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The Mirror Within

Lesson Plan

Inner Mirror Strategy

Guide the 11th-grade student through the Inner Mirror Strategy to identify, question, and positively reframe unhelpful thoughts using a structured mirroring metaphor.

Students often get stuck in negative self-talk. This individual session uses a vivid mirror metaphor and guided prompts to boost self-awareness, challenge distortions, and foster emotional resilience.

Audience

11th Grade Student

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Use mirroring metaphor with guided prompts, charting, and positive reframing.

Materials

Reflections of Thought slide-deck, - Socratic Mirroring Prompts script, - Thought Pattern Chart worksheet, and - Positive Reframe Note cool-down

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and set a comfortable environment
  • Explain session purpose: using the Inner Mirror Strategy to explore thought patterns
  • Introduce the mirror metaphor: sometimes our thoughts are like distorted reflections
  • Present Reflections of Thought to illustrate how thoughts can warp reality

Step 2

Exploration

15 minutes

  • Invite the student to share a recent negative or unhelpful thought
  • Use Socratic Mirroring Prompts to reflect and question that thought
  • Guide the student to record the thought and related emotions in the first column of the Thought Pattern Chart

Step 3

Practice

20 minutes

  • Help the student challenge the thought by discussing evidence for and against it
  • Complete the remaining columns of the Thought Pattern Chart with balanced alternative thoughts
  • Reinforce the mirror metaphor: looking at the thought from multiple angles to reduce distortion

Step 4

Reflection & Close

10 minutes

  • Review the completed Thought Pattern Chart and discuss insights
  • Have the student write a positive affirmation on the Positive Reframe Note
  • Discuss strategies for applying the Inner Mirror Strategy in future situations
  • Summarize key takeaways and schedule any follow-up as needed
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Slide Deck

Reflections of Thought

• How our mind mirrors reality
• Why some reflections feel distorted
• Using the mirror metaphor to guide self-reflection

Welcome the student and introduce the slide deck. Explain that we’ll explore how thoughts can act like different kinds of mirrors, shaping how we see ourselves and our world.

A True Reflection

• Thoughts that match facts and evidence
• Balanced and objective view
• Example: “I studied hard and did well on that test.”

Point to the image of a clean, true-to-life mirror. Emphasize that some thoughts reflect events and self-views accurately, just like an undistorted mirror.

Funhouse Distortions

• Negative thoughts exaggerate flaws
• Selective focus on weaknesses
• Example: “I always mess up; I’m worthless.”

Show the funhouse-mirror graphic. Explain how unhelpful thoughts can stretch or shrink parts of our self-image, making us focus only on negatives.

Clearing the Mirror

• Challenge distorted thoughts
• Gather balanced evidence
• Example reframe: “I made a mistake, but I also have strengths.”

Introduce the concept of clearing away the distortion. Describe how asking questions and gathering evidence helps wipe the mental fog and reveal a truer image.

Inner Mirror Strategy Overview

  1. Identify: Notice the thought you’re having
  2. Question: Ask “Is this a funhouse reflection?”
  3. Reframe: Create a balanced alternative
  4. Reflect: Check if the new thought feels clearer

Walk through the Inner Mirror Strategy steps. Highlight that each step brings us closer to a clear, accurate self-reflection.

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Script

Socratic Mirroring Prompts

Use these scripted questions to guide the student through gently examining and reframing an unhelpful thought, using the mirror metaphor as your anchor.

1. Identify the Reflection (Notice Your Thought)

Teacher says:
“Let’s look into our ‘inner mirror.’ What thought are you seeing right now that feels upsetting or unhelpful?”




2. Question the Distortion (Funhouse Check)

Teacher says:
“Imagine that thought is like a reflection in a funhouse mirror. What part of it seems stretched or warped? In other words, what makes it feel inaccurate or too extreme?”




3. Gather Evidence (Clearing the Fog)

Teacher says:
“Okay, hold that thought beside real evidence. What facts support it? And what facts go against it? Let’s list both sides.”







4. Explore Other Angles (Find a True Reflection)

Teacher says:
“If you looked at this scenario from a friend’s perspective, how might they describe what happened? Or how would you advise a friend in the same situation?”







5. Reframe to a Balanced Reflection

Teacher says:
“Now let’s polish the mirror. Based on what we discovered, what’s a more balanced thought you could tell yourself?”




6. Check Your New Reflection

Teacher says:
“Read that balanced thought back to yourself. How does it feel? Does it seem clearer or truer than the original?”




Tips for Follow-up Prompts:

  • “What might you say to yourself when you notice that old reflection next time?”
  • “How could you remind yourself to pause and check for distortions?”
  • “What positive evidence could you collect daily to keep your mirror clearer?”
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Worksheet

Thought Pattern Chart

Use this chart to examine one unhelpful thought and guide yourself toward a clearer, more balanced perspective. Fill in each section below.

StepYour Response
Original Thought



Emotions / Feelings



Evidence Supporting the Thought





Evidence Against the Thought





Alternative Balanced Thought



Reflection Notes (How it feels)





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Cool Down

Positive Reframe Note

Use this note to capture a balanced affirmation or reframe you can return to when you notice a distorted thought. Write your personalized positive reflection below and keep it somewhere visible.

My Affirmation / Reframe:







Tip: Read this note aloud each morning or whenever you notice that old funhouse reflection creeping back in.

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