Lesson Plan
My Inner Voice Architect
Students will learn to recognize negative self-talk, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and transform them into positive self-talk to build a more confident mindset.
Developing positive self-talk is crucial for building self-esteem, resilience, and a positive outlook. This skill empowers students to navigate challenges and foster a healthy relationship with themselves.
Audience
5th - 8th Grade Students
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Interactive exercises, discussions, and reflective writing.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Slide Deck: My Inner Voice Architect, Activity: Inner Voice Scenario Cards, Worksheet: Challenge Your Inner Critic, and Journal: My Inner Dialogue
Prep
Lesson Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan: My Inner Voice Architect and all generated materials.
- Prepare the whiteboard or projector for the Slide Deck: My Inner Voice Architect.
- Print copies of the Activity: Inner Voice Scenario Cards (one set per small group).
- Print copies of the Worksheet: Challenge Your Inner Critic (one per student).
- Print copies of the Journal: My Inner Dialogue (one per student).
- Ensure access to writing materials for students.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your Inner Chatter?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "Have you ever noticed the voice inside your head? What does it say to you?"
- Introduce the concept of the 'inner voice' and explain that everyone has one.
- Use the first few slides of Slide Deck: My Inner Voice Architect to guide this introduction.
Step 2
Exploring the Inner Voice
10 minutes
- Lead a discussion on how the inner voice can be both positive and negative.
- Show examples of both types of self-talk using slides from the Slide Deck: My Inner Voice Architect.
- Ask students to share (voluntarily) a time their inner voice was helpful or unhelpful. Emphasize that it's okay to have negative thoughts and that the goal isn't to eliminate them, but to manage them.
Step 3
Activity: Inner Voice Scenario Cards
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
- Distribute the Activity: Inner Voice Scenario Cards to each group.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and discuss what the negative inner voice might say and how they can reframe it into a positive, supportive voice.
- Circulate among groups to facilitate discussion and provide guidance. Encourage them to use the strategies discussed in the Slide Deck: My Inner Voice Architect.
Step 4
Worksheet: Challenge Your Inner Critic
5 minutes
- Hand out the Worksheet: Challenge Your Inner Critic.
- Explain that this worksheet will help them practice challenging negative thoughts individually.
- Give them a few minutes to start working on it, encouraging them to think of a personal (but non-sensitive) example if they feel comfortable, or to use a hypothetical one.
Step 5
Cool-Down & Reflection
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask students to share one new strategy they learned or one positive self-talk phrase they will try to use.
- Introduce the Journal: My Inner Dialogue for further reflection at home or for future class time, explaining its purpose in ongoing self-awareness.
- Conclude by reiterating the power of their inner voice and their ability to shape it.
Slide Deck
Your Inner Voice: What Does it Say?
Have you ever noticed the thoughts that pop into your head throughout the day? That's your inner voice!
Welcome students and set a calm, reflective tone. Ask an open-ended question to pique their interest and connect to the topic.
Meet Your Inner Voice
- It's the constant chatter in your mind.
- It can be positive and encouraging.
- It can also be negative and critical.
- Everyone has one!
Explain that everyone has an inner voice and it's a natural part of being human. Emphasize that it can be a friend or a critic.
The Inner Critic
- "I'm not good enough."
- "I'll never understand this."
- "Everyone else is better than me."
- "What's the point of trying?"
Give examples of negative self-talk that students might relate to. Ask them if they've ever heard similar things in their own heads.
The Inner Cheerleader
- "I can do this!"
- "It's okay to make mistakes; I can learn from them."
- "I am capable and strong."
- "I will try my best!"
Give examples of positive self-talk. Contrast these with the previous slide. Highlight how positive self-talk can feel better and help achieve goals.
You're The Architect!
You get to design what your inner voice sounds like.
How do we shift from a critic to a cheerleader?
Introduce the idea of being an 'architect' for their inner voice. Explain that they have the power to change its narrative.
Strategies for Crafting Positive Self-Talk
- Notice it: Recognize when your inner critic speaks up.
- Challenge it: Is it really true? What's another way to look at it?
- Reframe it: Turn negative thoughts into positive, realistic ones.
- Practice gratitude: Focus on what you appreciate.
- Be kind to yourself: Talk to yourself like you would a good friend.
Present actionable strategies for challenging negative thoughts. Encourage students to think about how they might apply these.
Time to Practice!
We are going to work through some scenarios together.
How can we turn a critical inner voice into a supportive one?
Explain the upcoming activity where they'll practice these skills with scenarios. Connect it to real-life application.
Building a Stronger You!
Your inner voice can be your most powerful tool.
Keep practicing, keep challenging, and keep building that positive inner architect!
Summarize the key takeaway: their inner voice is powerful, and they have the ability to make it a positive force.
Activity
Inner Voice Scenario Cards
Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. Discuss what a negative inner voice might say in this situation, then work together to reframe it into a positive, supportive inner voice. Write down both responses in the space provided.
Scenario 1: The Tough Test
You studied for a big math test, but when you look at the first few questions, you feel completely lost. You start to think, "I'm going to fail this test."
Negative Inner Voice:
Positive Inner Voice:
Scenario 2: Group Project Trouble
You're working on a group project, and you have a great idea to share, but you're worried your classmates will think it's silly or not good enough.
Negative Inner Voice:
Positive Inner Voice:
Scenario 3: Trying Something New
Your school is offering a new club, like a coding club or a debate team. You're interested, but you're afraid you won't be good at it and might embarrass yourself.
Negative Inner Voice:
Positive Inner Voice:
Scenario 4: A Challenging Skill
You're trying to learn a new skill, like playing a musical instrument or a sport. You keep making mistakes, and it feels like you're not improving at all.
Negative Inner Voice:
Positive Inner Voice:
Worksheet
Challenge Your Inner Critic
Instructions: Think about a time recently when you had a negative thought about yourself or a situation. Write down the negative thought, then use the strategies we discussed to challenge it and reframe it into a more positive or helpful thought.
1. The Negative Thought:
What did your inner critic say? (Be honest, but don't write anything too personal if you're not comfortable.)
2. Challenge It!
Is this thought really 100% true? What evidence do you have that it might not be true, or that there's another way to look at it? What would you tell a friend who had this thought?
3. Reframe It:
Now, how can you turn that negative thought into a positive or more supportive one? What would your inner cheerleader say?
4. Why This Matters:
How do you think changing your inner voice can help you feel better or do better next time?
Journal
My Inner Dialogue Journal
Instructions: Use this journal to reflect on your inner voice. You can write about a specific situation, a recurring thought, or simply how you feel about your inner dialogue. The more you reflect, the more you can become the architect of your positive self-talk.
Journal Entry 1: My Inner Voice Snapshot
What is your inner voice mostly saying to you lately? Is it more often positive, negative, or a mix of both? Describe a recent situation where your inner voice was particularly loud. What did it say, and how did it make you feel?
Journal Entry 2: My Inner Cheerleader in Action
Think about a time when you successfully changed a negative thought into a positive one. What was the original negative thought? What strategy did you use to challenge it? What did your positive inner voice say instead, and what was the outcome or how did you feel afterward?
Journal Entry 3: Future Architect
What is one specific goal you have for your inner voice in the coming weeks? For example, do you want to be kinder to yourself when you make a mistake, or more encouraging before a challenge? How will you actively work towards this goal? What positive affirmations or statements will you use?