Lesson Plan
Building Your Inner Coach
Students will recognize and replace self-critical thoughts with supportive inner dialogue by role-playing an inner coach and crafting personalized affirmations.
Developing a positive inner voice builds self-awareness, resilience, and coping skills to counter self-criticism and improve emotional well-being.
Audience
12th Grade Student
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Reflect, role-play, and personalize affirmations.
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review Self-Talk Dos and Don’ts Slide Deck and Inner Coach Role-Play Script.
- Print or have digital access to My Coach’s Words Journal for writing.
- Arrange a quiet, comfortable space for an undisturbed one-on-one session.
Step 1
Introduction and Self-Reflection
5 minutes
- Greet the student and explain today’s focus: developing a supportive inner dialogue.
- Ask the student to recall a recent self-critical thought.
- Invite them to describe the thought, associated emotions, and its impact on their mood or actions.
Step 2
Teaching Self-Talk Principles
5 minutes
- Present key points from the Self-Talk Dos and Don’ts Slide Deck.
- Discuss examples of effective versus ineffective self-talk.
- Highlight how tone, phrasing, and evidence-based statements shape our inner voice.
Step 3
Inner Coach Role-Play
15 minutes
- Introduce the Inner Coach Role-Play Script and explain roles: student vs. coach.
- Guide the student through two coached scenarios, switching roles each time.
- Encourage use of affirming, empathetic language to counter negative thoughts.
- After each scenario, debrief: what felt supportive, what to adjust.
Step 4
Crafting Personal Coach Statements
7 minutes
- Provide the student with My Coach’s Words Journal.
- Ask them to write three personalized, supportive coach statements addressing their common self-criticisms.
- Review and refine each statement together for clarity and positivity.
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
3 minutes
- Summarize the importance of a supportive inner coach and key takeaways.
- Encourage daily practice of their personalized statements.
- Schedule a brief follow-up to review progress and reinforce skills.
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Slide Deck
Self-Talk Do’s and Don’ts
Building a supportive inner dialogue to counter self-criticism
Welcome students and introduce today’s focus. Explain that self-talk is the constant internal dialogue that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Emphasize that mastering positive self-talk can improve resilience and well-being.
What Is Self-Talk?
• The internal dialogue we have with ourselves
• Influences how we feel, think, and behave
• Can be positive (supportive) or negative (self-critical)
Define the term clearly. Ask students to share a brief example of something they say to themselves before a test or challenge.
Self-Talk Do’s
• Use kind, compassionate language (“I can handle this.”)
• Focus on evidence (“I’ve succeeded before.”)
• Be specific and realistic (“I’ll prepare for 20 minutes and review key points.”)
• Acknowledge effort (“I’m proud of how hard I’m working.”)
Highlight three key examples. Encourage students to brainstorm additional “Do’s.”
Self-Talk Don’ts
• Avoid absolutes (“I always mess up.”)
• Don’t criticize or shame (“I’m so stupid.”)
• Skip catastrophizing (“This is a total disaster.”)
• Steer clear of comparisons (“I’m worse than everyone else.”)
Discuss each “Don’t” and how it undermines confidence. Invite students to rephrase one of their own negative statements.
Tone & Phrasing Tips
• Use “I can” or “I will” instead of “I can’t”
• Phrase statements in present tense (“I am capable.”)
• Keep language supportive and empathetic
• Use “yet” to acknowledge growth (“I haven’t mastered it yet.”)
Explain the importance of tone and phrasing. Model one negative statement being reframed into a positive one.
Impact on Emotions & Actions
• Positive self-talk boosts confidence and reduces anxiety
• Shapes how we respond to setbacks and stress
• Encourages persistence and resilience
• Improves overall mental well-being
Summarize the link between self-talk and mood, motivation, and performance. Prompt student to reflect on how changing self-talk might affect their next challenge.
Script
Inner Coach Role-Play Script
Use this script during the 15-minute role-play segment to guide your student through two scenarios. Read each stage direction and prompt exactly as written. Pause for student responses at the cues. After each scenario, use the debrief questions to deepen reflection and learning.
Scenario 1: Countering Academic Self-Criticism
Description: Coach responds to a self-critical thought about failing a final exam.
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Stage Direction (Teacher):
“In this first scenario, I will speak as your Self-Critical Voice, and you will respond as your Inner Coach. Listen carefully, and then offer kind, evidence-based support.” -
Teacher (Self-Critical Voice):
“Self-Critical Voice: ‘I’m going to fail my final exam. I never study enough and I always get bad grades.’” -
Teacher (Prompt to Student):
“Now it’s your turn as the Inner Coach. What would you say to support yourself right now?”
(Pause and let student speak.) -
Teacher (Follow-Up Prompt):
“Great start. Can you add a phrase that acknowledges the effort you’ve already made or reminds you of a past success?”
(Pause for refinement.) -
Debrief Questions:
- “Which words you used felt most supportive—and why?”
- “How did it feel to speak to yourself with kindness instead of criticism?”
- “What might you adjust next time to make your inner coach even stronger?”
Scenario 2: Addressing Performance Anxiety in Real Time
Description: Student voices a genuine self-critical thought; teacher models coaching and then invites student to practice again.
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Stage Direction (Teacher):
“Let’s switch roles. Please share a self-critical thought you’ve actually experienced—maybe about public speaking, sports, or another challenge. I’ll respond as your Inner Coach.” -
Teacher (Prompt to Student):
“When you’re ready, say your self-critical thought out loud.”
(Pause for student.) -
Teacher (Coach Model):
“Coach: ‘I hear how much pressure you’re feeling. Remember that nerves are normal, and every time you practice, you get stronger. Think back to when you spoke up and it went well—use that evidence to remind yourself of your abilities.’” -
Teacher (Prompt to Student):
“Now it’s your turn to be the Coach again. How would you respond to that same thought?”
(Pause for student.) -
Debrief Questions:
- “How did it feel to hear a model coach response before you tried it yourself?”
- “What parts of the modeled response would you keep or change?”
- “How might you use this coaching language the next time that thought pops up?”
Note: Encourage the student to carry these supportive phrases with them and practice daily. Celebrate their progress and remind them that building an inner coach takes consistent practice.
Journal
My Coach’s Words Journal
Your Personalized Affirmations
Affirmation One
Write a positive, supportive statement to counter a common self-critical thought.
Affirmation Two
Write another optimistic coach statement that encourages resilience and self-compassion.
Affirmation Three
Craft a statement that reminds you of your strengths and celebrates your efforts.
Reflection on Your Coach’s Words
After practicing these affirmations over the next few days, reflect on how they impacted your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Include specific examples or insights about what changed and how you felt.