Lesson Plan
Thought Awareness Lesson Plan
Students will learn to identify and interrupt negative thoughts using a stop signal and replace them with positive affirmations, practicing these skills through guided activities.
Building self-awareness and emotional regulation in 3rd graders fosters healthy self-esteem and resilience, equipping them with tools to manage negative self-talk.
Audience
3rd Grade Individual Counseling
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Guide awareness, practice interruption, journal affirmations, then share.
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Space
5 minutes
- Review the Catch That Thought slide deck to familiarize yourself with key talking points.
- Print or open the Positive Affirmation Journal for the student.
- Arrange a quiet, comfortable seating area for one-on-one discussion.
- Keep a visual cue (e.g., colored card) ready to model the stop signal gesture.
Step 1
Introduction & Thought Awareness
4 minutes
- Show the first 3 slides of Catch That Thought to define thoughts and feelings.
- Ask the student to name a time they had a thought that made them feel bad.
- Validate their example and introduce the concept of noticing negative thoughts early.
Step 2
Teach & Practice Stop Signal
5 minutes
- Explain the Thought Stop Signal: raising a hand, snapping fingers, or saying “Stop!”
- Model the gesture and phrase once, then have the student mirror you.
- Prompt the student with sample negative thoughts (e.g., “I can’t do this”) and practice interrupting them together.
- Praise successful attempts to use the stop signal.
Step 3
Positive Affirmation Journal Activity
7 minutes
- Introduce the Positive Affirmation Journal.
- Guide the student to think of 2–3 affirmations that counter their common negative thoughts (e.g., “I am capable,” “I try my best”).
- Have the student write or draw each affirmation in the journal.
- Encourage neat work and creativity (colors, stickers).
Step 4
Affirmation Sharing & Cool-Down
4 minutes
- Invite the student to pick one affirmation from the journal to share aloud.
- Reflect briefly: “How does saying this affirmation make you feel?”
- Lead 2–3 deep breaths together to end the session calmly.
- Reinforce that they can use the stop signal and affirmations anytime they notice negative thoughts.
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Slide Deck
Catch That Thought!
Have you ever heard a little voice in your head?
That voice is your thoughts!
Today we’ll learn how to notice thoughts before they make us feel bad.
Welcome the student and introduce today’s topic. Explain that we’re going to learn how to “catch” thoughts that sometimes make us feel bad.
Key Points:
- Today we’ll look at what thoughts are and how they affect our feelings.
- We’ll learn a special signal to stop negative thoughts.
What Are Thoughts?
• Thoughts are the little messages we tell ourselves in our heads.
• They can be helpful ("I can do this!") or unhelpful ("This is too hard").
Define “thoughts” in relatable terms and give examples. Ask the student to share a quick thought that popped into their head recently.
Questions to Ask:
- Can you think of something your mind says when you’re excited?
- Can you share one thought you’ve had about school?
Thoughts and Feelings
• Every thought can make us feel a certain way:
– Positive thoughts → happy or calm feelings
– Negative thoughts → sad, worried, or mad feelings
Explain how thoughts affect feelings. Use simple emojis or drawings as you talk.
Demonstration:
- Show a happy face for positive thoughts and a sad face for negative thoughts.
Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts are messages that tell us we can’t do something or that we’re not good enough.
Examples:
• “I’m not smart.”
• “This is too hard.”
• “Nobody likes me.”
Define negative thoughts clearly and give 2–3 examples. Encourage the student to name a negative thought they’ve had.
Prompt:
- “Tell me about a time you thought, ‘I can’t do this.’ How did that make you feel?”
Stop Signal
When a negative thought pops up, use your stop signal:
- Raise your hand or a card
- Say “Stop!” out loud
- Take a deep breath
Introduce the stop signal. Model it yourself, then invite the student to copy you.
Tip:
- Use a colored card or your hand as a visual cue while practicing.
Ready to Practice?
Now that you know how to catch and stop negative thoughts,
let’s try it together!
Get ready for our next activity.
Wrap up the slide deck by reinforcing that the stop signal helps interrupt negative thoughts. Transition to practicing with actual thought examples.
Next Step:
- Move on to the Thought Stop Signal Practice activity.
Activity
Thought Stop Signal Practice Activity
Purpose: Let the student practice interrupting negative thoughts using their stop signal in a safe, supportive setting.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials:
- Colored stop card or use your hand as a visual cue
Instructions
- Modeling the Stop Signal (1 minute)
- Show the stop card (or raise your hand) and say “Stop!”
- Have the student mirror your gesture and phrase.
- Guided Practice (3 minutes)
- Read a negative thought aloud (e.g., “I can’t do this,” “This is too hard”).
- Prompt the student to use their stop signal (raise hand or card and say “Stop!”) and then take two deep breaths.
- Repeat with 3–4 different sample thoughts, praising each successful interruption.
- Reflection (1 minute)
- Ask the student: “How did it feel when you used your stop signal?”
- Follow‐up: “Which stop signal worked best for you?”
- Ask the student: “How did it feel when you used your stop signal?”
Once complete, transition to the Positive Affirmation Journal to reinforce replacing negative thoughts with positive messages.
Journal
Positive Affirmation Journal
Use this journal to replace your negative thoughts with positive messages. You can write or draw your affirmations in the space provided.
1. Negative Thought
Write a thought that sometimes makes you feel bad:
Negative Thought: _______________________________
Now, write or draw a positive affirmation to counter that thought:
2. Negative Thought
Write another thought that you’d like to change:
Negative Thought: _______________________________
Write or draw your new positive affirmation here:
3. Negative Thought
One more thought to turn around:
Negative Thought: _______________________________
Your positive affirmation:
Great work! Remember to say your affirmations out loud whenever you notice a negative thought. You’re capable, you’re strong, and you can do your best!
Cool Down
Affirmation Sharing Cool-Down
Purpose: Reflect on and celebrate your positive affirmations, ending with a calming breathing exercise.
Time: 4 minutes
Materials:
Instructions
- Share Your Affirmation (1 minute)
- Invite the student to choose one affirmation they wrote in their journal.
- Ask: “Which affirmation is your favorite? Can you read it aloud?”
- Reflect on Feelings (1 minute)
- Ask: “How do you feel when you say this affirmation?”
- Encourage them to describe one or two words about their emotion.
- Ask: “How do you feel when you say this affirmation?”
- Repeat with Pride (1 minute)
- Have the student say their chosen affirmation 2–3 times, using a strong, confident voice.
- Have the student say their chosen affirmation 2–3 times, using a strong, confident voice.
- Calming Breaths (1 minute)
- Lead 3 slow breaths together:
• Inhale quietly through the nose for a count of 4
• Hold for 2 seconds
• Exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of 4 - After the last breath, remind the student: “You can use these breaths and your affirmations anytime you need a little calm.”
- Lead 3 slow breaths together:
Great job today! Keep practicing your stop signal and affirmations to stay positive and strong.