Why Self-Monitoring Matters: A Class Discussion

Now that we've explored what self-monitoring is and thought about our own styles, let's talk about why this skill is so important in our lives!

Discussion Questions:

1. Connecting the Dots: After taking the quiz, did you notice any patterns in your own self-monitoring? What did you learn about how you usually pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Real-Life Examples: Can you think of a time when self-monitoring helped you in school, with friends, or even with a hobby? What happened, and how did being aware of yourself make a difference?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Challenges & Benefits: What might be some challenges to self-monitoring? (For example, it can be hard to notice things when you're busy or upset.) What are the biggest benefits you see in becoming better at it?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Future Superstars: How do you think practicing self-monitoring could help you with future goals, like getting into a certain high school, learning a new sport, or becoming more independent?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. A Self-Monitoring Strategy: If you had to give one piece of advice to a friend who wants to become a

Self-Monitoring Superstar Script

Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! I have a question for you all. Have you ever been doing something, and in your head, you're talking to yourself? Maybe you're thinking, 'Don't forget your homework!' or 'You got this!' or 'Slow down, you're going too fast!' Has anyone ever had those kinds of thoughts?"


(Pause for student responses and anecdotes. Acknowledge their experiences.)

Teacher: "That voice in your head, that little inner coach, is actually a really powerful tool! Today, we're going to talk about becoming what I like to call a 'self-monitoring superstar.' That means someone who is really good at tuning into that inner coach and using it to help them learn, grow, and succeed in all parts of their life."

Unlocking Your Inner Superstar (Slide Deck - 15 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive a little deeper into what self-monitoring actually is. Take a look at our first slide, 'Welcome, Self-Monitoring Superstars!'"

(Advance to Unlock Your Inner Superstar slide deck - Slide 1)

Teacher: "Ever wish you had a secret power to help you succeed? Today, we're unlocking one of the most powerful skills you have: self-monitoring! It's not magic, but it feels like it sometimes!"

(Advance to Slide 2)

Teacher: "So, what is self-monitoring? It's like being your own personal detective and coach all rolled into one! It means being aware of three main things: your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions. You're constantly checking in with yourself: 'What am I thinking?', 'How am I feeling right now?', and 'What am I doing?' And then, the superstar part comes in – you use that information to guide yourself! Can anyone give me a quick example of when they might check in with their thoughts, feelings, or actions?"


(Allow a few student responses, provide guiding questions if needed.)

(Advance to Slide 3)

Teacher: "Let's think about self-monitoring in action at school. When you're a self-monitoring superstar here, you might check if you really understand the instructions for an assignment. You might notice if your mind is wandering during a lecture. Or perhaps you realize you need to spend more time studying for a test. You might even ask yourself, 'Am I truly ready for this presentation I have to give?' How many of you have done something like that before?"


(Encourage a show of hands and brief sharing.)

(Advance to Slide 4)

Teacher: "It's not just for school! Outside of school, you could use self-monitoring too. Maybe you think about how your words are making a friend feel, or you notice you're interrupting someone. Perhaps you realize you need a break from your phone. Or you ask yourself, 'Is this a good choice for me and my friends right now?' These are all examples of self-monitoring helping you navigate your social world."


(Ask: "Any examples of how you've used this outside of school, maybe with family or friends?")

(Advance to Slide 5)

Teacher: "So, why bother being a self-monitoring superstar? Because it helps you in so many ways! It helps you learn better because you know what you know and what you don't. It helps you make better decisions, leading to positive results. It improves your relationships because you're more aware of how you interact with others. And ultimately, it helps you achieve your goals by keeping you on track. It's a skill that will serve you well for your entire life!"

(Advance to Slide 6)

Teacher: "Now that we have a good understanding of what self-monitoring is, are you ready to discover your own unique self-monitoring style with a fun quiz?"

Activity: Self-Monitoring Style Quiz (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, everyone, I'm going to hand out the Self-Monitoring Style Quiz. This isn't a test; there are no right or wrong answers. It's designed to help you think about your own habits and how you already self-monitor, maybe without even realizing it. Read each question carefully and write down your honest answers in the space provided. Take your time, think about real situations, and don't worry about what anyone else is writing."


(Distribute the quizzes. Circulate to answer any questions and ensure students are engaged. Once most students are done, bring the class back together.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's take a few minutes to talk about what you discovered. You don't have to share anything too personal, but did anything surprise you about your 'self-monitoring style'? Or did you realize you're already doing some self-monitoring, even if you didn't call it that?"


(Facilitate a brief class discussion. Emphasize awareness over judgment.)

Discussion: Why Self-Monitoring Matters (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Excellent job reflecting on your self-monitoring! Now, let's move into our class discussion, 'Why Self-Monitoring Matters.' This is where we connect everything we've learned to our everyday lives."


(Direct students to the Why Self-Monitoring Matters discussion prompts, either on screen or a handout.)

Teacher: "Let's start with question number one: 'Connecting the Dots: After taking the quiz, did you notice any patterns in your own self-monitoring? What did you learn about how you usually pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions?' Who would like to share their thoughts?"


(Facilitate discussion for each question, encouraging a variety of students to participate. Use follow-up questions to deepen understanding and connection.)

Cool-Down: One Takeaway (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Fantastic discussion today, everyone! To wrap things up, I want each of you to think of one new thing you learned today about self-monitoring, or one way you plan to try and practice self-monitoring this week. We'll go around the room quickly and share."


(Go around the room, giving each student a chance to share a brief takeaway.)

Teacher: "Remember, becoming a 'self-monitoring superstar' is a journey, not a destination. But the more you practice tuning into that inner coach, the more control you'll have over your learning, your decisions, and your path to achieving your goals. Great job today!"