Self-Talk Activity Cards

These Self-Talk Activity Cards are designed to engage the student in exploring examples of both negative and positive self-talk. Through interactive discussions and practical, concrete scenarios, the student will learn to identify and differentiate between harmful and helpful internal dialogues.

How to Use These Cards

1. Overview:

   • The cards feature everyday, age-appropriate scenarios. Some scenarios showcase negative self-talk, while others include positive self-talk.
   • The activity helps the student recognize personal patterns in their thoughts and encourages using affirming messages.

2. Activity Steps:

   • Lay out the cards on a table or digitally on a shared screen.
   • Review each card together, reading the scenario aloud.
   • Ask the student to determine if the scenario represents negative or positive self-talk. Discuss why the text on the card might influence feelings and behaviors.
   • Encourage the student to share a similar experience, if comfortable.
   • Prompt the student to come up with an alternative, more positive phrase that could change the outcome of the scenario.

3. Concrete Examples:

   • Example Card 1 (Negative Self-Talk): "I can't do this math problem; I'm just not smart enough."
     
     Alternative Positive Thought: "I can try my best. With practice, I'll understand it better."
   • Example Card 2 (Negative Self-Talk): "I'm always the last one picked in games; nobody wants to play with me."
     
     Alternative Positive Thought: "I have fun playing and I can make new friends in every game."
   • Example Card 3 (Positive Self-Talk): "I did a great job on my drawing!"
     
     Discussion Point: How can you use this positive thinking when facing challenges?

4. Discussion Questions:

   • What are some signs that a thought might be negative?
   • How can we change a negative thought into something more positive?
   • Why is it important to notice the way we talk to ourselves?

5. Reflection:

   • After using the cards, allow time for the student to reflect on the patterns in self-talk. Ask if there were any surprises or insights.
   • Use a journal or drawing for the student to express their thoughts further.

Space for Student Work

Student thoughts on a scenario:

Alternative Positive Thought:

Overall Reflection:

Keep these cards handy and review them in future sessions to reinforce positive self-talk habits!

Self-Talk Game

This interactive game is designed to help the student practice identifying and transforming negative self-talk into positive self-talk through role-playing and quick thinking. The game is structured to reinforce the concepts learned in previous sessions by actively engaging the student in fun, real-life scenarios.

Game Setup and Instructions

1. Overview:

   • The game involves role-playing different scenarios that can trigger negative self-talk. The student will be asked to quickly identify the negative self-talk and then respond with a positive alternative.
   • This activity encourages creativity, quick thinking, and self-reflection on how we speak to ourselves.

2. How to Play:

   • Step 1: Scenario Selection

     • The teacher will read a scenario aloud (or display it via a card).
     • Scenarios are designed to simulate everyday situations that might lead to negative self-talk.

   • Step 2: Role-Playing

     • The student will be invited to role-play the scenario, expressing the negative self-talk as it might naturally occur.
     • After the role-play, the teacher will ask the student to pause and reflect on the negative statement.

   • Step 3: Transformation Challenge

     • The student will then be prompted to replace the negative self-talk with a positive statement or coping strategy.
     • The teacher can guide the student by asking: "What is something kind you could say to yourself in that situation?" or "How could you turn that negative thought into a positive one?"

   • Step 4: Group Reflection (optional)

     • If other students or peers are involved, a brief group discussion can be held where everyone shares their alternative positive statements.
     • This fosters a supportive atmosphere and encourages learning from peers.

3. Game Variations:

   • Speed Round: Set a timer to challenge the student to think of positive alternatives within a few seconds.
   • Role Swap: Let the student create a scenario and ask the teacher or a peer to provide negative self-talk first, then the student responds with a positive transformation.

Materials Needed

• A set of scenario cards (can be adapted from the Self-Talk Activity Cards material).
• A timer (for the speed round).
• Optional: A whiteboard or paper to write down the negative statements and their positive transformations for visual reinforcement.

Space for Game Reflection

Notes on the Session:

Favorite Scenario:

Positive Statement Created:

Overall Reflection:

Enjoy playing and transforming your self-talk into empowering and positive messages!

Negative Self-Talk Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you practice noticing negative self-talk and turning it into positive messages. Read each scenario below and think about how you might change the negative statement into a positive one.

Part 1: Identifying Negative Self-Talk

Read each scenario. Write down what the negative self-talk is and how it makes you feel.

Scenario 1:

Negative Self-Talk:

Feelings:

Scenario 2:

Negative Self-Talk:

Feelings:

Scenario 3:

Negative Self-Talk:

Feelings:

Part 2: Transforming Negative Self-Talk

Choose one of the scenarios above. Now, write a kind and encouraging message that you could say to yourself instead.

My Positive Self-Talk Statement:

Explain why this new thought is helpful. How does it make you feel better?

Part 3: Draw Your Thoughts

Draw a picture of yourself using your positive self-talk. Show how you feel stronger and happier when you use positive words. Use the space below for your drawing.

Remember: The more you practice thinking positive thoughts, the easier it will be to feel happy and confident every day!