Skill: Using Positive Self-Talk | Learning Goal: Self-Control
Grades: K-3 | Activity Type: Lesson | Purpose: 🟢 Core Instruction
Be Good People Curriculum © St. Croix River Education District
Are Your Thoughts Kind?
Today, we'll talk about self-talk. Self-talk is the thoughts we have. It’s what we're telling ourselves in our heads. Today we’ll learn how to use kind self-talk.
Self-Talk
I bet my dog wants to go for a walk.
I bet she wants to go for a walk.
Sometimes we’re mean to ourselves when we tell ourselves unkind things.
Why is it important to know how to have kind thoughts? |
⭐ It helps you to feel calm and happy. ⭐ It helps you to make better choices. ⭐ Your angry, scared, or sad feelings won't get so big that they start to really hurt. |
Pretend you need to tell someone else how to use positive self-talk by keeping their thoughts kind.
What would you tell them to do or not to do?
Step 1: When you notice a thought that hurts your feelings, tell yourself 'Stop!'
When you notice yourself thinking things like, 'I can't do this' or 'I'm no good at this,' you are using negative self-talk. This makes you feel worse, not better. Tell yourself to 'Stop!'
Focus Mode
Step 2: Tell yourself a kind thought instead.
Tell yourself, 'I can do this' or 'It's okay; I'm learning.'
Think about what you would say to a friend who was upset and then tell yourself that.
Fortune Teller
Positive Thought Detective
You convince yourself that things will turn out bad when they might not.
‘Do I really know for sure that this is gonna happen? What else could happen?’
The principal called me into her office. I’m in trouble and she hates me.
I wonder what she wants to talk to me about.
Mind Reader
Positive Thought Detective
You trick yourself into believing that you can tell what someone else is thinking.
‘Do I have proof? What else could they be thinking?’
He sighed when he got partnered with me. He hates me.
He might be disappointed because he wanted to work with his best friend.
Labeler
Positive Thought Detective
You call yourself unkind words like “dummy” or “screw up”
‘It’s okay if you make a mistake or don’t know something. It happens to everyone.’
DUMMY
Only a dummy would have gotten that problem wrong.
I’m sad I didn’t get that problem right.
Blamer
Positive Thought Detective
Blaming people for things that aren’t their fault.
‘What are you in charge of? Focus on that.’
It’s Ben’s fault I got in trouble. He was clicking his pen and it made me so annoyed!
It’s okay for me to feel annoyed. It’s not okay to yell. I can show self-control.
Mr. Filter
Positive Thought Detective
Thinking only about the bad things that happened and ignoring the good things.
‘Look for the good! What good things happened?’
George said he didn’t like my drawing.
Ben, Sally, and Madison all said they liked my drawing.
All or Nothing Thinker
Positive Thought Detective
Things are either amazing or they’re terrible. I’m perfect or I’m the worst. Nothing in between.
‘What good things did you do? What good things could happen?’
Well, I got in trouble during first hour. My day’s ruined.
I wish I wouldn’t have done that, but I can turn my day around.
Step 3: Before you start something, remember kind thoughts that will help you to do your best.
Before you start something hard, think kind thoughts like, 'I can do this!'
Focus Mode
Maya looks at her math worksheet and thinks "I'm terrible at math and I'll never get these problems right." She feels discouraged before even starting.
I'm terrible at math and I'll never get these problems right.
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Ethan makes a mistake while reading aloud to the class and thinks "Everyone thinks I'm a bad reader now." He feels embarrassed and wants to stop.
Everyone thinks I'm a bad reader now. Why should I try?
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Zara sees other kids' art projects and thinks "Mine looks awful compared to theirs. I'm not good at art." She wants to throw her project away.
Mine looks awful compared to theirs. I'm not good at art.
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Sofia is getting ready to try the monkey bars at recess and thinks "I'm not strong enough and I'll just fall off like last time."
I'm not strong enough and I'll just fall off like last time.
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Kai is studying for his spelling test and thinks "I always forget the words when I'm nervous. I'm going to fail this test."
I always forget the words when I'm nervous. I'm going to fail this test.
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