Lesson Plan

Speak Life Sparks Lesson Plan

Students will understand how positive and negative words affect self-esteem and peer relationships, practice giving sincere compliments in both a relay game and circle activity, and craft personal affirmations to foster uplifting self-talk and supportive communication.

Building positive self-talk and peer encouragement creates a supportive classroom culture, boosts students’ confidence, and enhances empathy and collaboration skills.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Classroom Space

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Positive Word Blitz

4 minutes

Step 2

Mini-Lesson: Power of Words

4 minutes

Step 3

Game: Compliment Relay Race

7 minutes

Step 4

Compliment Circle Activity

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Goal Setting

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Speak Life Sparks

Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that “Speak Life Sparks” focuses on how our words affect our feelings and each other. Point out the objectives on the next slide.

Lesson Objectives

Read each objective aloud and briefly discuss why it matters.

Warm-Up: Positive Word Blitz

Lead a rapid-fire brainstorm. Set a 30-second timer and encourage energetic participation. Record each word on the board.

Mini-Lesson: Power of Words

Define terms clearly and invite volunteers to share personal experiences. Use examples on the slide to illustrate contrast between positive and negative self-talk.

Game: Compliment Relay Race

Explain the rules and model one round. Then run the relay race with energy—keep time and cheer on both teams.

Activity: Compliment Circle

Arrange students in a circle. Distribute [Compliment Prompt Cards](#compliment-prompt-cards) face down. Model one round if needed.

Reflection: Rewrite Your Self-Talk

Hand out the worksheet. Explain each section and walk students through one example. Circulate to support rewriting negative thoughts.

Closing & Share

Invite volunteers to read their affirmations or describe how the activity changed their thinking. Collect worksheets for optional review.

Lesson Plan

Speak Life Sparks Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Classroom Space

Step 1

Warm-Up: Positive Word Blitz

Step 2

Mini-Lesson: Power of Words

Step 3

Game: Compliment Relay Race

Step 4

Compliment Circle Activity

Step 5

Reflection and Goal Setting

Slide Deck

Speak Life Sparks

Lesson Objectives

Warm-Up: Positive Word Blitz

Mini-Lesson: Power of Words

Game: Compliment Relay Race

Activity: Compliment Circle

Reflection: Rewrite Your Self-Talk

Closing & Share

Activity

Worksheet

Speak Life Sparks

Brandi Keezel

Lenny Learning

CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

Seasonal

Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

My Lessons

Video Library

Support