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Power Up My Brain!

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Lesson Plan

Power Up My Brain! Lesson Plan

The student will identify positive self-talk and practice using positive affirmations to foster a resilient mindset.

This lesson is important because it helps the student develop a foundational skill for emotional regulation, self-esteem, and coping with challenges by replacing unhelpful thoughts with positive ones.

Audience

First Grade Student with Autism

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive, visual, and repetitive instruction.

Materials

Prep

Lesson Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: My Feelings Check-In

2 minutes

Engage the student by asking about their current feelings using a visual emotion chart. "How are you feeling today?" Validate their response.

Step 2

Introduction: What is Self-Talk?

3 minutes

Use the Power Up My Brain! Slide Deck to introduce the concept of "self-talk" as the "voice inside our head." Explain that this voice can be positive or negative. Provide simple examples of each, using visuals from the slide deck.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Positive vs. Negative Thoughts

4 minutes

Present scenarios from the Power Up My Brain! Slide Deck or verbally, and have the student identify if the thought is "powering up" (positive) or "powering down" (negative) their brain. Model rephrasing negative thoughts into positive ones. "Instead of 'I can't do it,' we can say 'I will try my best!'"

Step 4

Activity: My Positive Thoughts Worksheet

4 minutes

Introduce the My Positive Thoughts Worksheet. Guide the student through identifying positive thoughts and/or drawing a happy face next to positive statements. Offer support and praise for effort.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Power Up My Brain!

2 minutes

Conclude with the Positive Affirmation Mirror Activity. Have the student choose a positive affirmation they like (e.g., "I am kind," "I am smart," "I can learn"). Help them write or draw it on an index card. Have them hold it up to a small mirror and say the affirmation aloud.

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Slide Deck

Power Up My Brain!

Positive Self-Talk: The voice in your head!

Welcome the student. Explain that today we'll learn about the special voice inside our heads.

What's the Voice in Your Head?

It's what you tell yourself about YOU!

Introduce the idea of self-talk. Ask if they ever talk to themselves in their head. Explain it's normal! It's our inner voice.

Powering Down Thoughts

• "I can't do it."
• "This is too hard!"
• "I'm not smart."

Explain these thoughts make us feel sad or frustrated. Give examples like "I'm not good at this." Ask if they've ever had thoughts like this.

Powering Up Thoughts!

• "I will try my best!"
• "I am strong!"
• "I can learn!"

Explain these thoughts make us feel happy and brave. Give examples like "I can learn!" or "I am kind." Ask how these thoughts feel.

What to Say?

You draw a picture you don't like. What do you think?

Present the scenario. Ask the student what a "powering down" thought might be and then guide them to a "powering up" thought. (e.g., "This isn't good enough" vs. "I can try again!").

What to Say?

You are learning something new and it's tricky. What do you think?

Present the scenario. Ask the student what a "powering down" thought might be and then guide them to a "powering up" thought. (e.g., "I'll never get this" vs. "I can ask for help, and I will learn!").

Your Turn to Power Up!

Let's fill our brains with good thoughts!

Transition to the My Positive Thoughts Worksheet and Positive Affirmation Mirror Activity. Reiterate that positive thoughts help us feel good.

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Worksheet

My Positive Thoughts Worksheet

Instructions: Read each sentence. If it's a happy, "powering up" thought, draw a smiley face next to it! If it's a "powering down" thought, draw a sad face.

  1. I can learn new things!


  2. This is too hard for me.


  3. I am a good friend.


  4. I made a mistake.


  5. I will try again!


  6. I am brave.


  7. I am smart.


  8. No one likes me.


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Activity

Positive Affirmation Mirror Activity

Materials Needed:

  • Small mirror
  • Index cards or small slips of paper
  • Markers or crayons

Instructions:

  1. Think of something great about yourself! What makes you special and amazing? Or, think of something you want to try your best at!


  2. Choose a "Power Up!" thought. Here are some ideas:

    • "I am kind."
    • "I am smart."
    • "I can try my best."
    • "I am brave."
    • "I am a good friend."
    • (Or make up your own!)

  3. Write or draw your "Power Up!" thought on an index card. Make it colorful and happy!





  4. Hold your card up to the mirror. Look at your reflection in the mirror and say your "Power Up!" thought out loud! Say it strongly!


  5. Repeat your "Power Up!" thought a few times. How does it make you feel when you say it to yourself?


This activity helps you teach your brain to think happy, strong thoughts about yourself!

lenny
lenny