Lesson Plan

Mind Chatter Roadmap

Students will learn how their thoughts influence feelings and behaviors and practice identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns using CBT principles.

This lesson equips students with self-awareness and coping skills, helping them manage emotions and behaviors through evidence-based CBT strategies, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduction to CBT

10 minutes

Step 3

Circle Activity

15 minutes

Step 4

Reflection

10 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down & Share

5 minutes

Slide Deck

How Does Your Mind Talk?

Introduce the lesson title and explain that today we’ll explore how our inner thoughts influence the way we feel and behave.

What Are Thoughts?

Define “thoughts,” give a quick example, and invite a student to share a thought they’ve had today.

What Are Feelings?

Explain that feelings are our emotions. Ask students to name a feeling they’ve had today.

What Are Behaviors?

Clarify that behaviors are our actions. Prompt students for examples of behaviors linked to feelings.

CBT Triangle

Show a diagram of the CBT triangle on the board or slide. Walk through how each point connects in a cycle.

Example: Test Nerves

Use this scenario to illustrate the triangle. Then ask how we might change the thought to feel and act differently.

Lesson Plan

Mind Chatter Roadmap

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Warm-Up

Step 2

Introduction to CBT

Step 3

Circle Activity

Step 4

Reflection

Step 5

Cool-Down & Share

Slide Deck

How Does Your Mind Talk?

What Are Thoughts?

What Are Feelings?

What Are Behaviors?

CBT Triangle

Example: Test Nerves

Activity

Journal

How Does Your Mind Talk?

Andrew Argueta