Lesson Plan

Self-Talk Switch

Students will identify negative self-talk and practice reframing it into positive affirmations, resulting in a personalized affirmation and a strategy to track progress.

This lesson empowers a 5th grader to recognize and replace discouraging thoughts with supportive self-talk, building resilience and boosting self-confidence during challenges.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Talk

2 minutes

Step 2

Identify Negative Thoughts

3 minutes

Step 3

Reframe Your Thoughts

4 minutes

Step 4

Develop Positive Affirmations

3 minutes

Step 5

Set Tracking Plan and Reflect

3 minutes

Slide Deck

What is Self-Talk and Reframing?

Begin by defining self-talk as our inner voice and explain that reframing is like flipping a negative thought into a positive one. Ask the student if they have ever caught themselves thinking something unkind during a hard moment.

Example: Turning Negative to Positive

Show the example and walk through each part: identify the negative thought, question if it’s 100% true, and then create a kinder, more helpful statement. Emphasize the tone shift.

Modeling the Reframe Process

Think aloud as you choose a thought and go through each step. Encourage the student to listen to your reasoning and ask questions. Highlight how asking questions helps shift perspective.

Your Turn: Practice Prompts

Guide the student through each prompt one at a time. Provide support as they write their thoughts and reframes. Offer encouragement and praise effort.

Recap: Steps to Reframe

Review the five steps, asking the student to summarize each. Encourage them to use these steps whenever they face a tough moment.

Lesson Plan

Self-Talk Switch

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Talk

Step 2

Identify Negative Thoughts

Step 3

Reframe Your Thoughts

Step 4

Develop Positive Affirmations

Step 5

Set Tracking Plan and Reflect

Slide Deck

What is Self-Talk and Reframing?

Example: Turning Negative to Positive

Modeling the Reframe Process

Your Turn: Practice Prompts

Recap: Steps to Reframe

Journal

Worksheet

Rubric

Flip the Script

Tori Sauerbier