Inner Coach Slides Week 1 • 30-Minute Workshop
8th Grade Academy
Mindset Training
Meet Your Inner Coach
Discover the secret voice running in your mind—and learn how to make it your greatest teammate.
1
What is Self-Talk?
2
Coach vs. Critic
3
Brain Power Boost
Sound Check
We All Have Two Kinds of Voices
Outer Voice
Spoken Out Loud
Words people hear with their ears.
Answering questions in class.
Talking with friends at lunch.
Inner Voice
Self-Talk (In Your Mind)
Words only you can hear inside.
Constantly running during your day.
Guides how you feel, react, and try!
💡 Fun Fact: You have around 60,000 thoughts per day—most of them are self-talk!
The Two Sides
Who is Doing the Talking?
The Inner Critic
The Grumpy Voice
"You're going to mess up."
"Everyone is looking at you."
"This is too hard. Give up."
⚠️ Result: Tight muscles, worry, fast heartbeat.
The Inner Coach
The Teammate Voice
"Take a breath. You got this."
"It's okay to make mistakes."
"Just try step 1 first."
✅ Result: Calm body, clear thinking, courage to try.
Question: Which voice would you want cheering for you at a big game?
Brain Science
How Positive Talk Helps You
Calms Your Body
Lowers stress chemicals, slows your breathing, and relaxes tense shoulders.
Unlocks Focus
Helps your thinking brain stay in control instead of locking up or freezing.
Builds Stamina
Keeps you in the game when math is hard or conversations feel confusing.
🎯 When your Inner Coach speaks, your brain feels safe to learn!
Session 1 Practice
Quick Check: Critic or Coach?
1. "I didn't finish the test, I'm so bad at school." Critic
2. "I can take three deep breaths and ask for help." Coach
3. "Everyone else gets this right away except me." Critic
Up Next: Complete your Detective Worksheet!
Grab your pencils
Inner Coach Detective Worksheet Inner Coach Detective
Lesson 1: Voice Training
Name:
Date:
⚠️
Inner Critic
Grumpy, makes us freeze up
⭐
Inner Coach
Calm, helpful teammate
1
Voice Sort: Is it Outer Voice (spoken aloud) or Inner Voice (in your head)?
Mark an X in the box that fits best.
A. Saying "Good morning, Mrs. Davis" as you walk into class
Outer Voice Inner Voice
B. Thinking quietly: "I need my blue folder for 3rd period"
Outer Voice Inner Voice
C. Thinking: "This math problem has big numbers, but I can do step 1"
Outer Voice Inner Voice
2
Detective Cases: Who is Speaking?
Read each thought. Circle whether it is the Inner Critic or the Inner Coach .
Scenario 1: Gym Class
"I dropped the ball. I ruin everything for the team."
Critic Coach
Scenario 2: Science Lab
"This directions page looks long. I will read one bullet at a time."
Critic Coach
Scenario 3: Hallway Locker
"My lock got stuck. Take a breath, reset the dial, and try again."
Critic Coach
Scenario 4: Cafeteria
"Everyone is laughing, they must be laughing at my shoes."
Critic Coach
Inner Coach Academy • Level 1 Turn over to Page 2 ➜
Part 3: Build Your Inner Coach
Personalize Your Inner Voice Teammate
Teammate Profile
My Coach Identity
Coach Nickname (or cool code name):
Tone of Voice (check one):
Calm & Quiet High Energy Wise Friend
4
Coach Phrase Bank
Choose 2 favorite phrases from the bank (or write your own) that you want your Inner Coach to say when school feels hard.
"Take a breath, one step at a time."
"Mistakes just mean my brain is growing."
"I don't have to be perfect to be proud."
"I can always ask my teacher for help."
Phrase #1:
Phrase #2:
Body Radar: How does your body feel when your Coach talks?
Shoulders drop & relax
Breathing slows down
Hands unclench
Week 1 Challenge: The Critic Catcher
Notice at least one time this week when your Inner Critic speaks up. Give it a gentle "Pause!" and let your Inner Coach answer back!
Inner Coach Academy • Page 2 of 2 Great job building your coach! ⭐
Inner Coach Facilitator Guide Inner Coach Facilitator Guide
Small Group Intervention • 4 Weeks (30 Min/Week)
Educator Resource
Standard 30-Minute Session Pacing Architecture
00–05 min
Check-In & Body Radar
05–15 min
Slide Deck & Modeling
15–25 min
Hands-On Sheet / Tool
25–30 min
Pledge & Pocket Prep
Targeted Learner Accommodations
8th Grade Student with ASD
• Predictability: Post the 4-part visual agenda at start of each session.
• Logic Anchor: Frame self-talk as brain wiring / biology, not abstract "feelings."
• Interoception Support: Connect thoughts directly to physical cues (tight jaw, tense hands).
• Sensory Safe: Offer fidgets and allow low lighting or noise reduction during writing.
8th Grade Student with IDML
• Concrete Choices: Provide paired forced-choice arrays rather than open-ended queries.
• Sentence Frames: Always reference the pre-printed word banks and starter stems.
• Repetition & Praise: Repeat the core mantra ("Catch, Check, Change") with hand signals.
• Chunked Delivery: Cover unneeded sections with blank paper to reduce visual overwhelm.
Weekly Facilitation: Weeks 1 & 2
Week 1: Meet Your Coach (Self-Talk & Brain Science) Slides + Detective Sheet
Teacher Script: "We all have a radio playing inside our head. When it talks grumpy, we call it the Critic. When it talks like a supportive friend, we call it the Coach. Today we train our Coach!"
Key Check: Can students tell outer voice (mouth) from inner voice (mind)? Prompt: "What does your body do when the coach speaks?"
Week 2: Flip The Script (The 3-Step Formula) Slides + Flipper Sheet
Teacher Script: "When a glitchy thought pops up—like 'I can't do this'—we use our 3-Step Flip: 1. Catch it! 2. Check it! 3. Change it to something real and helpful."
Physical Anchor: Have students tap their desk twice when they 'Catch' a glitch. Scaffold: Use pre-written strips for IDML student.
Inner Coach Academy • Facilitator Guide Turn over for Weeks 3–4 & Generalization Plan ➜
Weekly Facilitation: Weeks 3 & 4
Implementation, Generalization & Progress Monitoring
Session Playbooks
Week 3: Affirmation Power Shield (Personal Power Cards) Slides + 4 Shield Cards
Teacher Script: "Affirmations are short power statements. If an affirmation sounds fake like 'I am perfect,' your brain rejects it. We want 100% believable truth: 'I can take deep breaths and do one problem at a time.'"
ASD Cue: Verify literal believability; guide student away from black-and-white dismissals.
IDML Cue: Read card options aloud; student points or circles chosen power phrase.
Week 4: Game Day Mindset (Role-Play & Graduation) Slides + Action Plan & Pledge
Teacher Script: "Today is Game Day! We simulate middle school pressure moments: a timed quiz, a noisy hallway, or dropping your notebook. We practice our 5-Second Reset: Breathe, Anchor, Coach!"
Practice: Rehearse the 5-Second Reset physically twice before simulation prompts.
Ceremony: Sign both certificates formally with an authentic handshake or high-five.
Generalization & Cross-Setting Prompts
Locker / Binder: Tape the 4 cut-out Shield Cards inside locker door and front binder sleeve for visual cues.
Gen Ed Teachers: Share prompt code word: "Check your Coach" instead of "Calm down" during stress.
Sensory Pass: Pair affirmation card with student's designated cool-down break card when overwhelmed.
IEP Goal Alignment & Data Tracking Prompts
ASD Goal (Self-Regulation): "When presented with an academic or sensory trigger, student will identify negative self-talk and state an Inner Coach coping statement in 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive weeks."
IDML Goal (Coping & Advocacy): "Given visual affirmation cards and a sentence frame, student will independently select and state a calming/capable self-affirmation when feeling frustrated in 80% of trials."
Inner Coach Academy • Facilitator Guide Page 2 of 2 Empowering middle school minds with calm self-advocacy ⭐
Flip Script Slides Week 2 • 30-Minute Workshop
8th Grade Academy
Thought Glitch Detector
Flip The Script
Learn the simple 3-step formula to catch negative thoughts and turn them into power-ups!
1
Spot the Glitch
2
The 3-Step Flip
3
Live Rewrites
Glitch Warning
What is a "Thought Glitch"?
The "I Can't" Glitch
Thinking you are stuck forever just because something is hard right now.
"I can't do algebra, ever."
The "Always/Never"
Using extreme words that make small mistakes feel huge and permanent.
"I always ruin partner work."
The "Mind Reader"
Guessing that others are judging you when they are actually just busy.
"They think I'm weird."
🔧 Glitches are not facts! They are just habits your brain learned that we can rewire.
The Game Plan
The 3-Step Flip Formula
1
CATCH IT
Notice the heavy feeling. Say inside:"Hold up! That's a glitch!"
✋ Put hand up or tap desk
2
CHECK IT
Ask your brain two questions:1. Is this 100% true? 2. Does this help me?
🔍 Be a fact investigator
3
CHANGE IT
Swap it for a real, helpful Coach statement:"I haven't got it YET, but I can try step 1."
🔄 The Flip is Complete!
Remember: Realistic beats fake! You don't have to say "I love this test." Just say "I can handle this."
Live Training
Watch The Flip in Action
❌ Glitchy Thought
"I don't understand this reading. I'm stupid."
✅ Coach Flip
"This article is tricky. I can read it one sentence at a time."
❌ Glitchy Thought
"Nobody talked to me. Nobody likes me."
✅ Coach Flip
"People were focused on lunch. I can say hi first."
Notice how the flipped thought gives you something practical to do!
Hands-On Lab
Your Turn to Flip
Open the Thought Flipper Sheet
We have 3 common 8th grade glitches ready to flip. Use the word bank to find your power answers!
Week 2 Target: Flip at least 2 glitches today Let's get started! 🚀
Thought Flipper Activity Sheet Thought Flipper Lab
Lesson 2: The 3-Step Flip
Name:
Date:
The Thought Flipper Machine
Step 1: Catch It
"Wait! That's a glitch!"
Step 2: Check It
Is it 100% true? Does it help?
Step 3: Change It
Swap for a calm Coach thought!
1
Glitch Match: Draw a line to connect the thought with its glitch trap
1. "I will never understand this science chapter." The "Always / Never" Trap
2. "They looked at each other, so they think I'm weird." The "Mind Reader" Trap
3. "This math problem is long, I can't do any of it." The "I Can't" Trap
2
Guided Flip Walkthrough
Scenario: Teacher calls on you unexpectedly
Glitch: "I don't know the exact answer, I'm going to look silly in front of everyone."
Catch It: Say to yourself: "Pause. My heart is beating fast, but I am safe."
Check It: Is it true that not knowing an answer makes you silly? No, everyone learns!
Change It: Which Coach thought would you pick? (Check one):
"I can say: 'Can you repeat the question, please?' or 'I need a moment to think.'" "I'm trying my best, and participating helps me learn."
Thought Flipper Lab • Page 1 of 2 Turn over to Page 2 for Practice Flips ➜
Part 3: Power Flips Practice
Rewrite the glitch using your Inner Coach
3 Middle School Scenarios
Coach Sentence Starters (Use these or your own):
"I can take a breath and..." "Just because it's hard doesn't mean..." "One step at a time, I will start with..." "It's okay that I feel nervous, I can..."
Case A: Locker Won't Open Glitch: "I'm going to be late and get detention!"
Inner Coach Flip (Write your encouraging thought):
Case B: Group Project Work Glitch: "Nobody wants me in their group."
Inner Coach Flip (Write your encouraging thought):
Case C: Hard Writing Prompt Glitch: "My paragraph sounds awful, I can't write."
Inner Coach Flip (Write your encouraging thought):
My Daily Coach Action:
My Catch signal: I practiced flipping 1 thought today!
Thought Flipper Lab • Page 2 of 2 You have the power to flip any glitch! ⭐
Power Affirmations Slides Week 3 • 30-Minute Workshop
8th Grade Academy
Personal Power-Ups
The Affirmation Shield
Build believable, battle-tested statements you can carry with you anywhere in middle school.
1
What is an Affirmation?
2
The 4 Power Shields
3
Keep It 100% Real
Brain Training Definition
What is an Affirmation?
A Truth Anchor
Short • Positive • Present Tense
An affirmation is a short, true sentence you repeat to your brain to remind yourself of who you are and what you can do.
"Like practicing free throws or memorizing cheat codes—repeating it makes it automatic!"
The Brain Pathway Effect
Every thought carves a trail in your brain.
Negative talk carves bumpy, worried trails.
Affirmations pave smooth, confident highways!
Key rule: You must believe it for it to work.
Authenticity Rule
Keep It 100% Real!
✕
Unbelievable / Fake
Your brain rejects these
"I will never make another mistake in math."
"I am the most popular person in 8th grade."
"Tests are easy and I love homework."
⚠️ If your brain says "That's a lie," it won't help you!
✓
Real & Grounded
Your brain accepts and uses these
"I can learn tough problems with practice."
"I am a loyal friend who cares about people."
"I can stay calm and take my time."
✅ These give you genuine inner strength!
💡 Secret formula: Start with "I can..." , "I am..." , or "I have the power to..."
The Four Pillars
The 4 Power Shields
CALM
When feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
"I am safe. I can slow down."
CAPABLE
When facing hard assignments.
"I can figure this out step by step."
BRAVE
When feeling shy or nervous.
"I have courage to try new things."
KIND
When beating yourself up.
"I treat myself with patience."
Today you will create your personal portable affirmation cards!
Workshop Activity
Create Your Shield Badges
Affirmation Power Cards
Choose your power words, fill out your 4 portable shield cards, and pick where you want to keep them: in your binder, locker, or pocket!
Next Step: Pick up the Shield Activity sheet Ready to create! ✨
Affirmation Shield Cards Activity Affirmation Power Shield
Lesson 3: Personal Power Words
Name:
Date:
✨
The Believable Rule
Affirmations must feel real and true to your brain, not fake or exaggerated!
I am... • I can... • I have...
1
Affirmation Power Word Bank
Review these battle-tested phrases. Put a star ⭐ next to your favorite in each category.
Calm Statements
"I can take 3 deep breaths and slow down."
"My feelings are okay. I can handle this."
"Right now in this moment, I am safe."
Capable Statements
"I can learn difficult things with practice."
"I don't have to know everything right now."
"I can do one small step at a time."
Brave Statements
"It's brave to ask for help when I'm stuck."
"I can try new things even if my hands shake."
"I have the courage to speak up for my needs."
Kind Statements
"I treat myself like a good teammate."
"Mistakes are just my brain making connections."
"I am worthy of respect and kindness every day."
2
Believable Test: Which one feels real?
Statement A: "I will get 100% on every test without studying." Unrealistic
Statement B: "I can prepare, take my time, and do my best." Believable & Real
Affirmation Power Shield • Page 1 of 2 Turn over to cut and complete your 4 Shield Cards ➜
Part 3: Portable Affirmation Cards
Fill in your cards, cut along dashed lines, and keep in your binder or pocket!
Cut-Out Ready
Calm Shield
CARD 1
When I feel overwhelmed or anxious:
My Affirmation:
Action: 3 slow belly breaths Inner Coach Academy
Capable Shield
CARD 2
When an assignment feels too hard:
My Affirmation:
Action: Break problem into step 1 Inner Coach Academy
Brave Shield
CARD 3
When I feel shy or need help:
My Affirmation:
Action: Raise hand or show cue card Inner Coach Academy
Kind Shield
CARD 4
When I make an unexpected mistake:
My Affirmation:
Action: Gentle hand on chest & reset Inner Coach Academy
Where will you keep your cards this week?
School Binder Locker Door Pencil Pouch
Affirmation Power Shield • Page 2 of 2 Keep your shield with you everywhere you go! ⭐
Game Day Mindset Slides Week 4 • 30-Minute Workshop
8th Grade Academy
Final Championship Session
Game Day Mindset
Put your Inner Coach to work in real middle school situations—tests, cafeteria crowds, and unexpected changes!
1
The 5-Second Reset
2
Live Scenarios
3
Academy Graduation
Emergency Playbook
The 5-Second Coach Reset
1
BREATHE
Inhale through nose for 4, exhale slowly like blowing out birthday candles.
Signals brain: "I am safe"
2
ANCHOR
Press feet into the floor or touch your Affirmation Card in your pocket.
Grounds your sensory system
3
COACH
Say your power phrase inside:"One step at a time."
Activates working memory
⚡ Total time: 5 seconds. Nobody even knows you're doing it!
Simulation Round 1
Real Middle School Challenges
Challenge A Timed Math Test
Critic: "The timer is running! You're too slow, you'll fail!"
Coach: "Breathe. Skip problem 3 for now. Solve the ones I know first!"
Challenge B Noisy Cafeteria
Critic: "It's too loud and chaotic. I can't handle this crowd."
Coach: "I can look at my food, take slow sips of water, or take a bathroom break."
Which response would you use? Your Coach always gives you an action!
Simulation Round 2
More Game Day Moments
Challenge C Awkward Moment
Critic: "I dropped my binder and everyone looked. I want to disappear."
Coach: "Everyone drops stuff in middle school. Pick it up and keep walking."
Challenge D Disappointing Grade
Critic: "I studied and got a C. I am terrible at this subject."
Coach: "A grade is just data. I can ask the teacher which 2 questions to fix."
🌟 Remember: Resilience isn't never falling down—it's having a Coach to help you stand back up!
Course Complete
Academy Champions!
You Are Now Certified Inner Coaches
You know how to Catch the Critic, Flip the Glitch, and activate your Affirmation Shields!
Up Next: Finalize your Pocket Action Plan & Certificate Congratulations! 🏆
Pocket Coach Action Plan Pocket Coach Action Plan
Lesson 4: Game Day Mindset
Name:
Date:
The 5-Second Emergency Coach Reset
1. Breathe
Slow exhale out the mouth
2. Anchor
Feet on floor, touch card
3. Coach
Say your power statement
1
My Custom Emergency Playbook
Write the exact words your Inner Coach will say in these three real situations:
Situation A: Big Test or Timed Quiz When my heart races or I feel stuck
What My Coach Says:
Situation B: Sensory Overload (Loud hallway/cafeteria) When noise or crowds feel too heavy
What My Coach Says:
Situation C: Awkward Mistake or Being Corrected When I feel embarrassed or criticized
What My Coach Says:
Ideas for Your Playbook:
"I can skip and return later." "I can look at one quiet spot." "Mistakes are part of 8th grade." "I am proud of my effort."
Pocket Coach Action Plan • Page 1 of 2 Turn over for 5-Day Tracker & Official Certificate ➜
5-Day Coach Streak Tracker
Color in the star each day you hear or use your Inner Coach!
Habit Builder
Monday
⭐
Check when used
Tuesday
⭐
Check when used
Wednesday
⭐
Check when used
Thursday
⭐
Check when used
Friday
⭐
Check when used
Official Certificate
INNER COACH ACADEMY GRADUATE
This certifies that
has mastered the skills of Positive Self-Talk, Glitch Flipping, and Power Affirmations.
My Personal Coach Pledge
"I promise to treat myself with kindness. When my Inner Critic speaks, I will pause, breathe, and let my Inner Coach lead the way. Mistakes are just proof that I am growing!"
Student Signature
Facilitator / Coach Signature
⭐ You always have your Inner Coach inside you wherever you go! Completed: Week 4
Pocket Coach Action Plan • Page 2 of 2 Inner Coach Academy Certificate
