Lesson Plan
Unlock Your Thoughts Lesson Plan
Students will learn the basics of the CBT model, identify how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors, and apply a simple thought record to challenge negative thinking patterns.
Understanding CBT equips students with self-awareness and practical coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, promoting healthier thought patterns and emotional well-being.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive lecture and hands-on activities
Materials
Prep
Material Preparation
10 minutes
- Print one copy of Cognitive Thought Record Worksheet per student
- Print and cut CBT Scenario Cards for group use
- Print one CBT Reflection Journal Page per student
- Cue up CBT Basics Slide Deck on the classroom projector
Step 1
Introduction to CBT
5 minutes
- Display CBT Basics Slide Deck
- Introduce CBT: define how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interconnect
- Share lesson objectives and relevance to daily life
- Ask students to share an example of a recent stressful situation
Step 2
CBT Model Exploration
10 minutes
- Distribute CBT Scenario Cards to small groups
- In groups, identify the thought, feeling, and behavior in each scenario
- Have each group share one scenario with the class
- Reinforce the CBT triangle concept
Step 3
Thought Record Practice
10 minutes
- Distribute Cognitive Thought Record Worksheet
- Students choose a scenario from cards or their own experience
- Complete sections: Situation, Automatic Thought, Feeling, Behavioral Response, Alternative Thought
- Circulate to support and guide challenging negative thoughts
Step 4
Reflection and Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Distribute CBT Reflection Journal Page
- Students reflect on one key takeaway and how they’ll apply CBT skills
- Invite volunteers to share reflections
- Summarize key points and encourage ongoing practice
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Unlock Your Thoughts: Introduction to CBT
A 30-minute lesson
Tier 2 Group for 9th Grade
Learn how thoughts influence feelings and actions.
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today we’ll explore Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) basics and learn practical skills to manage stress and anxiety. Highlight that CBT shows how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.
What is CBT?
• CBT is a talk therapy that helps us understand how thoughts affect feelings and behaviors.
• It teaches practical skills to challenge negative or unhelpful thinking patterns.
• Widely used to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood.
Define CBT in your own words and invite students to share any prior knowledge or experiences. Emphasize that CBT is evidence-based and widely used to help people.
The CBT Triangle
Thoughts ↔ Feelings ↔ Behaviors
• Thoughts: what goes through your mind
• Feelings: emotions you experience
• Behaviors: how you act
Draw or display a simple triangle on the board as you discuss. Explain that each corner influences the others in a continuous loop.
CBT Triangle in Action
Scenario: You receive a low test grade
• Thought: “I’m not smart enough.”
• Feeling: anxious, discouraged
• Behavior: avoid studying next time
Alternative Thought: “I can learn from mistakes.”
Use this example to model the CBT triangle. Ask a volunteer to suggest an alternative thought and discuss how it might change feelings and behavior.
Group Activity: Identify the CBT Elements
- In small groups, pick a CBT Scenario Card.
- Identify the Situation, Thought, Feeling, and Behavior in your scenario.
- Prepare to share one example with the class.
Explain logistics: groups of 3–4, each group gets scenario cards. Circulate to prompt identification of each component and support discussion.
Thought Record Practice
Using your Cognitive Thought Record Worksheet:
• Describe the Situation
• Write your Automatic Thought
• Note your Feeling(s)
• Record your Behavioral Response
• Generate an Alternative Thought
Distribute the worksheet and guide students to work individually or in pairs. Offer help in crafting realistic alternative thoughts.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
- On your CBT Reflection Journal Page, write one key takeaway.
- Describe how you will apply this skill in real life.
- Volunteers share reflections.
Prompt students to reflect silently for a minute before writing. Then invite volunteers to share. Reinforce positive takeaways and correct misunderstandings.
Questions & Next Steps
• What questions do you have about CBT?
• Practice thought records during the week.
• Explore additional CBT worksheets or apps for support.
Encourage students to ask any remaining questions. Provide suggestions for further practice and resources for support if they need more help.
Worksheet
Cognitive Thought Record Worksheet
Use this worksheet to explore how a situation, your automatic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and to practice generating more balanced thoughts.
- Situation
Describe the event or situation that triggered your thought:
- Automatic Thought
Write the first thought that came to mind when the situation occurred:
- Feeling(s)
Identify the emotion(s) you experienced (e.g., anxious, sad, angry):
- Behavioral Response
Describe how you reacted or what you did in response to your thought and feeling:
- Alternative Thought
Challenge your automatic thought by writing a more balanced or realistic thought:
Tip: If you need an idea, choose a scenario card from CBT Scenario Cards or use a recent experience of your own.
Activity
CBT Scenario Cards
Card 1: Low Test Score
You studied hard for a math test but scored much lower than you expected.
Situation: Describe what happened and when it occurred:
Thought: What went through your mind?
Feeling(s): How did you feel (e.g., anxious, disappointed)?
Behavior: How did you respond (e.g., gave up studying)?
Card 2: Social Media Comparison
You see friends posting about a weekend trip you weren’t invited to.
Situation: Describe what you saw and how you learned about it:
Thought: What did you tell yourself?
Feeling(s): What emotions did you experience?
Behavior: What did you do next?
Card 3: Missed Practice
You forgot about basketball practice and your coach called you out in front of the team.
Situation: Explain the moment when you realized you missed practice:
Thought: What was your first automatic thought?
Feeling(s): What were you feeling?
Behavior: How did you react?
Card 4: Group Project Conflict
Your group members didn’t complete their part of a project, and the teacher gave everyone the same grade.
Situation: Describe the group project mishap:
Thought: What did you think about the situation?
Feeling(s): How did it make you feel?
Behavior: How did you handle it?
Card 5: Friend Overlook
You asked a question in class but no one responded, and you felt ignored.
Situation: Describe what happened and when you asked your question:
Thought: What went through your mind?
Feeling(s): What emotion did you notice?
Behavior: What did you do next?
Card 6: Presentation Jitters
You have to give a speech in front of the class and worry you’ll forget everything.
Situation: Outline the presentation you must give and when it's scheduled:
Thought: What’s your automatic thought about speaking?
Feeling(s): What emotions are coming up?
Behavior: How are you preparing or reacting?
Journal
CBT Reflection Journal Page
1. Key Insight
What is one important thing you learned today about how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected?
2. Personal Example
Think of a recent stressful situation you experienced. Describe:
- The situation
- Your automatic thought
- The feeling and behavior that followed
Then write a balanced alternative thought you could use.
3. Action Plan
Describe how you will practice using a thought record (see Cognitive Thought Record Worksheet) this week. When will you use it? How will it help you?
4. Creative Dialogue
Write a short dialogue between you and an imaginary supportive friend or mentor. Show how you challenge a negative thought together.
Use these prompts to deepen your understanding and apply CBT skills in your daily life.