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Body Positive Bites

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Lesson Plan

Body Positive Bites Plan

Students will explore how negative comments about food and bodies affect self-esteem and practice rephrasing them with supportive language to foster body positivity.

Negative remarks about eating habits and body image can damage self-esteem and peer relationships. This lesson equips 6th graders with skills to identify hurtful comments, transform them into positive messages, and create a respectful classroom culture.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, role-play scenarios, and personal reflection

Materials

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Activity

5 minutes

  • Greet students and introduce today’s focus on body positivity and supportive language.
  • Ask: “Recall a time someone commented on your food choice or body. How did it make you feel?”
  • Record shared feelings on the chart paper/whiteboard, emphasizing active listening and respect.

Step 2

Scenario Role-Play

15 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4.
  • Distribute 2–3 scenarios from Body Positive Scenarios Worksheet to each group.
  • In groups, read each scenario aloud and role-play: first the negative comment, then transform it into a positive, body-affirming response.
  • Encourage use of “I” statements and language that focuses on health, function, and feelings.
  • Invite each group to share one scenario and their rephrased supportive response with the class.

Step 3

Personal Reflection

5 minutes

  • Hand out Supportive Language Reflection Sheet to each student.
  • Ask students to write down a negative comment they’ve encountered about food or body image and then rewrite it as a positive, supportive statement.
  • Remind them to highlight well-being and respect rather than appearance.

Step 4

Group Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to read their positive statements aloud.
  • Reinforce how kind, body-positive language boosts self-esteem and fosters a supportive community.
  • Summarize key takeaways: identifying negative comments, rephrasing with care, and practicing supportive language daily.
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Slide Deck

Body Positive Bites

Objectives:

  • Understand how comments affect self-esteem
  • Practice turning negative remarks into positive messages
  • Build a kinder, more supportive classroom culture

Welcome everyone! Today we’ll dive into body positivity and supportive language. Introduce the objectives clearly and set a respectful tone.

Warm-Up: Reflecting on Comments

• Think of a time someone commented on your food choice or body.
• How did that comment make you feel?
• Share with a partner, then we’ll record feelings as a class.

Lead the Warm-Up Activity. Pose the question, give students 1–2 minutes to think, then invite a few to share their feelings. Capture responses on chart paper.

From Negative to Positive

Negative: “You’re eating too much junk food.”
Positive: “I care about your health. Want to try a fruit and yogurt snack instead?”

Negative: “You look so chubby after lunch.”
Positive: “I appreciate you taking care of yourself. How do you feel today?”

Show these side-by-side examples to illustrate the shift from hurtful to helpful language. Emphasize use of “I” statements and focus on well-being.

Scenario Role-Play

• In groups of 3–4, pick 2–3 scenarios from Body Positive Scenarios Worksheet.
• First, role-play the negative comment.
• Then, transform it into a positive, body-affirming response using “I” statements.
• Each group shares one rephrased example with the class.

Explain how to use the scenarios worksheet. Divide students, hand out Body Positive Scenarios Worksheet, and circulate to support rephrasing.

Personal Reflection

• Use your Supportive Language Reflection Sheet.
• Write down a negative comment you’ve experienced about food or body image.
• Rewrite it as a positive, supportive statement highlighting respect and health.

Distribute the reflection sheet. Encourage honest responses and remind students to focus on respect and well-being rather than appearance.

Group Wrap-Up

• Volunteers read their positive statements aloud.
• Key Takeaways:
– Identify hurtful comments
– Rephrase with supportive, “I”-focused language
– Practice kindness and respect every day

Wrap up by reinforcing key points. Invite volunteers to share, then review the main takeaways and encourage daily practice.

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Worksheet

Body Positive Scenarios Worksheet

For each of the scenarios below:

  1. Read the negative comment.
  2. Rewrite it as a positive, supportive statement focusing on respect, health, or feelings.

Scenario 1:
During lunch, Jordan says to Riley: “Why are you eating that salad? Are you on a diet?”
Positive Rephrase:






Scenario 2:
At snack time, Mia tells Ethan: “You always grab cookies. Don’t you care about your figure?”
Positive Rephrase:






Scenario 3:
On the playground, Sam remarks to Ava: “You look so skinny after skipping dessert again.”
Positive Rephrase:






Scenario 4:
During class, Leo tells Chris: “Wow, you’re eating that huge sandwich? You’re going to get chubby!”
Positive Rephrase:






Scenario 5:
At the cafeteria line, Zoe comments to Ben: “Fruit again? Are you trying to lose weight?”
Positive Rephrase:






Scenario 6:
After gym, Riley says to Jordan: “Look at those muscles—stop showing off. You must eat all the time.”
Positive Rephrase:






Good luck! Remember: use “I” statements, focus on well-being or feelings, and show respect for each person’s choices.

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Worksheet

Supportive Language Reflection Sheet

Use this sheet to turn a hurtful comment into a positive, uplifting message and reflect on your choices.

1. Negative Comment You’ve Heard:
(Write a comment about food or body image that someone said to you or a friend.)






2. Positive, Supportive Rephrase:
(Rewrite the comment using “I” statements and focusing on respect, health, or feelings.)






3. Reflection Questions:

• Why is your rephrased statement kinder or more supportive?






• How did rewriting this comment make you feel?






• How will you use supportive language with your classmates every day?






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