Lesson Plan
Personal Body Talk Guide
Provide 7th-grade students with a safe space and practical tools to articulate their feelings about their bodies and practice positive self-talk, fostering healthy communication patterns and internal narratives.
Developing a healthy body image and positive self-talk is crucial for adolescent well-being. This lesson empowers students to build resilience, self-acceptance, and positive mental health habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical exercises, students will explore their thoughts and feelings.
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Personal Body Talk Guide Lesson Plan, Speaking Kindly To Yourself Slide Deck, Positive Affirmation Practice Script, and My Daily Body Gratitude Journal to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Ensure a private and comfortable space for the individual session.
Step 1
Introduction & Setting the Stage
5 minutes
- Greet the student and establish a warm, confidential atmosphere.
- Explain the purpose of the session: to explore how they talk about their body and learn tools for positive self-talk.
- Use Slide 1 and 2 from the Speaking Kindly To Yourself Slide Deck.
Step 2
Exploring Body Talk
10 minutes
- Begin with the prompts from the Positive Affirmation Practice Script to guide a discussion about current body talk.
- Encourage the student to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Use Slide 3 from the Speaking Kindly To Yourself Slide Deck to introduce the concept of self-talk and its impact.
Step 3
Introducing Positive Affirmations
10 minutes
- Guide the student through the 'Positive Affirmation Practice' as outlined in the Positive Affirmation Practice Script.
- Explain what affirmations are and how they can be used.
- Use Slide 4 and 5 from the Speaking Kindly To Yourself Slide Deck to illustrate and practice affirmations.
Step 4
Journaling for Gratitude & Closing
5 minutes
- Introduce the My Daily Body Gratitude Journal as a tool for continued practice.
- Explain the concept of body gratitude and encourage daily journaling.
- Assign the journal as a take-home activity for continued practice.
- Use Slide 6 from the Speaking Kindly To Yourself Slide Deck for a positive closing.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
How Do I Talk About My Body?
Let's explore our thoughts and feelings together and discover tools for positive self-talk. This is a safe space for you to share and learn.
Welcome the student and set a positive, safe tone. Explain that this is a space for open and honest discussion about how they view and talk about their bodies. Reassure them that there are no right or wrong answers.
A Safe Space for You
This session is all about you and your journey towards a more positive self-image. What we discuss here is confidential.
Emphasize confidentiality and trust. Reiterate that this session is about personal growth and understanding.
What's Your Inner Voice Saying?
Our inner voice can be a powerful friend or a critical judge. How does your inner voice talk about your body?
Initiate a discussion using prompts from the Positive Affirmation Practice Script. Ask open-ended questions to encourage reflection on their current self-talk patterns. Listen actively and empathetically.
Introducing Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that help us challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They are tools for building self-esteem and confidence.
Example: "I am capable." "I am strong." "I am worthy."
Introduce the concept of positive affirmations. Explain that affirmations are positive statements that can help challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. Give simple examples.
Crafting Your Own Kind Words
Let's create some personalized affirmations. What positive things can you say to yourself about your body and who you are?
Think about:
- Your strengths
- What you appreciate about yourself
- What you want to believe about yourself
Lead the student through creating their own affirmations using the Positive Affirmation Practice Script. Encourage them to think about areas where they want to feel more positive.
Cultivating Daily Gratitude
Practice makes progress! The My Daily Body Gratitude Journal is your tool for continuing this positive journey.
Every day, find something to appreciate about your body.
Introduce the My Daily Body Gratitude Journal as a continued practice. Encourage them to reflect daily. End with a positive and empowering message.
Script
Positive Affirmation Practice Script
Introduction to the Session
"Hello [Student's Name], I'm glad you're here today. In this session, we're going to talk about something really important: how we talk about our bodies. It’s a chance for us to explore our thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive space. There's no right or wrong, just what's true for you. How does that sound?"
Pause for student response. Show Slide 1: How Do I Talk About My Body? and Slide 2: A Safe Space for You.
"We all have an inner voice, and sometimes it can be a little harsh or critical, especially when it comes to how we look or what our bodies can do. Today, we're going to think about what that voice says and how we can make it more kind and supportive."
Exploring Body Talk
"To start, I want you to think about how you typically talk to yourself about your body. What kinds of thoughts come up for you? You don't have to share anything you're uncomfortable with, but if you're willing, what are some common thoughts or feelings you have about your body?"
Listen empathetically. Acknowledge their feelings and validate their experiences. Show Slide 3: What's Your Inner Voice Saying?.
"It’s normal to have different feelings, and sometimes those feelings can be challenging. The important thing is that we can learn to guide our inner voice towards more positive and helpful messages."
Introducing Positive Affirmations
"Have you ever heard of 'affirmations'?"
Pause for response.
"Affirmations are positive statements that you say to yourself to encourage and support yourself. They're like planting good seeds in your mind to help positive thoughts grow. They aren't about pretending everything is perfect, but about consciously choosing to focus on positive aspects and strengths."
Show Slide 4: Introducing Positive Affirmations.
"For example, instead of thinking, 'I'm not good at this,' an affirmation could be, 'I am capable, and I can learn.' When it comes to our bodies, an affirmation could be, 'My body is strong and helps me do amazing things,' or 'I am grateful for my unique body.'"
Crafting Your Own Kind Words
"Now, let's try creating some affirmations together. Think about what you would like to believe about your body, or what you appreciate about yourself as a whole. It could be about your strength, your health, your kindness, or anything positive."
Show Slide 5: Crafting Your Own Kind Words. Provide examples and guide them:
- "What is something you appreciate your body for? (e.g., 'My legs help me run and play.')"
- "What is a positive quality you possess that you want to remind yourself of? (e.g., 'I am kind.')"
- "What is one thing you can say to yourself about your body that makes you feel good?"
"Let's practice saying some of these aloud. How does it feel to say them? It might feel a little strange at first, but the more we practice, the more natural and powerful they become."
Journaling for Gratitude & Closing
"To help you continue this practice, I have a My Daily Body Gratitude Journal for you. The idea is to take a few minutes each day to write down something you are grateful for about your body or about yourself. It's a way to keep those positive thoughts growing."
Show Slide 6: Cultivating Daily Gratitude. Hand them the journal.
"Remember, your body is incredible, and how you talk to yourself about it truly matters. Keep practicing these kind words, and know that you are amazing. Do you have any questions or anything else you'd like to discuss?"
Address any final questions or comments. Thank them for their participation.
Journal
My Daily Body Gratitude
Welcome to your personal space for practicing body gratitude! Each day, take a few moments to reflect on the amazing things your body does for you and the positive qualities you possess. This journal is a tool to help you cultivate a kinder, more appreciative inner voice.
Instructions:
- Each day, choose one or more prompts to respond to.
- Write honestly and openly. There are no wrong answers!
- Focus on what you appreciate about your body and yourself.
Week 1: Recognizing Your Body's Gifts
Day 1
What is one amazing thing your body did for you today? (e.g., helped me laugh, allowed me to play, carried me to school)
Day 2
Write down three things you are grateful for about your senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
Day 3
What part of your body helps you connect with others? How?
Day 4
Reflect on a time your body healed itself. What does that teach you about its resilience?
Day 5
List five adjectives that describe your body in a positive way (e.g., strong, agile, healthy, unique, energetic).
Day 6
What is a simple pleasure your body allows you to experience? (e.g., the feeling of warm sun, the taste of your favorite food)
Day 7
Write a thank-you note to one part of your body for something it does for you every day.
Week 2: Cultivating Positive Self-Talk
Day 8
What is one positive affirmation you can say to yourself about your body today?
Day 9
When you look in a mirror, what is one positive thing you can focus on and appreciate?
Day 10
How can you challenge a negative thought about your body with a positive one?
Day 11
Write about a time you felt confident and comfortable in your own skin. What made you feel that way?
Day 12
What does it mean to treat your body with kindness? Give an example.
Day 13
Create a new positive affirmation that is meaningful to you right now.
Day 14
Reflect on how your feelings about your body have shifted since you started this journal. What have you learned?