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My Inner Voice

Lesson Plan

Inner Voice Coaching Plan

Students will learn to identify negative self-talk and practice reframing it into positive affirmations to foster a growth mindset.

Recognizing and challenging negative self-talk is crucial for building self-esteem and developing resilience. This skill empowers students to cultivate a more supportive inner dialogue, leading to improved well-being and academic success.

Audience

8th Grade Group

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided reframing exercises, and personal reflection.

Materials

Taming the Inner Critic (slide-deck), Sharing Self-Talk Experiences (discussion), and Reframing Negative Thoughts (worksheet)

Prep

Review Materials and Prepare Examples

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Inner Chatter?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "Have you ever noticed the thoughts that run through your mind? What kind of things does your 'inner voice' say?"
  • Facilitate a brief, open discussion to gauge initial understanding. Emphasize that all thoughts are welcome and normal. (See Sharing Self-Talk Experiences for prompts.)

Step 2

Introduction: Taming the Inner Critic

10 minutes

  • Present the Taming the Inner Critic slide deck.
  • Introduce the concept of 'inner voice' and differentiate between positive and negative self-talk.
  • Explain the impact of negative self-talk on feelings and actions.
  • Share the objective of reframing negative thoughts into positive affirmations.

Step 3

Activity: Reframing Negative Thoughts

20 minutes

  • Distribute the Reframing Negative Thoughts worksheet.
  • Guide students through the worksheet, demonstrating how to identify a negative thought and then brainstorm positive, realistic reframes.
  • Encourage students to share examples (voluntarily) and provide constructive feedback on reframing techniques.
  • Circulate to offer individual support and guidance.

Step 4

Discussion & Wrap-Up: Building a Supportive Inner Voice

10 minutes

  • Facilitate a concluding discussion using prompts from Sharing Self-Talk Experiences.
  • Ask students to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply reframing in their daily lives.
  • Emphasize that building a positive inner voice is a continuous process.
  • Assign the remainder of the Reframing Negative Thoughts worksheet as optional homework.
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Slide Deck

My Inner Voice

What does your inner voice sound like?

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Introduce the topic by asking a relatable question about their thoughts.

What is Your Inner Voice?

It's the constant stream of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs you have about yourself and the world around you.

Explain that everyone has an inner voice. Define it simply as the thoughts and feelings we have about ourselves.

Positive vs. Negative Self-Talk

Positive Self-Talk: "I can do this!" "I'll try my best."

Negative Self-Talk: "I'm not good enough." "I'll never get this right."

Introduce the two main types of self-talk: positive and negative. Give simple examples of each.

The Impact of Negative Self-Talk

  • Affects your feelings: Makes you feel sad, anxious, or frustrated.
  • Influences your actions: Can make you give up easily or avoid challenges.
  • Holds you back: Stops you from trying new things or reaching your goals.

Discuss the impact of negative self-talk. Use simple language and connect it to feelings and actions. Emphasize that these thoughts can hold us back.

Our Goal: Reframing!

To learn how to take a negative thought and turn it into a positive, realistic, and helpful one!

Introduce the main objective of the lesson: reframing. Explain it as changing a negative thought into a more helpful, positive one.

Reframing Example

Negative Thought:

"I'm going to fail this test."

Positive Reframe:

"I'm going to study hard and do my best. Even if it's tough, I can learn from it."

Provide a clear, simple example of reframing. Walk through the negative thought and its positive reframe.

You Have the Power!

You can change your inner voice to be your biggest supporter! It takes practice, but you can do it!

Encourage students that they have the power to change their inner dialogue. Empowering message for closing.

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Discussion

Sharing Self-Talk Experiences

Warm-Up Discussion Prompts:

  1. Have you ever noticed the thoughts that run through your mind? What kind of things does your "inner voice" say?


  2. Can you recall a time when your inner voice was really positive and helpful? What did it say, and how did it make you feel?


  3. What about a time when your inner voice was negative or critical? How did that make you feel or act?


  4. Do you think everyone has an inner voice? Why or why not?


Wrap-Up Discussion Prompts:

  1. What was one new thing you learned today about your inner voice or self-talk?


  2. Can you think of a specific situation in your life where you might try to reframe a negative thought?


  3. How do you think having a more positive inner voice could help you in school, with friends, or in achieving your goals?


  4. What's one small step you can take this week to practice reframing negative thoughts?


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Worksheet

Reframing Negative Thoughts

Your inner voice can be your best friend or your toughest critic. This worksheet will help you practice turning those critical thoughts into supportive ones!

Instructions:

For each scenario or personal negative thought, write down the negative thought. Then, challenge it by writing a more positive, realistic, and helpful reframe.

Part 1: Scenario Practice

Scenario 1: You get a lower grade on a math test than you expected.

  • Negative Thought: "I'm terrible at math. I'll never understand it."


  • Positive Reframe:





Scenario 2: You try out for a school play and don't get the part you wanted.

  • Negative Thought: "I'm not talented enough. Everyone else is better than me."


  • Positive Reframe:





Scenario 3: You make a mistake during a presentation in class.

  • Negative Thought: "Everyone thinks I'm stupid. I should just stop trying."


  • Positive Reframe:





Part 2: My Own Thoughts

Think about some negative thoughts you've had recently, or common ones that pop into your head. Write them down and then reframe them.

  • My Negative Thought:


  • My Positive Reframe:





  • My Negative Thought:


  • My Positive Reframe:





  • My Negative Thought:


  • My Positive Reframe:





Challenge Question: What's one thing you can do to remind yourself to reframe negative thoughts when they come up?

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