Lesson Plan

Building Your Inner Coach

Students will recognize and replace self-critical thoughts with supportive inner dialogue by role-playing an inner coach and crafting personalized affirmations.

Developing a positive inner voice builds self-awareness, resilience, and coping skills to counter self-criticism and improve emotional well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Self-Reflection

5 minutes

Step 2

Teaching Self-Talk Principles

5 minutes

Step 3

Inner Coach Role-Play

15 minutes

Step 4

Crafting Personal Coach Statements

7 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Self-Talk Do’s and Don’ts

Welcome students and introduce today’s focus. Explain that self-talk is the constant internal dialogue that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Emphasize that mastering positive self-talk can improve resilience and well-being.

What Is Self-Talk?

Define the term clearly. Ask students to share a brief example of something they say to themselves before a test or challenge.

Self-Talk Do’s

Highlight three key examples. Encourage students to brainstorm additional “Do’s.”

Self-Talk Don’ts

Discuss each “Don’t” and how it undermines confidence. Invite students to rephrase one of their own negative statements.

Tone & Phrasing Tips

Explain the importance of tone and phrasing. Model one negative statement being reframed into a positive one.

Impact on Emotions & Actions

Summarize the link between self-talk and mood, motivation, and performance. Prompt student to reflect on how changing self-talk might affect their next challenge.