Power Pose & Positivity: Teacher Script

Before You Begin (5 minutes)

• Arrange chairs in a circle with clear floor space in the center.
• Display the Mirror Poster and Positivity Poster where everyone can see them.
• Have the Power Pose Cards, Body Language Scenario Cards, and Positive Self-Talk Cards in three separate stacks on a table.
• Keep a timer or stopwatch handy.

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Welcome, everyone! Today we’re going to learn something super important: how our bodies and our words can help us feel strong, confident, and happy. We’ll call this body language and positive self-talk.

First, let’s talk about body language. Body language is the way we use our posture, facial expressions, and movements to show how we feel, even without saying a word. Can someone give me an example of a facial expression that shows happiness?”

Pause for student responses.

Teacher: “Great ideas! A big smile is a perfect example of happy body language.

Next, positive self-talk is the kind words we say to ourselves—like cheering ourselves on from the inside. If you wanted to tell yourself you can do something, what phrase might you use?”

Allow two or three students to share.

Teacher: “Exactly! Saying ‘I’ve got this’ or ‘I am brave’ are great examples of positive self-talk. Today, we’ll practice both body language and self-talk to boost our confidence.”

Transition: “Let’s stand up and try our first activity: Power Pose Practice!”

2. Power Pose Practice (10 minutes)

Teacher holds up the Power Pose Cards.

Teacher says:
“Each card shows a fun, strong stance—a power pose. I’ll show you one card at a time. A volunteer will demonstrate the pose, and then we’ll all mirror it together for 10 seconds while we say a positive phrase.”

1. Select a Volunteer
   Teacher: “Who wants to be our first power poser?”
2. Pose & Phrase
   • Student picks a card (e.g., Superman).
   • Student strikes the pose. Teacher: “Everyone, mirror what you see.”
   • Start timer for 10 seconds. Teacher leads: “Ready? 3…2…1…go! While we hold this, let’s say ‘I am brave!’ Loud and proud!”
3. Check-In
   Teacher: “Thumbs up if you feel a little more powerful. Thumbs down if it feels tricky.”
   Respond and coach any student whose thumbs are down.
4. Repeat
   • Do 3–4 different poses, rotating volunteers.

Transition: “Awesome job! You all look powerful. Let’s take these skills into our next game: Scenario Charades.”

3. Scenario Charades (15 minutes)

Teacher says:
“We’ll split into two teams for a game of charades with emotions and situations. Each student will act out a scenario without words, using only their body language. Your team will guess what feeling or situation you’re showing.”

1. Form Teams
   • Teacher: “Let’s make two teams—Team A and Team B. Team A, pick someone to go first, and Team B, get ready to guess.”
2. Acting Round
   • A student from Team A draws a card from the Body Language Scenario Cards without showing it.
   • Teacher quietly reminds the actor: “Use only your face, hands, and posture—no sounds!”
   • Teacher: “Go ahead, Team A actor!”
3. Guessing
   • Team B guesses: “What do you think this is?”
   • Teacher after correct guess: “Great job! What clues helped you know that? How did their shoulders or facial expression tip you off?”
4. Switch Roles
   • Now Team B sends an actor while Team A guesses.
   • Continue until each team has acted out 3–4 cards.

Transition: “Fantastic teamwork! Who noticed how small changes in posture can change the whole message? Let’s bring that energy to our next challenge: the Confidence Relay.”

4. Confidence Relay (15 minutes)

Teacher says:
“We’re going to do a relay race that combines movement with positive self-talk. Split into two lines behind the start line.”

1. Set Up
   • Two lanes, start line, and cones placed about 20 feet away.
   • Mirror Poster or a small mirror at each cone.
   • Stack of Positive Self-Talk Cards by each cone.
2. Race Rules
   • Student runs to the cone, picks one card, and reads it aloud while looking into the mirror or at the Mirror Poster.
   • Student returns to tag the next runner.
   • First team to finish all their cards wins.
3. Encourage
   Teacher: “Nice job, Alex! Speak up so everyone can hear your self-talk—‘I am capable!’ Keep it going!”
4. Celebrate
   • After both teams finish, cheer: “Give yourselves a big round of applause! You all shared such powerful words.”

Transition: “Let’s cool down and gather back in our circle for a final reflection.”

5. Wrap-Up Reflection (10–15 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Everyone, sit down in our circle. I’m proud of how brave and positive you were today. Now, let’s each share one thing we liked the most.”

1. Sharing Favorites
   • Teacher: “Who wants to go first? Which power pose or self-talk phrase was your favorite, and why?”
   • After each share, respond: “I love that you felt more __________ when you held that pose!”
2. Group Debrief
   Teacher: “How can we use these tools in our daily life at school or at home?”
   Prompt 2–3 students to share ideas.
3. Key Takeaway
   Teacher: “Remember: your posture plus your words equals power. When you stand tall and speak kindly to yourself, you can handle big feelings and tough challenges.”
4. Home Practice
   Teacher: “Tonight, practice one power pose and one phrase at home. Tomorrow, you can tell us how it went!”

Teacher closes:
“Thank you all for your energy today. Keep using your power poses and positive words every day—you’re unstoppable!”

Scenario Charades Activity

Objective: Students will practice interpreting and using body language to convey emotions and scenarios without words.

Time: 15 minutes

Materials:

• Body Language Scenario Cards
• Open floor space
• Timer or stopwatch

Setup:

• Clear an open area by moving chairs aside.
• Place the scenario cards face down in a pile in the center.

Instructions:

1. Form Teams
   

   • Split the class into two even teams. Each team lines up behind a designated start line.
     
     

2. Acting Rounds
   

   • Team A’s first actor draws a card without showing it to teammates.
     
   • On your signal, the actor uses only gestures, posture, and facial expressions to act out the scenario for up to 45 seconds. No words or sounds allowed!
     
   • Team A has one guess. A correct guess earns 1 point; if incorrect, return the card under the pile.
     
   • Switch roles: Team B’s first student draws and acts while Team A guesses.
     
   • Continue alternating until every student has had one turn as the actor.
     
     

3. Tally & Celebrate
   

   • Have each team count its points.
     
   • Cheer for all actors and guessers. Emphasize effort, teamwork, and body-language observation.
     
     

Debrief Questions:

1. Which gestures or facial expressions helped you convey your scenario best?
   
   
2. How did it feel to communicate without using words?
   
   
3. What clues did you notice when guessing your teammate’s scenario?
   
   
4. How can you use body language to better understand how friends are feeling?

Confidence Relay Game

Objective: Students will practice positive self-talk while engaging in a fun relay race to reinforce confidence and teamwork.

Time: 15 minutes

Materials:

• Two cones or markers to designate the relay turn-around points
• Start line marker (tape or floor spot)
• Mirror Poster or small handheld mirrors at each cone
• Stack of Positive Self-Talk Cards at each cone
• Stopwatch or timer

Setup:

1. Mark a start line and place a cone approximately 20 feet away in two parallel lanes.
2. At each cone, display a Mirror Poster or place a small mirror on the ground.
3. Next to each mirror, place a shuffled stack of Positive Self-Talk Cards.
4. Divide students into two even teams and have them line up single file behind the start line.

Instructions:

1. On “Go!”, the first student in each line races to their cone.
2. Upon reaching the cone, the student picks one card, reads the positive phrase aloud while looking into the mirror or at the Mirror Poster, and strikes a confident pose for 5 seconds.
3. After sharing, the student places the used card at the bottom of the stack and races back to tag the next teammate.
4. The next teammate repeats the process. Continue until all cards have been used by each team.
5. The first team to have each member complete a turn with every card is the winner! Celebrate both teams’ efforts with applause.

Teacher Tips:

• Encourage loud, clear self-talk so all classmates can hear the positive phrases.
• Coach body language: remind students to stand tall, shoulders back, chin up during their mirror moment.
• If a student is shy, pair them with a buddy for support and modeling.

Debrief Questions:

1. How did saying your positive phrase out loud make you feel?
2. Did striking a confident pose change how you spoke or acted?
3. How can you use this mirror check and self-talk strategy before a test or presentation?