Lesson Plan
Mirror Mindset Lesson Plan
By the end of the 45-minute lesson, students will identify and apply at least three strategies for cultivating a positive self-image, as demonstrated by their participation in a group discussion and the completion of a “Positive Traits” task.
Cultivating a positive self-image boosts students’ confidence, emotional resilience, and social interactions, leading to better mental well-being and academic engagement.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Guided reflection, strategy sharing, and collaborative reframing activities.
Materials
- Post-It Notes, - Markers, - Whiteboard or Chart Paper, - Self-Reflection Worksheet, and - Affirmation Prompt Cards
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy of Self-Reflection Worksheet per student.
- Print and cut Affirmation Prompt Cards.
- Gather Post-It Notes, markers, whiteboard or chart paper.
- Review the Mirror Mindset Lesson Plan and familiarize yourself with key discussion points.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and display a mirror image or prompt on the board.
- Ask: “What is self-image? How would you describe your self-perception?”
- Brainstorm positive and negative descriptors on the board.
- Emphasize that self-image includes both thoughts and feelings about oneself.
- Differentiation: Provide sentence starters (e.g., “I feel proud when…”).
Step 2
Identify Positive Traits & Group Discussion
10 minutes
- Distribute Self-Reflection Worksheet.
- Students list three positive qualities and two negative thoughts they have about themselves.
- In small groups, share your positive traits and discuss at least three strategies for cultivating a positive self-image (e.g., positive self-talk, focusing on strengths, practicing gratitude).
- Each group selects one strategy to report out to the class.
- Differentiation: Provide sentence starters and strategy examples as needed.
Step 3
Reframe Negative Thoughts
15 minutes
- Provide each pair with a set of Affirmation Prompt Cards containing negative statements.
- In pairs, students take turns selecting a negative card and rewriting it as a positive affirmation.
- Example: “I’m not good enough” → “I am growing and improving every day.”
- Have pairs share two reframed affirmations with the class.
- Differentiation: Offer bilingual prompt cards or visual aids as needed.
Step 4
Craft Personal Affirmations
10 minutes
- Distribute Post-It Notes and markers.
- Ask students to write one personal positive affirmation using insights from earlier activities.
- Encourage creativity: decorate with colors or small drawings.
- Students place their affirmation on the “Affirmation Wall” or their desks.
- Differentiation: Provide templates or sentence starters for students needing support.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share insights or affirmations.
- Conduct a quick exit ticket: on a note card, write one affirmation you will say daily and why.
- Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding.
- Encourage students to post affirmations at home or in their locker.
- Remind class that building positive self-image is an ongoing process.
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Slide Deck
Mirror Mindset
A 45-minute lesson on self-image and positive affirmations
Grade 9 | Tier 1 Classroom
Welcome everyone! Today we’re launching into our Mirror Mindset lesson. Introduce yourself, share that this session will help them explore how they see themselves and build positive self-image.
Lesson Objective
By the end of this 45-minute lesson, you will identify and apply at least three strategies for cultivating a positive self-image, as demonstrated by your participation in a group discussion and the completion of a “Positive Traits” task.
Read aloud the objective so students know our goal. Invite a quick thumbs up if they feel excited.
Strategies for Cultivating Positive Self-Image
Here are three key strategies:
• Positive self-talk: Speak to yourself kindly and encourage yourself.
• Focus on strengths: Remind yourself of your talents and achievements regularly.
• Practice gratitude: Notice things you’re thankful for to shift focus.
Question: Which resonates with you and how might you use it?
Highlight the top strategies students discussed. Explain each briefly and ask students to think of an example from their own lives.
What Is Self-Image?
• Self-image = how you see and feel about yourself
• It includes thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and perceptions
Question: What words describe your self-image?
Display a mirror image or draw one on the board. Ask volunteers: “What comes to mind when you think of self-image?” Capture key words.
Brainstorm: Positive & Negative Traits
On the board, we’ll list:
• Positive descriptors (e.g., “creative,” “kind”)
• Negative descriptors (e.g., “shy,” “not good enough”)
Let’s see how our self-perceptions range.
Explain the brainstorming process and remind students that all responses are welcome. Record positive and negative descriptors under two columns.
Explore Self-Perception
- Complete your worksheet:
• List 3 positive qualities about yourself
• List 2 negative thoughts you sometimes have - Reflect quietly — this worksheet is private.
Hand out the Self-Reflection Worksheet. Encourage honesty but stress privacy. Circulate to clarify any questions.
Reframe Negative Thoughts
- In pairs, pick a negative prompt card
- Rewrite it as a positive affirmation
• “I’m not good enough” → “I am growing every day” - Share two of your best reframed affirmations
Demonstrate one example reframing. Pair students and distribute Affirmation Prompt Cards. Remind them to be supportive and creative.
Craft Personal Affirmations
- Take a Post-It Note & marker
- Create one personal affirmation
• Decorate with colors or doodles - Place it on our “Affirmation Wall”
Show where the Affirmation Wall will be set up. Encourage artistic expression and provide sentence starters if needed.
Share & Celebrate
• Volunteers share their affirmations
• Note the positive language and imagery
• Encourage peers to applaud and affirm each other
Invite a few volunteers to read their affirmations aloud. Highlight the variety of strengths and encourage applause.
Exit Ticket
On a note card, write:
- One affirmation you will say daily
- Why it matters to you
Hand in as you leave.
Explain the exit ticket process. Collect these to check understanding and for follow-up.
Closing & Next Steps
• Remember: Self-image evolves over time
• Repeat affirmations daily
• Post your note at home or in your locker
Thank you for your honesty and creativity today!
Wrap up by emphasizing that building a positive self-image is an ongoing journey. Encourage them to revisit their affirmations regularly.
Worksheet
Self-Reflection Worksheet
Today, you will take a moment to honestly reflect on how you see yourself. Your responses are private and for your eyes only unless you choose to share.
1. My Positive Qualities
List three strengths or positive traits you feel you have. Be specific and honest.
- ___________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________
2. My Negative Thoughts
List two negative thoughts or self-perceptions you sometimes experience. Remember, naming them is the first step toward changing them.
- ___________________________________________________________
- ___________________________________________________________
3. Reflection
Choose one negative thought from above and answer:
- Why do I think this thought comes to mind?
- How might I reframe this into a positive affirmation? (Try drafting one sentence.)
Keep this worksheet in a safe place. Use it whenever you need to remind yourself of your strengths and to practice transforming negative thoughts into positive ones.
Activity
Affirmation Prompt Cards
Use these cards in pairs or small groups. Each card includes a common negative self-talk statement. Students pick a card, read the negative thought aloud, and then work together to reframe it into a positive affirmation.
Instructions for Teachers
- Print the cards on cardstock or heavy paper and cut along the lines.
- Distribute one set per pair or small group.
- Encourage students to take turns selecting a card, reading the statement, and rewriting it as a positive affirmation.
- After reframing, have pairs share two of their best affirmations with the class.
Prompt Cards
Card 1
“I’m not good enough.”
Card 2
“I always mess things up.”
Card 3
“No one likes me.”
Card 4
“I can’t do anything right.”
Card 5
“I’m too shy to speak up.”
Card 6
“I’m not smart enough.”
Card 7
“I’ll never improve.”
Card 8
“I don’t fit in.”
Card 9
“I’m a failure.”
Card 10
“I’m not as talented as others.”
Card 11
“I have nothing to contribute.”
Card 12
“I always get embarrassed.”
Card 13
“I’m not creative.”
Card 14
“I can’t handle challenges.”
Card 15
“I don’t deserve success.”
After printing and cutting, shuffle the cards and place them face down. Students draw one, discuss how it makes them feel, then collaboratively craft a positive reframe.