What's Your Inner Voice Saying?

Overview

In this activity, students explore self-talk – the inner dialogue that influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This warm-up will kick off our session by exploring different scenarios that showcase both negative and positive self-talk.

Activity: Self-Talk Scenarios

Using the Self-Talk Scenarios (warm-up) resource, we will present the students with various scenarios demonstrating examples of negative and positive self-talk.

Instructions

1. Scenario Presentation: Introduce each scenario one at a time. Read the scenario aloud and ask the students what they think the inner voice is saying in that moment.
   
   
   
2. Discussion: Invite students to share whether they believe the self-talk is negative or positive, and why. Emphasize the impact these statements can have on our behaviors and emotions.
   
   
   
3. Reflection: Have students write down one negative self-talk example they have experienced or observed and brainstorm a positive counter-statement.
   
   
   

Materials Needed

• Self-Talk Scenarios (warm-up)
  
• Whiteboard and markers for discussion points
  
• Paper and pencils for reflection
  
  
  

Student Work Space

(Students can jot down their thoughts here)

Wrap-up

Conclude by summarizing how transforming negative self-talk into positive affirmations can empower and boost confidence. Encourage students to listen for these voices in their everyday lives and practice positive self-talk.

Inner Voice Sharing Circle

Overview

In this discussion activity, students will share their personal experiences with self-talk. The focus is on both negative and positive self-talk, allowing students to understand how their inner voices influence their emotions and behaviors. This open circle discussion will encourage empathy and peer support as students listen to each other's stories and reflections.

Guidelines for the Discussion

1. Safe Space: Remind students that this is a supportive environment. Everyone's experience is valid, and each student should feel safe sharing their thoughts without judgment.
   
   
   
2. Active Listening: Encourage students to listen attentively and respectfully when someone is sharing. They can take notes or jot down their reflections if it helps them keep track of key ideas.
   
   
   
3. Sharing Experiences: Each student is invited to share an example of when they noticed negative self-talk and how it affected them. They should also mention any instances where positive self-talk helped change their feelings or behavior.
   
   
   
4. Reflective Questions:
   • What are some common negative thoughts you notice in your inner voice?
   • How do these thoughts make you feel?
   • Can you share a time when you transformed a negative thought into a positive affirmation?
   • How did that change your emotional response or behavior?

Discussion Prompts

• Prompt 1: Think about a moment when you felt discouraged by your self-talk. What was the negative message, and how did it make you feel? How might you reframe that thought into a positive affirmation?
  
  
  
• Prompt 2: Describe a situation where a positive inner voice helped you cope with a challenging moment. What did you tell yourself, and how did it help?
  
  
  
• Prompt 3: How do you think changing your self-talk could impact other areas of your life, such as school, friendships, or personal interests?
  
  
  

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage Empathy: Invite students to share supportive comments or positive affirmations with their peers after someone has shared their experience.
  
  
  
• Connecting the Dots: Ask students to identify any patterns they notice in their self-talk. Do certain triggers lead to negative thoughts, or are there specific situations where positive self-talk seems easier?
  
  
  
• Action Steps: Discuss how students can practice positive self-talk in their daily routines. Suggest setting reminders or writing down positive affirmations to reinforce the habit.
  
  
  

Space for Student Reflections

(Students can use this space to jot down their thoughts or additional experiences related to their inner voice.)

Conclusion

Wrap up the discussion by summarizing key points shared by students. Reinforce that self-talk is a powerful tool, and regular practice of turning negative voices into positive affirmations can build confidence and resilience.

Affirmation Crafting

Overview

In this activity, students will create their own positive affirmations. They will learn how to transform negative self-talk into empowering statements that foster confidence and resilience. This guided practice reinforces the lesson's objectives by providing a hands-on experience where students acknowledge negative inner voices and consciously shift them to positive, supportive messages.

Instructions

1. Identify Negative Self-Talk: Ask students to recall a moment when they experienced negative self-talk. Have them write down the negative phrase or thought they noticed.
   
   
   
2. Transform the Thought: Encourage the students to rephrase the negative statement into a positive affirmation. For example, transforming "I can't do this" into "I am capable and strong."
   
   
   
3. Share and Reflect: Invite volunteers to share their newly crafted affirmations with a partner or small group. Encourage discussion on how these affirmations can influence their mindset and behavior.

Materials Needed

• Paper and pencils
  
• A calm space for reflection and sharing
  
  
  

Teacher Tips

• Remind students that the affirmations they create can be personal and unique. There are no right or wrong affirmations as long as they resonate with them.
• Encourage students to keep a personal affirmation journal to revisit these empowering statements regularly.

Follow-Up

• Consider integrating this activity with a daily or weekly check-in where students reflect on their self-talk and add new affirmations as needed.
  
  
  
• Support students in creating visual posters of their affirmations to display in the classroom as a constant reminder of the power of positive self-talk.

Student Workspace

(Students can jot down their ideas and reflections here)

Positive Reflection

Overview

In this cool-down activity, students will take time to reflect on what they've learned about self-talk and how they can apply positive affirmations in their daily lives. This reflection will help consolidate the key points of the lesson and encourage the practice of positive self-talk beyond the classroom.

Activity Instructions

1. Personal Reflection: Ask each student to take a few minutes to quietly reflect on the lesson. They should consider moments during the class when they identified negative self-talk and how they transformed it into a positive affirmation.
2. Writing Exercise: Have students write down at least one positive affirmation they created during the lesson or a new one they feel they can apply in their everyday life.
3. Sharing (Optional): Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections and affirmations. Emphasize that sharing is voluntary and that every student’s perspective is valuable.

Reflection Prompts

• What did you learn about the way your inner voice affects your feelings and actions?
• How can changing your self-talk influence your day-to-day life at school or home?
• Write a positive affirmation that you believe will help you whenever you face a challenging moment.

Materials Needed

• Paper and pencil
• A quiet space for individual reflection

Conclusion

Conclude the session by encouraging students to continue observing and transforming their self-talk. Remind them that regular reflection can help further strengthen their confidence and resilience.