Lesson Plan
Building Positive Math Talk Plan
Students will learn to identify and use positive self-talk while tackling math problems by exploring examples and creating their own supportive phrases in peer discussions.
Introducing positive self-talk builds students’ confidence and resilience, fostering a growth mindset that helps them persist through challenging math tasks.
Audience
6th Grade Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Slides, group discussion, and collaborative chart creation
Materials
- Strength in Numbers Slides, - Math Mindset Circle Prompts, - Chart Paper, - Markers, and - Student Notebooks
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review Strength in Numbers Slides.
- Print or duplicate Math Mindset Circle Prompts for each student.
- Arrange chart paper and markers at the group table.
- Confirm student notebooks are available.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Explain that today’s focus is on using positive self-talk to overcome math challenges.
- Invite students to share moments when they felt stuck in math and note what they told themselves.
Step 2
Slide Presentation
10 minutes
- Display Strength in Numbers Slides.
- Define positive vs. negative self-talk and show examples with a sample problem.
- Model turning a negative statement ("I can’t do this") into a positive one ("I’ll try a different strategy").
Step 3
Math Mindset Circle
10 minutes
- Distribute Math Mindset Circle Prompts.
- In a circle, have students discuss: “What are two positive phrases you can say when math gets hard?”
- Encourage students to build on peers’ ideas and note key phrases.
Step 4
Chart Creation
5 minutes
- In small groups, students select their top three positive self-talk phrases.
- Write them clearly on chart paper and post in the room as a reminder for future work.
Slide Deck
Strength in Numbers
Welcome to our session on Positive Math Talk!
• Learn how the words you say to yourself can make math easier.
• Discover strategies to stay confident when problems get tricky.
Welcome students! Today we’re kicking off our workshop on using positive self-talk in math. Engage them by asking: “Have you ever told yourself something that made you feel better when math got tough?”
What Is Self-Talk?
Self-talk is the “inner voice” running through your mind.
Positive self-talk: Encouraging and supportive statements.
Negative self-talk: Doubts or harsh criticisms.
Define self-talk and prompt students to think about their inner voice. Use a whiteboard to jot down student responses.
Positive vs. Negative Examples
Negative: “I can’t do this problem.”
Positive: “I’ll try another method.”
Negative: “I’m just bad at math.”
Positive: “I can learn with practice.”
Show the table and read each example aloud. Ask volunteers to share times they’ve thought similar thoughts.
Turning Doubt Into Confidence
Sample Problem: 12 × 9 = ?
- Negative thought: “This is too hard.”
- Positive self-talk: “If I break it into 10×9 and 2×9, I can solve it.”
- Solution: 10×9=90, 2×9=18, 90+18=108
Walk through the sample problem step by step. Model switching from negative to positive self-talk as you solve it.
Why Positive Self-Talk Matters
• Builds confidence and courage to keep trying.
• Reduces stress so you can focus.
• Helps you learn from mistakes instead of giving up.
Explain why positive self-talk helps the brain stay calm and focused. Link to growth mindset research in kid-friendly terms.
Let’s Practice Together
Think of two things you could say when math gets tough:
Share your ideas with the group!
Give students a minute to think, then invite a few to share their phrases. Record ideas on chart paper.
Ready for More?
Next Up:
• Math Mindset Circle – discuss and expand your phrases.
• Chart Creation – pick your top three and display them.
• Journal Reflection – note how positive talk helps you.
Prepare students for the upcoming activities: Math Mindset Circle and chart creation. Remind them to use these slides as reference.
Discussion
Math Mindset Circle
Time: 10 minutes
Purpose: Guide students to share and build on positive self-talk strategies.
Discussion Guidelines
- Listen respectfully and wait for your turn to speak.
- Encourage and build on each other’s ideas.
- Stay on topic: focus on using positive self-talk in math.
Key Prompts
- Reflect on a Tough Moment
Think of a time when you felt stuck on a math problem.
• What did you say to yourself in that moment?
Follow-up: Did that self-talk help you? How? - Share Positive Phrases
What are two encouraging phrases you could say to yourself when math gets hard?
Follow-up: How might these phrases change your approach to the problem? -
- Compare Self-Talk Styles
How does positive self-talk make you feel compared to negative self-talk?
Follow-up: Why do you think positive self-talk has that effect? - Peer Support Strategies
How can you and your teammates remind each other to use positive self-talk during group work?
Follow-up: What signal or phrase could you use as a reminder?
After the circle, each group will choose their top three phrases to write on chart paper during Chart Creation.
Activity
Challenge Checkpoint Relay
Type: Activity
Audience: 6th Grade Group
Time: 30 minutes
Objective: Students will practice using positive self-talk and peer support while solving quick math challenges in a team relay format, building confidence and collaboration.
Materials
- Challenge Cards (each card has a 1–2 step math problem)
- Positive Self-Talk Reminder Cards (printed phrases)
- Station Markers or Cones (to designate relay points)
- Stopwatch or Timer
- Answer Recording Sheet for each team
- Clipboards or Hard Surfaces for Writing
Prep (10 minutes)
- Create 6–8 Challenge Cards with grade-level math problems.
- At each relay station, place one Challenge Card and a reminder card with a positive phrase.
- Set up cones or markers in a sequence around the room or outdoor space.
- Make Answer Recording Sheets and clipboards available for each team.
Instructions
- Team Formation (3 minutes)
- Divide students into teams of 3–4.
- Give each team a clipboard, Answer Recording Sheet, and a Positive Self-Talk Reminder Card.
- Explain the Relay Rules (4 minutes)
- One teammate at a time runs to the first station, picks up the Challenge Card, and reads the problem aloud.
- Before solving, the student chooses a positive self-talk phrase (from their reminder card) and says it aloud.
- They solve the problem, record their answer on the team’s sheet, then run back and tag the next teammate.
- Run the Relay (15 minutes)
- Teams proceed through all stations in order.
- Encourage teammates to cheer each other on and remind each other of positive phrases.
- Use the stopwatch to time each run; teams can challenge themselves to improve their time in a second round if time allows.
- Debrief and Share (5 minutes)
- Gather students and ask: “Which positive phrase helped you the most?”
- Have one member from each team share a moment they used self-talk to stay focused.
- Reflection Transition (3 minutes)
- Distribute the Self-Talk Reflection Journal for students to record how positive self-talk impacted their performance and teamwork.
- Explain they will complete this in the next session as a personal reflection.
Note: This activity can be repeated with new Challenge Cards or timed rounds to motivate continuous improvement and teamwork.
Journal
Self-Talk Reflection Journal
Session: Challenge Checkpoint Relay Reflection
Prompt 1: Challenging Moment Reflection
Describe a moment during the Challenge Checkpoint Relay when you felt stuck or uncertain. What was the math problem, and how did you feel?
Prompt 2: Positive Self-Talk in Action
What positive phrase did you say to yourself or hear from a teammate before solving the problem? How did saying that phrase change your thinking or actions?
Prompt 3: Impact on Teamwork
How did your positive self-talk, or that of a classmate, influence your team’s collaboration and confidence? Give a specific example.
Prompt 4: Personal Growth Application
Think of another situation—inside or outside school—where positive self-talk could help you. Write the situation and two encouraging phrases you would use.
Prompt 5: Creative Expression
Create your own math mantra or a symbol/gesture that reminds you of positive self-talk. Explain why it’s meaningful to you and how you’ll use it in future math challenges.