "try"
• Makes you feel capable and brave
The Power of Words
"The way we talk to ourselves becomes the house we live in."
— Unknown
Confidence
Believing you can handle what comes your way.
Resilience
Bouncing back after a tough day or a mistake.
Self-Worth
Knowing you are enough, exactly as you are.
Spot the Critic
Which of these is the Inner Critic speaking?
A
"I'm not good at math, I'll never get this."
B
"This is hard, but I can ask for help."
C
"I look so weird in these photos."
Hint: The critic usually makes you feel stuck or hopeless.
Today's Glow Goal
Complete the Inner Critic Map. Identify one thing your Inner Critic says often, and then give your Inner Cheerleader the microphone!
Time to Work: 10 Minutes
Inner Critic Worksheet Inner Critic Map
Glow Guide Series • Lesson 1
Name:
Date:
1. Spot the Voice
What is something your Inner Critic says to you when you make a mistake or feel nervous? (Be honest, no one else has to see this!)
2. The Impact
When you hear that voice, how does it make you feel in your body or mind? (Example: heavy, small, stomach in knots, stuck)
3. Hand Over the Mic
The Inner Cheerleader
If you were talking to your best friend about the same situation, what would you say to encourage them?
"I would tell her..."
Keep Glowing
Page 1 of 1
Mirror Mirror Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide Lesson 1 of 3
Mirror Mirror
Helping middle schoolers identify and externalize the Inner Critic.
Duration
20-25 Minutes
Goal
Identify Inner Critic thoughts
Materials
Slides, Worksheets, Pencils
Pacing & Flow
5'
Introduction & Hook (Slides 1-2)
Welcome the group. Ask: "Have you ever been your own worst enemy?" Introduce the concept that we all have two internal voices. Emphasize that the Inner Critic isn't "bad"—it's often just a part of us trying to protect us from failure, but it's very loud and often wrong.
"The Critic says: 'Don't try that, you'll look stupid.' It thinks it's helping you avoid embarrassment, but it actually keeps you from growing."
5'
The Power of Words (Slides 3-4)
Discuss why this matters. Explain that repetitive thoughts create "neural pathways"—the more we think them, the easier they become. Practice "spotting" the critic on Slide 4. Point out that the critic often uses absolute language: always, never, everyone, nobody.
10'
Independent Mapping (Worksheet)
Pass out the Inner Critic Map . Give them quiet time to reflect. Remind them that this is private—they won't have to share their specific thoughts if they don't want to.
Tip:
Walk around and offer encouragement. If someone is stuck, ask: "What's something you say to yourself when you drop your phone or fail a test?"
5'
Closing & Wrap Up (Slide 5)
Wrap up by explaining that next time, we'll learn exactly how to "shush" the critic and give the cheerleader more stage time. Ask students to pay attention to which voice is louder during their next class or lunch break.
Essential Discussion Prompts
Is the Inner Critic always a liar, or does it ever have a point? (It's usually exaggerated!)
Which voice do you find easier to listen to right now? Why?
Flip the Script Slides Flip the Script
Turning "I Can't" into "I Am Learning"
Glow Guide: Lesson 2
The 3-Step Reframe
CATCH IT
Notice when the Inner Critic starts whispering (or shouting).
CHECK IT
Ask: "Is this 100% true? Is it helpful? Would I say this to a friend?"
CHANGE IT
Flip the negative thought into a Growth Mindset thought.
Flip the Script Practice
The Critic says:
"I'm going to fail this test. I'm so stupid."
The Cheerleader says:
"This material is tough, but I've studied and I'll do my best."
The Critic says:
"Nobody likes me. I'm so awkward."
The Cheerleader says:
"I'm still getting to know people. I'm a kind person and that's what matters."
YET
"I can't do this... yet."
I'm not good at this... YET.
I don't understand... YET.
The Reframing Rack
Use your activity sheet to "hang up" your old negative thoughts and "wear" new, empowering ones.
Time: 12 Minutes
Goal: 3 Reframes
Thought Reframer Activity THE REFRAMING RACK
Glow Guide • Lesson 2 Activity
Glow Getter:
Imagine your thoughts are like clothes. If a thought doesn't fit you or makes you feel bad, it's time to "donate" it and pick something that fits your potential!
Throw it out:
"I'm so bad at sports, I'll always be the last pick."
Try this on:
Write your reframe here...
Throw it out:
"I'm not pretty enough to be in that friend group."
Try this on:
Write your reframe here...
Catch your own:
A thought your Inner Critic says...
Flip it:
Your new positive thought...
The Glow Tip
If you're stuck, use the magic word: "YET" .yet , but I'm figuring it out."
Flip the Script Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide Lesson 2 of 3
Flip the Script
Mastering the 'Catch, Check, Change' method for resilience.
Pacing
20-25 Minutes
Goal
Practice thought reframing
Core Concept
Neuroplasticity (Simplified)
Session Breakdown
4'
Recap & Bridge (Slide 1)
Quick check-in: "Did anyone notice their Inner Critic since our last session? What was it doing?" Transition into the idea that we can't always stop the critic from talking, but we can change the script it reads from.
6'
The 3-Step Strategy (Slides 2-3)
Introduce Catch, Check, Change . Use Slide 3 to model this aloud. Make sure to emphasize that a "Change" doesn't have to be fake or overly bubbly—it just has to be true and helpful .
"Check It Question: If your best friend said this about themselves, would you agree with them? Or would you tell them they're being too hard on themselves?"
12'
The Reframing Rack (Activity)
Hand out the activity sheet. Have students work through the two pre-written examples before writing their own. Encourage them to use the "YET" strategy on Slide 4 if they get stuck.
3'
Cool Down
Ask for volunteers to share one "New Thought" they wrote. Remind them: "Your brain is a muscle. Reframing is like a workout. It gets easier the more you do it."
"Toxic Positivity"
Students might think they have to lie. Correct this: "We aren't saying everything is perfect. We're saying you have the power to try and to improve ."
Growth Mindset
Keep the focus on effort and strategy rather than just being "better." The goal is resilience, not perfection.
Glow Getter Slides Glow Getter
Owning Your Magic & Your Worth
Lesson 3: The Finale
Your Uniqueness is a Gift
"You are the only person who can be YOU. That is your superpower."
Self-esteem isn't about being "the best." It's about being proud of who you are, even when you're still growing.
Kindness
Creativity
Curiosity
Grit
Affirmation Alchemy
Affirmations are positive statements that "hack" your brain into believing in yourself.
"I am worthy of love and respect, exactly as I am."
"My voice matters and my ideas are valuable."
"I can handle whatever today brings."
The Glow Habit
☀️
MORNING
Say one affirmation in the mirror before school.
🏫
MID-DAY
When the critic starts talking, use your "magic yet."
🌙
NIGHT
List three things you did well today (no matter how small).
Affirmation Station
Create your own Glow Cards . Keep them in your phone case, locker, or mirror to remind you of your power.
Time to Create: 15 Minutes
Affirmation Station Cards Glow Guide Final Activity
AFFIRMATION STATION
Decorate, cut out, and keep these cards where you'll see them every day!
Glow Card 01
I AM WORTHY
Exactly as I am, without needing to change a single thing.
Glow Card 02
I AM CAPABLE
I can handle hard things and I am always growing.
Glow Card 03
MY VOICE MATTERS
My thoughts are valuable and I deserve to be heard.
Personal Card
Write Your Own:
Where to keep them:
Inside your phone case • Taped to your bathroom mirror • In your notebook • Inside your locker
Glow Getter Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide Lesson 3 of 3
Glow Getter
Cultivating long-term self-worth and daily empowerment habits.
Duration
20-25 Minutes
Goal
Create affirmation cards
Focus
Self-Worth & Ownership
Final Session Flow
3'
The Uniqueness Talk (Slides 1-2)
Set the tone. Remind them that self-esteem isn't about being better than others—it's about liking who you are. Ask: "What is one thing about you that isn't related to looks or school grades?" (e.g., being a good listener, loving animals, being funny).
5'
Affirmation Alchemy (Slide 3)
Explain affirmations. They feel "cringe" at first because our Inner Critic fights them. But science shows that repeating positive truths actually rewires the brain. Practice saying one together as a group.
15'
The Station (Activity & Slide 4)
Give students the **Affirmation Station Cards**. Provide colored pencils/markers. Encourage them to decorate the cards so they feel personal. While they work, discuss "The Glow Habit" (Slide 4) as a way to keep this going beyond the class.
Teacher Note:
If you have scissors and tape, have students cut them out and tape one to their folder or phone case right away.
2'
Conclusion (Slide 5)
End with a "Glow Pledge." Have everyone stand up and say: "I am enough, I am capable, and I am a Glow Getter."
The Graduation Mindset
Remind students that building self-esteem is a lifelong journey. Some days the critic will be loud, and that's okay. The goal is to always have the tools (the "yet," the reframes, the cards) ready to use.
