Inner Spark Sub Guide Substitute Teacher Guide • Day 1 of 2
Inner Spark: Confidence & Kindness
Elementary SEL • Blended Skills: Strengths, Self-Talk & Kindness
Estimated Time
45 Minutes
Note for Guest / Substitute Teacher
No projector or smart board needed! The companion slides are designed as high-contrast Printable Display Cards . Print them single-sided on standard paper or cardstock and display them on the whiteboard tray, chalkboard ledge, or hold them up as you facilitate.
Core Learning Objectives
Identify at least 2 personal strengths and positive qualities.
Reframe harsh thoughts into encouraging "Cheerleader" self-talk.
Express proactive kindness to self and one classmate.
Materials Needed
Printed Slide Cards (Set of 6 cards for Lesson 1).
Student Worksheets (1 copy per student).
Pencils and colored pencils or crayons.
Step-by-Step Pacing & Script
Part 1: Spark Warm-Up (8 Mins) Show Card 1 & Card 2
Say: "Today we are discovering our 'Inner Spark'—the special strengths and brave voice inside each of us that helps us treat ourselves and each other with kindness."
• Ask students: "Raise a quiet hand if you've ever had a tough day and needed an encouraging word."Card 2 (Super Strengths) . Give 2-3 volunteers a turn to name one thing they love doing or helping with.
Part 2: Critic vs. Cheerleader (12 Mins) Show Card 3 & Card 4
Say: "Sometimes our mind has an 'Inner Critic' saying 'I can't do this.' But we also have an 'Inner Cheerleader' that says 'Mistakes help my brain grow!'"
• Display Card 3 . Practice choral echo: Sub says critic phrase, students shout back the cheerleader phrase.Card 4 . Emphasize that being kind to yourself is where confidence begins!
Kind and Brave SEL Sequence • Lesson 1 Page 1 of 2
Facilitation Guide (Continued)
Student Practice, Differentiation & Reflection
Day 1 Flow
Part 3: Worksheet Exploration (18 Mins) Show Card 5 & Card 6
Distribute the 2-page Inner Spark Worksheet . Read directions aloud step by step:
Page 1: Strengths & Self-Talk
Students draw or write their top 3 strengths in the Spark Shield and rewrite 2 negative phrases into cheerleader phrases.
Page 2: Kindness Missions
Students write 1 kind promise to themselves, write a compliment cheer card for a classmate, and sign the Brave Pledge.
Part 4: Spark Circle Closing (7 Mins) Whole Group Share
Prompt: Have students turn to a partner or share as a whole class: "One kind thing I will say to myself today is..."
Collect worksheets or have students store them in their folders for Lesson 2 (Everyday Champions).
Differentiation Supports
Developing Writers: Encourage drawing pictures or symbols inside the Spark Shield instead of full sentences.Word Bank: Write strength words on the board (e.g., patient, creative, brave, helpful, funny, honest, persistent ).Early Finishers: Color their Spark Shield or write a second cheer note for a friend.
Substitute Pro-Tips
Chime / Clapping Cue: Use a rhythm clap when transitioning from drawing to reading.Cheerleader Voice: If a student gets frustrated, remind them: "What would your cheerleader say right now?" Card Display: Tape the cards to the board with blue tape so students can look up at examples anytime.
Preview of Day 2: In the next session, students will practice using their cheerleader self-talk when tackling mistakes and celebrate peers' strengths.
Kind and Brave SEL Sequence • Lesson 1 Page 2 of 2
Inner Spark Slides Display Card 1 • Day 1
Elementary SEL
My Inner Spark
Growing Confidence and Kindness to Myself & Others
Super Strengths
Positive Self-Talk
Everyday Kindness
Today's Big Question: What makes you proud, and how can your words bring joy? Kind & Brave
Display Card 2 • Skill 1
Self-Confidence
Spot Your Super Strengths!
Everyone has an Inner Spark . A strength is something you are good at, something you care about, or a way you help others.
What I Do
Building, drawing, running, singing, reading, or math puzzles!
Who I Am
Patient, funny, curious, honest, creative, or a great listener.
How I Help
Sharing supplies, welcoming friends, and cheering others on!
Turn to a neighbor: Name one strength you admire in yourself!
Display Card 3 • Skill 2
Positive Self-Talk
Flip the Script: Critic vs. Cheerleader
When something is hard, replace your Inner Critic with your Inner Cheerleader !
Inner Critic (Tough Talk)
❌ "I can't do this, it's too hard!"
❌ "I made a mistake, I'm bad at this."
❌ "Everyone else is better than me."
Inner Cheerleader (Kind Talk)
⭐ "I can't do this YET, but I can practice!"
⭐ "Mistakes help my brain grow!"
⭐ "I am running my own race at my pace!"
Choral Practice: When the sub says the critic phrase, reply with the cheerleader phrase!
Display Card 4 • Skill 3
Self-Kindness
Be Your Own Best Friend
If your friend spilled their crayons or got a math problem wrong, what would you say? You would be gentle. Give that same kindness to yourself!
Take a Breath
Inhale for 3 counts, exhale for 3 counts when you feel nervous.
Forgive Yourself
Say: "I am learning every single day. Nobody is perfect!"
Ask for Help
Asking questions is a sign of brave strength, not weakness!
Class Check-In: Place one hand on your heart and say silently: "I am enough."
Display Card 5 • Connection
Kindness in Action
Passing the Spark: Kindness to Others
When your cup is full of confidence, you have so much kindness to pour into other people!
Specific Words
"I noticed you worked so hard on that project! That was awesome."
Include Someone
"Hey, want to join our game?" or "You can sit with us!"
Helpful Hands
Holding the door, picking up dropped papers, or sharing a smile.
Challenge: Notice someone doing something kind today and say: "Thank you!"
Display Card 6 • Action Time
Worksheet Time
The Kind & Brave 3-Skill Mission
Today's worksheet brings all three skills together! Here is what we will do:
My Strengths
Draw or write your top 3 superpowers inside your personal Spark Shield!
My Self-Talk
Flip 2 negative critic phrases into kind, brave cheerleader phrases!
My Kindness
Write 1 promise to yourself and 1 cheerful cheer note for a friend!
Get ready with your pencil and open minds! You have what it takes!
Inner Spark Worksheet My Inner Spark Worksheet
Part 1: Self & Voice
Name:
Date:
Class:
Part 1: My Super Strengths Shield
Draw or write in each section
Your Inner Spark is made of your unique strengths! Fill in each badge of your shield below:
Something I'm Proud Of
A skill, hobby, or accomplishment:
My Friendly Trait
A quality that makes me a good friend:
Growing Strength
Something I practice to get better at:
Strength Ideas: Patient • Creative • Brave • Good Listener • Honest • Persistent • Helpful • Funny • Caring • Curious • Team Player
Part 2: Flip the Script (Critic to Cheerleader)
Rewriting tough thoughts
When your Inner Critic speaks, your Inner Cheerleader can answer with encouragement. Write what your cheerleader would say!
Inner Critic: "I made a mistake on my test, so I'm just bad at this."
My Inner Cheerleader Says:
Inner Critic: "Everyone else finished their drawing faster than me. Mine is not good."
My Inner Cheerleader Says:
Kind & Brave Sequence • Lesson 1 Turn over for Page 2 ➔
Kindness to Self & Others
Putting our Inner Spark into everyday actions
Part 2: Kindness Missions
Mission A: A Kind Promise to Myself
When I have a hard day or feel overwhelmed, what is one kind action or calming thought I will give myself?
When I feel frustrated, I promise to:
Mission B: Classmate Cheer Ticket
Tear or share with a friend!
Notice a positive strength in someone in your classroom. Write a cheer ticket to brighten their day:
Classroom Cheer Ticket
Pass It On!
TO:
A strength I notice in you is:
Thank you for being someone who:
FROM YOUR CHEERLEADER:
Part 4: My Kind & Brave Pledge
"I promise to stand tall in my strengths, speak to myself with kindness when things are tough, and look for ways to share my spark with others every day."
My Signature:
Today's Date:
Kind & Brave Sequence • Lesson 1 Completed Page 2 of 2
Everyday Champions Sub Guide Substitute Teacher Guide • Day 2 of 2
Everyday Champions
Elementary SEL • Resilience, Peer Strengths & Kindness Ripples
Estimated Time
45 Minutes
Note for Guest / Substitute Teacher
Print the 6 high-contrast Lesson 2 Display Cards single-sided. You do not need a projector or computer! If students completed Day 1, have them keep their Day 1 Spark Shields on their desks for reference.
Core Learning Objectives
Apply supportive self-talk during setbacks and mistakes.
Identify and celebrate strengths in at least two classmates.
Commit to a 5-day classroom "Kindness Ripple" challenge.
Materials Needed
Printed Slide Cards (Set of 6 cards for Lesson 2).
Student Worksheets (1 copy per student).
Pencils, markers, or colored pencils.
Step-by-Step Pacing & Script
Part 1: Champion Mindset Warm-Up (8 Mins) Show Card 1 & Card 2
Say: "In Lesson 1, we found our Inner Spark. Today we become 'Everyday Champions'—people who stay brave when things get messy, treat themselves with patience, and lift up everyone around them!"
• Hold up Card 2 (The Reset Button) . Ask: "What happens when a champion drops the ball? Do they quit, or do they hit reset?"
Part 2: Strength Detectives & Ripples (12 Mins) Show Card 3, 4 & 5
Say: "Being confident doesn't mean thinking you are better than others. It means celebrating what is amazing in you AND cheering on what is amazing in your friends!"
• Display Card 4 (Scenario Practice) . Read the playground scenario aloud and ask 2 volunteers to give a "Champion Response."Card 5 to explain the "Kindness Ripple Effect."
Kind and Brave SEL Sequence • Lesson 2 Page 1 of 2
Facilitation Guide (Continued)
Student Practice, Ripple Tracker & Closing Circle
Day 2 Flow
Part 3: Everyday Champions Worksheet (18 Mins) Show Card 6
Distribute the 2-page Everyday Champions Worksheet :
Page 1: Resilience & Detectives
Students complete their personal "Bounce-Back Reset Plan" and spot positive qualities in 2 classmates or teachers.
Page 2: 5-Day Ripple Tracker
Students explore their 5-day kindness action tracker and design their official Everyday Champion Badge.
Part 4: The Kindness Wave Closing (7 Mins) Class Unity Wrap-Up
Closing Ritual: Have all students stand. Say: "Hands up high—when you show kindness, it starts a wave!" Do a quick classroom wave, then have each student say together: "I am brave, I am kind, and I make this room better!"
Differentiation Supports
Peer Matching: If students struggle to choose someone to write about, allow them to write about a table partner or school staff member.Visual Prompts: Point to Display Card 3 for ideas of strengths to look for.Extension: Invite students to color their 5-Day Ripple Tracker badges.
Positive Reinforcement
"Caught Being Kind": Catch 2-3 quiet students showing kindness and announce it out loud to the class.Tidy Class Hand-Off: Leave completed worksheets in a neat stack on the teacher's desk with a note summarizing the great participation!
Sub Note to Returning Teacher: Both lessons are complete! The 5-Day Ripple Tracker can be checked in daily during morning meetings this week.
Kind and Brave SEL Sequence • Lesson 2 Page 2 of 2
Everyday Champions Slides Display Card 1 • Day 2
Elementary SEL
Everyday Champions
Standing Strong, Bouncing Back & Lifting Others Up
Bounce-Back Reset
Strength Detective
Kindness Ripple
Today's Big Question: How can we show courage when things go wrong and lift our classmates? Kind & Brave
Display Card 2 • Resilience
Self-Compassion
The 3-Step Bounce-Back Reset
Real champions make mistakes every day. What makes them champions is how they treat themselves when they stumble!
1
Pause & Breathe
Put hands on your belly. Take one slow, deep belly breath.
2
Cheerleader Talk
Say: "This is tough right now, but I am learning and growing."
3
Try Again
Ask for a clue, try a different way, or give it another shot!
Remember: A mistake is simply proof that you are trying something brave!
Display Card 3 • Peer Strengths
Strength Spotting
Be a Strength Detective!
True confidence allows you to celebrate other people without feeling small. Look around your classroom for these secret strengths:
Perseverance
Who keeps trying even when a task or game is really challenging?
Joy & Humor
Who shares a friendly smile or helps someone laugh when they feel down?
Inclusion
Who makes sure nobody is left sitting by themselves at recess or lunch?
Spotting strengths in others actually strengthens your own confidence!
Display Card 4 • Real Practice
Scenario Solver
Champion Choice: What Would You Say?
Playground Scenario:
Your classmate misses an easy kick in soccer and drops their head, saying:"I ruined the game! I'm the worst player ever!"
Kind Words to Share:
"Hey, you played super hard! It takes courage to take that kick. We win and lose as a team!"
Kind Action to Take:
Give a high five, jog back with them, and invite them to pass with you on the next play.
Class Question: Has someone ever encouraged you like that? How did it feel?
Display Card 5 • The Ripple
Kindness in Action
The Kindness Ripple Effect
When a pebble drops in water, small waves spread out in all directions. Kindness works the exact same way!
1
You Start It
You offer a genuine compliment or help clean up a spill.
2
They Feel Seen
Your classmate feels happy, valued, and safe in class.
3
Wave Expands
They pass kindness forward to someone else. The whole room changes!
You have the power to change the energy of this entire classroom today!
Display Card 6 • Action Plan
Worksheet Time
The Everyday Champion Tracker
On today's worksheet, you will lock in your champion skills:
Bounce-Back Plan
Write your personal cheerleader phrase for when you make a mistake!
Strength Spotter
Identify positive qualities in two people in your classroom community!
5-Day Tracker
Commit to small acts of kindness to self and others for the whole week!
Champions stand tall and lift others! Let's get started!
Everyday Champions Worksheet Everyday Champions Worksheet
Part 1: Bounce-Back & Peer Strengths
Name:
Date:
Class:
Part 1: My Bounce-Back Reset Plan
When I make a mistake or feel stuck
Champions don't give up when things get messy. Fill in your personal reset steps below:
1 My Breath Reset
How I will pause my body:
2 My Cheerleader Talk
What I will say inside my mind:
3 My Brave Action
What I will do next to try again:
Part 2: Strength Detective Agency
Spotting qualities in others
Confident champions celebrate others! Spot strengths in two people in our classroom community:
Case Report 1
Classmate / Person:
A superpower strength I notice in them:
An example of when they showed this:
Case Report 2
Classmate / Person:
A superpower strength I notice in them:
An example of when they showed this:
Kind & Brave Sequence • Lesson 2 Turn over for Page 2 ➔
The Kindness Ripple Challenge
5 small daily acts that make our classroom community shine
Part 2: Action & Badge
Part 3: My 5-Day Kindness Ripple Tracker
Day 1
Kind Self-Talk: When something is hard today, say one encouraging cheerleader phrase to yourself.
Day 2
Recess Inclusion: Invite someone new to play a game, join your table, or walk together at break.
Day 3
Secret Compliment: Notice a classmate doing something kind or working hard and compliment them out loud.
Day 4
Helping Hands: Pick up something dropped, hold a door, or help tidy supplies without being asked.
Day 5
Cheer for Success: Celebrate a friend when they get an answer right, score a goal, or share great art!
Part 4: Design Your Champion Badge
Draw Your Champion Emblem
I am an Everyday Champion because I:
Champion Signature:
Date:
Kind & Brave Sequence • Lesson 2 Completed Page 2 of 2
