Thought Detective Worksheet

Materials: Mind Matters Presentation

Instructions

• Refer to the definitions on the Mind Matters Presentation slides if needed.
• Complete at least one personal example independently. Use extra space for more practice if time allows.

Thinking Traps Cheat Sheet

1. All-or-Nothing Thinking: Seeing things in black-or-white extremes.
2. Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst possible outcome.
3. Overgeneralization: Drawing broad conclusions from a single event.
4. Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking.
5. Personalization: Taking things personally when they’re not about you.

Example

Scenario: "I failed my math test; I’ll never succeed in school."
Trap: All-or-Nothing Thinking
Healthier Reframe: "One test doesn’t define me. I can study differently next time and improve."

Your Turn (Practice 1)

1. Situation: Describe what happened.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Automatic Thought: What was going through your mind?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Thinking Trap(s): Which trap(s) apply? (List or circle.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Healthier Reframe: Write a balanced, realistic alternative thought.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Practice More (Optional)

Use this section if you finish early or want extra practice.

Practice 2

1. Situation:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Automatic Thought:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Thinking Trap(s):
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Healthier Reframe:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Coping Toolbox Creation Activity Guide

Objective

Students will brainstorm personalized coping strategies to counter specific thinking traps and creatively assemble a “toolbox” of self-care tools they can use in real time.

Time

10 minutes

Materials

• Art supplies: markers, colored pencils, crayons
• Paper or cardstock
• Small containers: envelopes, paper cups, or snack-sized boxes
• Mind Matters Presentation (for reference)
• Optional: stickers, washi tape, magazines for collage

Prep

• Set out art supplies and containers on each desk or at a central table
• Print or display a brief list of coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing, positive self-talk, quick walk, grounding exercises)
• Arrange seating so students can easily share their work with a partner

Instructions

1. Brainstorm Strategies (2 minutes)

   • Ask students to recall the thinking trap they identified on their Thought Detective Worksheet.
   • Instruct them to list at least three coping strategies that would help counteract that specific trap.
   • Example prompts: “What can you do when you start catastrophizing?” “Which tool helps you calm down when you personalize criticism?”

2. Select & Design Your Tools (4 minutes)

   • Have students choose three strategies from their list.
   • For each strategy, instruct them to create a visual or tangible “tool”:
     • Draw a small card illustrating the strategy and a simple step-by-step prompt
     • Decorate a mini-container with the strategy name and place any tiny reminder inside (e.g., a folded breathing script)
     • Make a quick collage representing the feeling shift (from “stuck” to “empowered”)

3. Assemble Your Toolbox (2 minutes)

   • Students place all three tools into their container or envelope, labeling the outside with their name and the trap they’re targeting.

4. Partner Share & Commit (2 minutes)

   • Pair students up. Each shares one tool and explains how they’ll use it when they notice the associated thinking trap.
   • Partners offer one supportive suggestion or additional idea.

Teacher Tips:

• Circulate to prompt deeper thinking: “How will you remind yourself to use this?”
• Encourage creativity: no drawing skill required—stickers or words work too.
• Validate all ideas and reinforce that small tools can have a big impact.

Extension:
Students can revisit their coping toolbox throughout the week, adding new tools or revising existing ones based on what works best.

Mind Check-In Prompt

Write just one word and pick one color that reflects how you feel right now.

Word: ________________________







Color: ________________________

(Optional) Share your word and color with the group to foster a supportive atmosphere.