Intro to Positive Self-Talk

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This session introduces older students to positive self-talk: the phrases they can say to themselves to feel more ready when facing a challenge, teasing, or a tough class. They watch a short video, discuss how two students' inner messages shape different outcomes, and play a quick game where they replay a short interaction to spot what each person felt, where it went off track, and what could shift it. The takeaway is a practical strategy they can reach for anytime.

Created by Casey Reeves Curriculum Lead
Video modeling lesson
Extension activity
Topic
Emotional Recognition
Focus
Thinking Positive
Grade level
Middle & High School

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Each video modeling lesson is part of a no-prep session designed by our clinical team, with all the structure, scaffolding, and support you need to teach it.

Engaging materials

  • Video modeling lesson

    Intro to Positive Self-Talk

    Tim learns about the concept of positive self-talk, or saying phrases to yourself that make you feel better. When he's down, he can think about things he's good at or the good things in his life. We can use this strategy anytime we're facing a challenge, or dealing with teasing or friendships. It's important to note that bullying is unacceptable and should be handled by telling an adult that your trust. You can use strategies to handle bullying, but you shouldn't handle it alone.

  • Extension activity

    Interactive Worksheet: Positive Self-Talk

    Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves. Sometimes we may feel good, other times we may feel bad. We can think and say positive things to ourselves. These will encourage us to keep trying and do our best.

Plus everything you need to teach them

  1. Warm-up

    • Video: 4-7-8 Breathing2:13
    • Video: Obstacles into Opportunities Visualization1:19
    • Video: Yoga Pose Library

  2. Session Opener

    Why does positive self-talk matter?

    • Positive Self-Talk
    • I-Statement

  3. Practice

    • Discussion Question
    • Role-Play Activity
    • Mini Game
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How to use it with your students

  1. 1Watch Play the video modeling lesson so students see the skill in action.
  2. 2Practice Try the skill together with a discussion prompt, role-play, or mini game.
  3. 3Extend Use the extension activity to help students carry the skill further.

Example Session Notes

In this lesson, students learned about positive self-talk, the kind, encouraging things they can say to themselves when they feel down. They practiced replacing negative thoughts with phrases like "I can do this" or "I will get it next time," and thinking about what they are good at. This helps them feel more confident when facing a challenge or a tough day.

Key Terms

Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk means intentionally using kind and encouraging thoughts when you’re dealing with a frustrating or stressful situation. It helps you respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting right away.
I-Statement
Phrasing that starts with how you feel and what you need, like "I feel upset when..." This lets you speak up clearly without sounding like you are blaming the other person.

Sample IEP Goal This Session Supports

  • Thinking Positive

    When faced with a stressful situation, learner will recognize an unhelpful thought and replace it with a steadying or realistic alternative using positive self-talk in 4 out of 5 opportunities independently/given X prompt(s).

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Keep it going after the session

At home or in the classroom, when a student seems discouraged after a setback, try asking what they could tell themselves to feel ready to try again. Naming one thing they do well can shift the moment.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this session free?

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What ages is this for?

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