Activity Overview
Positive self-talk is an inner dialogue that we have with ourselves that makes us feel confident and good about our lives. It helps us look on the bright side, make good choices, and pick ourselves up when we are feeling down. It also reminds us that failure is a part of life and we can’t let things or people bring us down. Positive talk is not easy to come by, and it is important to teach children about its benefits at a young age. For this activity, students are given a variety of negative self-talk examples. They must complete the self-talk chart, turning negative words into positive words. Teachers may also choose to give students a blank template and ask them to come up with their own examples of negative self-talk to turn positive. The provided example includes 2 situations, but the teacher may add more.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Complete the self talk chart, turning negative self-talk into positive self-talk.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- In the blank description boxes on the right, write a positive sentence in place of the negative sentence to its left.
- In each cell, create an illustration that represents the descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How to Teach Positive Self-Talk in a Middle School Classroom
Introduction to Positive Self-Talk
Start the lesson by explaining the concept of positive self-talk and its significance in promoting self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being. Use relatable examples and stories to help middle school students understand the idea of self-talk. Discuss the impact of positive and negative self-talk on one's emotions and actions.
Identifying Negative Self-Talk
Engage students in a discussion about common negative self-talk phrases or thoughts that they might have experienced. Provide them with scenarios or prompts to help identify instances of negative self-talk. For instance, you could ask them to recall a recent situation where they doubted themselves or felt anxious. Encourage students to share these negative self-talk patterns within small groups or as a class.
Positive Self-Talk Activity
Introduce a positive self-talk activity. Provide students with a list of common negative self-talk phrases or situations they've identified. Instruct students to reframe these negative thoughts into positive self-talk statements. For example, if a negative thought is, "I can't do this," they should reframe it as, "I can do this if I try my best." Encourage students to create a chart or worksheet where they write the negative self-talk phrases and the corresponding positive self-talk statements.
Group Sharing and Reflection
Have students share their positive self-talk statements with the class or within small groups. Facilitate a discussion about how changing negative self-talk to positive self-talk can lead to improved self-esteem, resilience, and better problem-solving skills. Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply positive self-talk in their daily lives and offer real-life examples of when it might be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Emotional Learning - Positive Self-Talk
What is the importance of positive self-talk in mental and emotional well-being?
Positive self-talk is of paramount importance in mental and emotional well-being. It shapes our inner dialogue, influences our self-perception, and directly impacts our emotional state. When we engage in positive self-talk, we build resilience, self-esteem, and emotional stability. It acts as a buffer against stress, anxiety, and depression. By countering negative thought patterns with affirming language, positive self-talk promotes self-compassion, self-confidence, and a more optimistic outlook on life. In essence, it is a foundational practice for nurturing our mental and emotional health.
Can you provide examples of common negative self-talk patterns, and how can storyboards help in recognizing and changing them?
Common negative self-talk patterns include self-criticism, self-doubt, catastrophic thinking, and discounting one's achievements. Storyboards can visually depict scenarios where these patterns manifest and compare them with alternative, positive self-talk scenarios. By seeing these contrasting narratives, individuals can recognize the negative patterns in their own thoughts and learn to challenge and replace them with healthier, constructive self-talk.
What is the difference between positive self-talk and self-affirmations?
Positive self-talk and self-affirmations are related but distinct concepts. Positive self-talk encompasses a broader range of internal dialogue, including self-encouragement, problem-solving, and self-compassion. It involves maintaining an overall positive and supportive inner dialogue. Self-affirmations, on the other hand, are specific positive statements or phrases aimed at reinforcing one's self-worth and values. They are a subset of positive self-talk and serve as powerful tools to boost self-esteem and motivation.
How does positive self-talk relate to self-compassion and self-care practices?
Positive self-talk is closely connected to self-compassion and self-care practices. It involves speaking to oneself with kindness and understanding, much like the principles of self-compassion. When practicing self-compassion, individuals treat themselves with the same care and empathy they would offer to a friend. Positive self-talk fosters this self-compassionate mindset by countering self-criticism with self-kindness. It aligns with self-care practices by encouraging individuals to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, making them essential components of a holistic self-improvement and wellness journey.
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