Mindset Mixtape Facilitator Guide Real Talk Studio • Week 1 Facilitator Guide
Mindset Mixtape
Mental Health Literacy, Group Safety & Support-Seeking
Flexible Pacing
45–55 Min
Grade 8 Girls
Session Goals
Establish clear confidentiality limits and a zero-pressure, supportive group culture.
Distinguish everyday stress from mental health challenges and bust common myths.
Identify at least three trusted people or resources for early support-seeking.
Materials Needed
Printed Mindset Mixtape Activity Pack (1 per student)
Colored markers, gel pens, or colored pencils
Optional: upbeat instrumental lo-fi playlist & stickers
Optional: "Myth" and "Fact" signs for room corners
Group Safety & Confidentiality Script (Read Aloud)
"Welcome to Real Talk Studio ! This is a skills and creativity space—not a place where anyone has to share personal secrets. You always have the Right to Pass . What's shared in this room stays in this room, with three clear safety limits : if you tell me someone is hurting you, you are thinking about hurting yourself, or you plan to hurt someone else, I am required to get a trusted adult involved to keep you safe."
Session Pacing Plan
Time
Segment
Facilitation Flow
0–10 min
Welcome & Agreements
Read confidentiality limits. Co-create 3–4 group norms (e.g., Listen without fixing, Right to Pass, No screenshots/gossip).
10–22 min
Game: Myth vs. Fact Snap
Play fast-paced Myth vs. Fact game (see Page 2) to normalize mental health and bust stigma.
22–38 min
Art: Mood Mixtape Cover
Students design an album cover representing their current energy/vibe and list 3 "go-to boost" songs or activities.
38–50 min
Support Squad & Close
Map Support Squad on Page 2 of Activity Pack. Share 1 low-stakes takeaway (e.g., a song or coping idea) to close.
Low-Pressure Tip: Never ask students to rank their trauma or share personal diagnoses. Keep discussion focused on general teen experiences and practical wellness tools .
Game: Myth vs. Fact Snap (12 Min)
Active Team Game
How to Play: Read each statement aloud. Students mark M or F on their sheet—or stand on the "Myth" or "Fact" side of the room. Reveal the answer and share the quick talking point!
1. MYTH: "Strong people handle stress completely alone." → Asking early is a strength, not a weakness.
2. FACT: "Stress and mental health are different, though they affect each other." → Stress is a response to pressure; mental health is overall emotional wellness.
3. MYTH: "If someone looks happy on social media, they aren't struggling." → Feeds show highlight reels, not real feelings.
4. FACT: "Sleep, movement, and connection directly impact mood." → Small daily habits help regulate our nervous system.
5. MYTH: "You have to wait until a crisis to talk to a counselor." → Early support-seeking works best before stress piles up!
6. FACT: "Free, confidential help like 988 is available 24/7 by text or call." → You can even text 988 for a friend or just to talk through a tough moment.
Artistic Activity: Mood Mixtape Cover (15 Min)
Invite students to treat their cover like an indie album or playlist art using colors, doodles, or weather symbols to show their "current week vibe" (e.g., "Rainy Lo-Fi" or "Sunny Chaos" ) and list 3 "boost tracks."
Optional Share: "Hold up your cover if you want, or just share one track title from your list!"
School Counseling Setting
Remind students of school pass procedures and where the counseling office is located. Have them list a specific school adult on their Support Squad Map.
Community Youth Group
Highlight community youth mentors, coaches, and family allies so every girl leaves with a real local contact plus 988.
Facilitator Safety Reminder
Keep local school/agency crisis protocols nearby in case a student asks to speak privately after group.
24/7 Support
Call or Text 988
Mindset Mixtape Activity Pack Real Talk Studio • Week 1
Mindset Mixtape
Name: __________________________
Date: ______________
Our Group Agreements & Safety
You always have the Right to Pass!
1. Respect & Privacy: What's shared here stays here (except safety limits).
2. Zero Pressure: Share only what feels comfortable—no forced confessions.
3. Listen to Support: Kindness over judgment; no fixing or teasing.
Game: Myth vs. Fact Snap (Circle M or F)
1. Strong people handle stress completely on their own. [ M ] [ F ]
2. Stress and mental health are different, though they affect each other. [ M ] [ F ]
3. If someone looks happy on social media, they aren't struggling. [ M ] [ F ]
4. Sleep, movement, and friend time directly affect your mood. [ M ] [ F ]
5. You should wait until a crisis to talk to a counselor or trusted adult. [ M ] [ F ]
6. Free, confidential support like 988 is available 24/7 by text or call. [ M ] [ F ]
Creative Studio: Design Your Mood Mixtape
Draw an album cover that matches your energy this week using colors, doodles, or weather symbols. Then list 3 "boost tracks" (songs or activities that lift your mood).
Mixtape Title
Track 1 (Energy Boost)
Track 2 (Chill / Grounding)
Track 3 (Comfort / Joy)
My Support Squad & Take-Home
Week 1 • Mindset Mixtape
My Support Squad Map
Early support-seeking means knowing who is in your corner before you feel overwhelmed. Write one person or resource in each box.
Trusted Adult (School or Youth Group)
Trusted Adult (Family or Community)
Safe, Supportive Friend
24/7 Backup Resource (Always Free)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call/Text 988) • Text HOME to 741741
Gentle Check-In (For Your Eyes Only)
1. Circle where your energy battery feels today:
25% (Running Low) 50% (Steady) 75% (Good) 100% (Charged)
2. One small thing that helps recharge my battery this week:
Take-Home Practice: 3-Day Energy & Joy Log
Pick 3 days before next week's group to jot down one tiny thing that gave you energy or made you smile.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Filter Free Zone Facilitator Guide Real Talk Studio • Week 2 Facilitator Guide
Filter Free Zone
Social Media, Comparison Traps & Digital Boundaries
Flexible Pacing
45–55 Min
Grade 8 Girls
Session Goals
Understand how algorithms keep us scrolling and amplify comparison.
Spot curated "highlight reels" vs. real-life moments without self-blame.
Practice one realistic digital boundary (muting, timers, or feed detox).
Materials Needed
Printed Filter Free Zone Activity Pack (1 per student)
Colored pens, markers, or highlighters for comic panels
Bingo tokens (pennies, mini erasers, or just X-ing boxes)
Optional: whiteboard to list "Algorithm Tricks" together
3-Minute Mini-Lesson: Why Feeds Feel Like a Trap
"Social media apps aren't neutral—they're designed by engineers to keep your eyes on the screen. The Algorithm notices what makes you pause (even if it makes you feel insecure or annoyed) and serves more of it. When you compare your messy behind-the-scenes to someone else's filtered highlight reel , your brain gets tricked into thinking everyone else has it figured out."
Session Pacing Plan
Time
Segment
Facilitation Flow
0–8 min
Check-In & Mini-Lesson
Optional shout-out from Week 1 Energy Log. Introduce the Highlight Reel vs. Behind-the-Scenes concept.
8–20 min
Game: Feed Bingo
Play 3x3 Feed Bingo (see Page 2) by calling out common social media illusions and discussing why they work.
20–36 min
Art: Behind the Post Comic
Students draw a fictional 2-panel comic: "What You See Online" vs. "What's Actually Happening Off-Camera."
36–48 min
Boundaries & Close
Complete Digital Boundary Checklist & pick 1 tiny 24-hour feed reset goal.
Non-Judgmental Tone: Avoid lecturing girls about "screen time." Validate that phones are how they connect with friends—focus on making their feed work for their mental health .
Game: Feed Bingo (12 Min)
Interactive Bingo
How to Play: Students look at their 3x3 Feed Bingo grid. Call out the prompts below in random order. Students mark a square if they've seen that pattern on their feed (they don't have to admit posting it!). First to 3 in a row yells "FILTER FREE!"
1. "Woke Up Like This": Full glam + ring light labeled "no filter."
2. Doomscroll Trap: Checking for 5 minutes and 45 minutes vanish.
3. Sad-Baiting / Vaguepost: Dramatic quote with no context.
4. Fake "Candid": 27 retakes to look effortless.
5. Comparison Spiral: Feeling suddenly "behind" after 3 posts.
6. Ad Disguised as Advice: Influencer selling a "miracle" product.
7. Group Hangout FOMO: Seeing a party pic you weren't invited to.
8. Comment Section Drama: Strangers arguing over nothing.
Artistic Activity: "Behind the Post" 2-Panel Comic (15 Min)
Keep it funny and fictional! Examples to spark ideas: Panel 1: Aesthetic iced coffee & clean desk. Panel 2: Pile of laundry pushed just out of camera frame! Or Panel 1: "Besties forever!" selfie. Panel 2: Everyone staring silently at their phones 2 minutes later.
Debrief Prompt: "Why is it helpful to remember Panel 2 exists whenever we scroll?"
School Counseling Setting
Remind students of school device policies and reinforce that cyberbullying or non-consensual photo sharing can be reported to a counselor or administrator anytime.
Community Youth Group
If phones are allowed, invite girls to actually mute 1 account that drains their energy right then, or follow 1 uplifting art/nature/comedy account together.
Key Takeaway to Echo
"You are the curator of your feed. Unfollowing or muting is self-care, not drama."
Week 2 Complete
Filter Free Zone Activity Pack Real Talk Studio • Week 2
Filter Free Zone
Name: __________________________
Date: ______________
Game: Feed Bingo
Mark squares you've spotted online. 3 in a row = "Filter Free!"
"Woke up like this" (with full glam)
5-min scroll turns into 45 min
Dramatic vaguepost with no context
27 retakes for a "candid" photo
FREE SPACE (Real Life Matters)
Comparison spiral after 3 posts
Ad disguised as "honest advice"
Hangout pic that sparks FOMO
Comment section drama over nothing
Creative Studio: "Behind the Post" 2-Panel Comic
Invent a funny, fictional post! Draw the filtered highlight on the left, and the real-life behind-the-scenes on the right.
PANEL 1: What the Feed Sees
Caption:
PANEL 2: Behind the Scenes
Real Thought:
Digital Boundaries & Feed Reset
Week 2 • Filter Free Zone
My Digital Boundary Menu
Check 2–3 boundaries that feel realistic for you right now:
Mute or unfollow accounts that make me feel "less than."
Charge my phone outside my bed (or on Do Not Disturb) at night.
Follow 3 accounts that make me laugh, learn, or feel inspired.
Set a 15-minute app timer before opening my favorite scroll app.
Turn off read receipts or streaks if they cause stress.
Take a 1-hour screen-free break after school to decompress.
Gentle Reflection
What kind of content usually leaves me feeling energized, creative, or calm?
One thing I'm proud of about myself that has nothing to do with likes or views:
Take-Home Practice: 24-Hour Feed Reset
Try one mini-reset before next week (for example: muting 2 draining accounts, or putting your phone away 30 minutes before sleep). Jot down what you tried and how it felt:
Reset I Tried:
What I Noticed:
Thought Hackers Facilitator Guide Real Talk Studio • Week 3 Facilitator Guide
Thought Hackers
CBT Skills: The Triangle, Thinking Traps & Realistic Reframing
Flexible Pacing
45–55 Min
Grade 8 Girls
Session Goals
Explain how Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions influence each other (CBT Triangle).
Spot 4 common "ANTs" (Automatic Negative Thoughts / thinking traps).
Practice turning harsh thoughts into balanced, realistic reframes (not fake positivity).
Materials Needed
Printed Thought Hackers Activity Pack (1 per student)
Colored markers or pens for monster doodling
Timer (for the 2-minute Thought Remix rounds)
Optional: whiteboard to sketch the CBT Triangle together
4-Minute Mini-Lesson: CBT & Realistic Reframing
"In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , we look at how our Thoughts , Feelings , and Actions form a triangle. We can't always control the first thought that pops into our head—we call those ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts)—but we can check if the thought is 100% true! Reframing doesn't mean pretending everything is sunshine and rainbows; it means finding a fair, realistic thought."
Session Pacing Plan
Time
Segment
Facilitation Flow
0–10 min
Check-In & CBT Triangle
Walk through one everyday example (e.g., "Friend didn't text back") across Thoughts → Feelings → Actions.
10–24 min
Art: ANT Monster Doodle
Students pick one Thinking Trap (Mind-Reading, Catastrophizing, All-or-Nothing, Fortune-Telling) and doodle it as a silly monster.
24–40 min
Game: Thought Remix
In pairs or small teams, students race to rewrite 3 fictional teen "ANTs" into realistic, helpful thoughts.
40–50 min
Share & Take-Home
Pairs share their funniest or most helpful remix. Preview the Take-Home Thought Catcher.
Clinical Guardrail: Remind students that reframing is for everyday worries and self-criticism . If someone is dealing with real danger or mistreatment, that's not a "thinking trap"—that's a time to reach out to a trusted adult.
Game: Thought Remix Challenge (16 Min)
Partner Remix Game
How to Play: Pair students up. Give them 2 minutes per round to spot the Thinking Trap and write a Realistic Remix (not toxic positivity—something a wise best friend would say). Award creative points for the most believable remixes!
Scenario 1: "My friend read my text and didn't reply. She must be mad at me."
Trap: Mind-Reading • Sample Remix: "She might be at practice, doing chores, or forgot her phone. I don't have proof she's mad."
Scenario 2: "I stumbled over one word in my presentation. The whole thing was ruined."
Trap: All-or-Nothing • Sample Remix: "One stumble doesn't erase the rest of my slides. Most people probably didn't even notice."
Scenario 3: "I got a C on one math quiz, so I'm going to fail 8th grade."
Trap: Catastrophizing • Sample Remix: "One quiz is just feedback on what to review. I can ask my teacher for help before the test."
Artistic Activity: Doodle Your Thinking Trap Monster (14 Min)
Turning an anxious thought into a goofy cartoon character creates healthy distance ("Oh, that's just Drama-Llama catastrophizing again!"). Encourage silly details—tiny hats, dramatic eyebrows, or megaphone mouths.
Low-Disclosure Share: "Tell us your monster's silly name and superpower—no need to share a personal worry!"
School Counseling Setting
Connect Thinking Traps to test anxiety, class presentations, or hallway social drama. Remind students they can use the "3-Question Evidence Check" before a big quiz.
Community Youth Group
Turn the Thought Remix into a lively team game show with a buzzer or bell, letting teams vote on the "Most Realistic Best-Friend Advice."
CBT Pocket Question
"Would I talk to my best friend the way this thought is talking to me?"
Week 3 Complete
Thought Hackers Activity Pack Real Talk Studio • Week 3
Thought Hackers
Name: __________________________
Date: ______________
The CBT Triangle: Everything Connects
1. THOUGHTS
What our brain tells us about a situation (e.g., "Everyone is judging me." )
2. FEELINGS
Emotions & body signals that follow (e.g., nervous, tight stomach )
3. ACTIONS
What we do next (e.g., hide in the bathroom or skip lunch )
4 Common Thinking Traps (ANTs — Automatic Negative Thoughts)
Mind-Reading: Assuming you know what others think without proof.
Catastrophizing: Jumping straight to the worst-case disaster.
All-or-Nothing: Thinking if it's not 100% perfect, it's a total failure.
Fortune-Telling: Predicting the future will go badly before trying.
Creative Studio: Doodle a Thinking Trap Monster!
Pick one Thinking Trap above and draw it as a goofy, exaggerated cartoon monster. Give it a funny name and a catchphrase!
Monster's Name:
Which Trap It Uses:
Its Silly Catchphrase:
How to Squish It:
Thought Remix & Take-Home
Week 3 • Thought Hackers
Game: Thought Remix Challenge
With a partner, spot the Thinking Trap and write a fair, realistic remix (like advice you'd give a friend):
1. "My friend read my text and didn't reply. She must be mad at me."
Trap:
Realistic Remix:
2. "I stumbled over one word in my presentation. The whole thing was ruined."
Trap:
Realistic Remix:
3. "I got a C on one math quiz, so I'm going to fail 8th grade."
Trap:
Realistic Remix:
Take-Home Practice: Thought Catcher
Catch one everyday "ANT" this week (homework stress, social worry, etc.) and try remixing it:
The Automatic Thought I Caught:
My Realistic Best-Friend Remix:
Calm Crew Toolkit Facilitator Guide Real Talk Studio • Week 4 Facilitator Guide
Calm Crew Toolkit
DBT Skills: Wise Mind, Grounding & Distress Tolerance
Flexible Pacing
45–55 Min
Grade 8 Girls
Session Goals
Understand DBT's Wise Mind (blending Emotion Mind + Reason Mind).
Practice 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding to calm big feelings in the moment.
Design a personalized, portable Pocket Calm Kit for school or home.
Materials Needed
Printed Calm Crew Toolkit Activity Pack (1 per student)
Markers, colored pencils, or stickers
Optional sensory extras: mints, smooth stones, stress balls, or lavender-scented paper
4-Minute Mini-Lesson: Wise Mind & Body Resets
"In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) , we talk about three states of mind. Reason Mind is all facts and logic. Emotion Mind is all feelings and urges. Wise Mind is the overlap—where your feelings matter and you still make a safe, smart choice. When Emotion Mind takes over (heart racing, overwhelmed), we don't lecture ourselves—we calm the body first using our 5 senses or cold water/movement (DBT's TIPP skill)."
Session Pacing Plan
Time
Segment
Facilitation Flow
0–10 min
Check-In & Wise Mind
Introduce Reason Mind, Emotion Mind, and Wise Mind using a funny low-stakes example (e.g., wanting to buy a $90 hoodie vs. saving for concert tickets).
10–22 min
Game: 5-4-3-2-1 Hunt
Run a fast-paced room scavenger hunt using the 5 senses to anchor attention in the present moment.
22–38 min
Art: Pocket Calm Kit
Students illustrate their custom "Pocket Calm Kit" (5 sensory or grounding items that fit in a backpack or locker).
38–50 min
Coping Menu & Close
Practice one 30-second paced breath together (inhale 4, exhale 6) and preview the Take-Home Coping Menu.
Trauma-Informed Note: Keep eyes-open options for all breathing/grounding activities. Some teens feel uncomfortable closing their eyes in a group—never require it.
Game: 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Scavenger Hunt (12 Min)
Active Room Game
How to Play: Put 3 minutes on the timer. Students work solo or in pairs to spot and jot down items right in the room (without disturbing others) for each sense. Afterward, compare funniest/most creative answers!
5
Things You See
(e.g., 5 different colors)
4
Things You Touch
(e.g., cool desk, soft sleeve)
3
Things You Hear
(e.g., AC hum, footsteps)
2
Things You Smell
(e.g., marker, fresh air)
1
Good Thing
(or 1 deep slow breath)
Artistic Activity: Design Your Pocket Calm Kit (16 Min)
Students draw inside the backpack/pouch outline on Page 2 of their Activity Pack. Prompt them to include realistic, school-friendly items: earbuds + calm playlist, peppermint gum, lip balm, a textured keychain, a mini doodle pad, or an encouraging sticky note.
Bonus DBT Tip (TIPP): Splash cold water on wrists or hold a cold water bottle to quickly lower heart rate when stressed!
School Counseling Setting
Remind students which Calm Kit items are allowed in class (e.g., smooth stone, silent breathing, doodle pad) vs. hallway/counseling-office breaks.
Community Youth Group
If budget allows, bring mini zip pouches with 2–3 starter items (mint, sticker, hair tie/bracelet) so girls leave with a physical mini-kit!
DBT Mantra
"Calm the body first, then let Wise Mind decide the next step."
Week 4 Complete
Calm Crew Toolkit Activity Pack Real Talk Studio • Week 4
Calm Crew Toolkit
Name: __________________________
Date: ______________
DBT Skill: Finding Your Wise Mind
REASON MIND
Cool, logical, facts-only. Great for math tests—but ignores how you feel.
WISE MIND (The Sweet Spot)
Honors your feelings and uses common sense to choose a safe next step.
EMOTION MIND
Hot, intense feelings in the driver's seat. Needs grounding before acting!
Game: 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Scavenger Hunt
3-Minute Challenge: Spot these right now in the room!
5 Things You Can SEE (try to pick 5 different colors):
4 Things You Can TOUCH / FEEL (textures, temperature):
3 Things You Can HEAR (near or far away):
2 Things You Can SMELL:
1 Thing You Appreciate Today:
Pocket Calm Kit & Coping Menu
Week 4 • Calm Crew Toolkit
Creative Studio: Design Your Pocket Calm Kit
Draw and label 5 small, school-friendly items you could keep in your backpack or locker to help reset when stressed (e.g., mints, earbuds, smooth stone, doodle pad, encouraging note).
Take-Home Practice: My 3-Speed Coping Menu
Pick one quick reset to try this week when you notice your stress rising:
1. BODY RESET (Fast — 1 Min):
Cold water on wrists, 10 jumping jacks, or 4-6 paced breathing.
2. CREATIVE / SENSORY RESET (5–10 Min):
Doodle, pet a dog/cat, listen to 1 favorite song, or organize your desk.
3. CONNECTION RESET (Reach Out):
Text a safe friend a meme, or talk to a trusted adult from Week 1's Support Squad.
Green Flag Radar Facilitator Guide Real Talk Studio • Week 5 Facilitator Guide
Green Flag Radar
Healthy Relationships, Dating Red Flags & Digital Respect
Flexible Pacing
45–55 Min
Grade 8 Girls
Session Goals
Distinguish Green Flags (respect, trust) from Yellow and Red Flags (control, guilt-tripping).
Recognize digital dating red flags (password demands, location tracking, photo pressure).
Practice supportive, non-judgmental ways to help a friend who spots a red flag.
Materials Needed
Printed Green Flag Radar Activity Pack (1 per student)
Green, yellow, and red markers or colored pencils
Optional: 3 colored index cards per student for voting in the Flag Radar game
Framing Note (Read Aloud Before Scenarios)
"Whether you're interested in dating right now or not, everyone deserves healthy friendships and relationships built on respect. Today we're using fictional scenarios —please don't share real names or gossip about classmates. If a scenario ever hits close to home, remember you can always talk privately with me or text Love Is Respect (text LOVEIS to 22522)."
Session Pacing Plan
Time
Segment
Facilitation Flow
0–8 min
Check-In & Flag Definitions
Define Green (healthy/safe), Yellow (pause & talk it out), and Red (controlling/unsafe) flags.
8–22 min
Game: Flag Radar
Read 6 fictional scenarios aloud. Students vote Green, Yellow, or Red and discuss the "why."
22–36 min
Art: Green Flag Pennant
Students design a sports-style pennant celebrating 3 "must-have" Green Flags in any relationship.
36–48 min
Help-a-Friend & Close
Complete the Help-a-Friend script on Page 2 and highlight free, confidential teen resources.
Mandated Reporting Reminder: If a student discloses dating abuse or coercion privately after group, follow your school or agency's child safety reporting protocol immediately.
Game: Flag Radar Answer Key (14 Min)
Scenario Sort
1. GREEN FLAG: "Texts 'Have fun with your friends!' and doesn't blow up your phone during a sleepover." → Respects independence & friend time.
2. RED FLAG: "Demands your phone passcode to 'prove you have nothing to hide.'" → Privacy is healthy; demanding passwords is about control.
3. YELLOW FLAG: "Gets quiet when upset instead of saying what's wrong." → Could be shyness or poor communication—worth a calm conversation.
4. RED FLAG: "Says 'If you really liked me, you'd send me that photo' and guilt-trips you." → Pressure and guilt-tripping violate consent.
5. GREEN FLAG: "Apologizes sincerely after a misunderstanding without making excuses." → Accountability and emotional maturity.
6. RED FLAG: "Tracks your location all day and gets angry if you talk to other people." → Isolation and surveillance are unhealthy control tactics.
Artistic Activity: Green Flag Pennant (14 Min)
Students decorate the pennant banner on their sheet with 3 qualities they value in friends or future partners (e.g., Good Listener, Respects My 'No', Celebrates My Wins ).
School Counseling Setting
Emphasize that Red Flags apply to friendships too (toxic cliques, rumors, exclusionary behavior), making the lesson relevant for every 8th grader.
Community Youth Group
Cut out the Green Flag Pennants and string them together as a temporary room banner during group to celebrate healthy standards!
Teen Relationship Resource
Love Is Respect (24/7, free, confidential): Text LOVEIS to 22522 or call 1-866-331-9474.
Week 5 Complete
Green Flag Radar Activity Pack Real Talk Studio • Week 5
Green Flag Radar
Name: __________________________
Date: ______________
GREEN FLAG
Respect, trust, kindness, and space to be yourself.
YELLOW FLAG
Pause & check in—might be a communication hiccup.
RED FLAG
Control, guilt-tripping, jealousy, or ignoring your "no."
Game: Flag Radar (Circle G, Y, or R for each)
1. Texts "Have fun with your friends!" and doesn't blow up your phone during a sleepover. [ G ] [ Y ] [ R ]
2. Demands your phone passcode to "prove you have nothing to hide." [ G ] [ Y ] [ R ]
3. Gets quiet when upset instead of saying what's wrong. [ G ] [ Y ] [ R ]
4. Says "If you really liked me, you'd send me that photo" and guilt-trips you. [ G ] [ Y ] [ R ]
5. Apologizes sincerely after a misunderstanding without making excuses. [ G ] [ Y ] [ R ]
6. Tracks your location all day and gets angry if you talk to other people. [ G ] [ Y ] [ R ]
Creative Studio: Design Your Green Flag Pennant
Decorate the banner below with 3 "must-have" Green Flags you want in your friendships or future relationships (e.g., Respects My No, Makes Me Laugh, Honest ).
Helping a Friend & Healthy Standards
Week 5 • Green Flag Radar
Help-a-Friend Script (Support Without Judgment)
If a friend tells you about a Red Flag, lecturing them ("Just dump them!") can make them pull away. Instead, try: Listen + Validate + Offer Support.
Example Starter:
"I'm really glad you told me. You deserve to feel safe and respected. Do you want to talk to a counselor together or figure out a safe plan?"
Write your own supportive phrase you could say to a friend:
Free, Confidential 24/7 Support
Love Is Respect (Healthy Relationships)
Text LOVEIS to 22522 • Call 1-866-331-9474
General Support
Call/Text 988
Take-Home Practice: Spotting Green Flags
This week, notice 2 Green Flags in your friends, family, or even a favorite TV show/book character!
Green Flag #1 I Noticed:
Green Flag #2 I Noticed:
Voice Power Lab Facilitator Guide Real Talk Studio • Week 6 Facilitator Guide
Voice Power Lab
Communication Skills, I-Statements & Assertive Boundaries
Flexible Pacing
45–55 Min
Grade 8 Girls
Session Goals
Compare Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive communication styles.
Practice clear I-Statements and teen-friendly DBT DEAR boundaries.
Celebrate 6 weeks of growth with a personalized Boundary Shield & Skills Pledge.
Materials Needed
Printed Voice Power Lab Activity Pack (1 per student)
Markers, metallic pens, or stickers for Boundary Shields
Optional: light celebration snacks or "Real Talk Studio" completion stickers
4-Minute Mini-Lesson: I-Statements & DBT DEAR
"Assertive communication means standing up for yourself with respect for both you and the other person. Try an I-Statement : 'I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason], and I need [clear ask].' Or use DBT's DEAR shortcut: D escribe the facts, E xpress your feelings, A sk clearly for what you want, and share the positive R eward!"
Session Pacing Plan
Time
Segment
Facilitation Flow
0–10 min
Check-In & 3 Styles
Act out a funny 30-second example of Passive vs. Aggressive vs. Assertive (e.g., someone cutting in the lunch line).
10–24 min
Game: Assertive Text Remix
Pairs remix 3 fictional passive/aggressive texts into confident, respectful assertive responses.
24–38 min
Art: Boundary Shield
Students design a personal Boundary Shield Coat of Arms with 3 personal values or "Ways I Protect My Peace."
38–50 min
Skills Pledge & Celebration
Complete the 6-Week Skills Pledge. Go around the circle for a "1 Skill I'm Keeping" celebration shout-out!
Safety Nuance: Remind students that assertive communication works best in safe relationships. If someone is unsafe or abusive, setting a boundary means stepping back and getting a trusted adult involved.
Game: Assertive Text Remix (14 Min)
Partner Roleplay
How to Play: Pairs read each fictional text and rewrite it using an I-Statement or DBT DEAR . Invite volunteers to read their remixes aloud in a confident, calm voice!
1. Group Project Stress (Aggressive): "OMG you guys are so lazy, I'm doing everything!!"
Sample Assertive Remix: "I'm feeling overwhelmed doing the slides alone. Can we split the last two sections by 6 PM so we're ready?"
2. Saying No to Plans (Passive): "Uhh maybe... I guess I'll come even though I'm exhausted."
Sample Assertive Remix: "Thanks for inviting me! I'm super tired tonight, so I'm going to rest, but let's hang out this weekend."
3. Friend Teasing Too Far (Passive): "Haha yeah it's fine (when it actually hurt)."
Sample Assertive Remix: "I know you're joking, but that joke actually stings. Please drop that topic so we can keep hanging out."
Artistic Activity: Boundary Shield Coat of Arms (14 Min)
Students divide their shield into 3 sections: 1) My Core Value, 2) A Boundary I'm Proud Of, 3) My Favorite 6-Week Skill. Encourage symbols, colors, and bold lettering!
School Counseling Setting
Remind students that your counseling door remains open after group ends! Give them a quick reminder of how to request a check-in pass anytime.
Community Youth Group
End with an uplifting "Appreciation Circle" where each girl shares one kind thing she appreciated about the group's vibe over the 6 weeks.
6-Week Curriculum Complete
"Your voice matters, your boundaries are valid, and support is always within reach."
Real Talk Studio
Voice Power Lab Activity Pack Real Talk Studio • Week 6
Voice Power Lab
Name: __________________________
Date: ______________
PASSIVE
Hides feelings, says "yes" when you mean "no" to avoid conflict.
ASSERTIVE (Goal!)
Clear, honest, and respectful of both your needs and others'.
AGGRESSIVE
Blames, yells, or attacks—puts others down to get your way.
Two Power Formulas for Real Life:
I-Statement: "I feel ______ when ______ because ______, and I need ______."
DBT DEAR: D escribe the facts • E xpress feelings • A sk clearly • R eward (share the positive outcome)
Game: Assertive Text Remix
With a partner, rewrite each text into a calm, confident, assertive message:
1. Group Project Stress: "OMG you guys are so lazy, I'm doing everything!!"
2. Saying No When Tired: "Uhh maybe... I guess I'll come even though I'm exhausted."
3. Friend Teasing Too Far: "Haha yeah it's fine" (when the joke actually hurt).
My Boundary Shield & 6-Week Toolkit
Week 6 • Voice Power Lab
Creative Studio: Design Your Boundary Shield
Divide your shield into 3 sections and decorate it with symbols or words for: 1) A Core Value , 2) A Boundary That Protects My Peace , and 3) My Favorite Skill from Real Talk Studio .
Real Talk Studio: Your 6-Week Pocket Reference
Wk 1: Support Squad & 988 (You're never alone)
Wk 2: Curate your feed & spot highlight reels
Wk 3: Squish ANTs with realistic CBT remixes
Wk 4: Wise Mind & 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding
Wk 5: Green Flag Radar & LoveIsRespect (22522)
Wk 6: Assertive I-Statements & DBT DEAR
My Skills Pledge Moving Forward
One skill from these 6 weeks I want to keep in my back pocket is:
