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Words Matter

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Lesson Plan

Transformative Words Plan

Guide students to recognize negative self-talk and replace it with empowering affirmations, building confidence and self-esteem.

Positive self-talk is essential for improving mood and academic performance, helping students overcome internal obstacles and build resilience.

Audience

7th Grade Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, activities, and reflection.

Prep

Preparation and Review

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Start with a brief discussion on self-talk and its impact on our feelings and behaviors.
  • Use Empowering Language Slides to illustrate examples of negative vs. positive self-talk.

Step 2

Main Activity: Affirmation Transformation

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Affirmation Transformation Worksheet to each student.
  • Ask students to write down a few examples of negative self-talk they have encountered or experienced.
  • In pairs or small groups, have them transform these negatives into empowering affirmations.
  • Encourage sharing a few examples with the whole class to promote discussion.

Step 3

Activity: Positive Word Wall

5 minutes

  • Guide students in adding their new affirmations or inspiring words to the Positive Word Wall Activity.
  • Emphasize the importance of revisiting these affirmations regularly to reinforce positive self-talk.
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Slide Deck

Understanding Self-Talk

Negative vs. Positive Self-Talk
• Negative: 'I can't do this.'
• Positive: 'I can learn and improve.'

Introduce the concept of self-talk. Explain that our inner voice influences our feelings and behaviors. Use this slide to discuss examples of negative self-talk (e.g., 'I can't do this') and positive self-talk (e.g., 'I can try my best'). Ask students if they have ever noticed negative thoughts in themselves and how that affected them.

Why Words Matter

Your words can shape your mindset. They can:
• Build confidence
• Encourage risk-taking
• Lead to success

Discuss why self-talk matters. Explain how fostering positive self-talk can boost self-esteem and influence actions and choices positively. Encourage students to share their thoughts on how changing self-talk made them feel.

Transformation in Action

Example:
Negative: 'I'm not smart enough.'
Positive: 'I am capable and always learning.'

Provide visual examples of negative and positive self-talk using simple images or graphics. This slide should reinforce transformation by showing the journey from a negative statement to an empowering one.

From Negative to Empowering

Share a time when you turned a negative thought into a positive one.

Prompt students to reflect on their own experiences and encourage sharing. Guide the discussion on transforming negative statements into positive affirmations, linking the idea to the upcoming classroom activities.

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Worksheet

Affirmation Transformation Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you identify negative self-talk and transform it into empowering, positive affirmations. Work through the prompts below to explore and adjust your inner dialogue.


Part 1: Identifying Negative Self-Talk

Think about moments when you've noticed negative self-talk. Write down one or two examples below.





  1. Negative Self-Talk Example:





  2. Negative Self-Talk Example:





Part 2: Exploring the Feelings

Reflect on how each example makes you feel. What emotions or thoughts arise with these statements? Write your reflections below.





  1. Feelings associated with Example 1:





  2. Feelings associated with Example 2:





Part 3: Transforming to Empowering Affirmations

Now, let's reframe these negative thoughts into positive, empowering affirmations. Use the space provided to write a new, positive statement for each negative statement listed above.





  1. Positive Affirmation for Example 1:





  2. Positive Affirmation for Example 2:





Part 4: Reflect and Share

Answer the following questions to reflect on the process:

  • How do you feel now after transforming these thoughts?


  • What new insights have you gained about your self-talk?


  • How might these new affirmations help you in school or other parts of your life?


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Activity

Positive Word Wall Activity

This activity involves creating a visual display of positive affirmations and empowering words in the classroom. The Positive Word Wall will serve as a constant reminder of the power of positive self-talk and encourage ongoing reflection.

Activity Objectives

  • Visual Reminder: Create a resource that repeatedly reinforces positive language throughout the classroom.
  • Student Engagement: Involve each student in contributing to the wall, making it a collective and interactive project.
  • Ongoing Reflection: Encourage students to revisit and update the wall as they develop new insights into their self-talk.

Guidelines for the Activity

  1. Introduction (1 Minute):

    • Explain the purpose and benefits of having a Positive Word Wall in the classroom.
    • Emphasize that the wall is a space for shared encouragement and reminders of personal strengths.
  2. Creation Phase (3 Minutes):

    • Ask each student to write down one or two empowering words or affirmations on a sticky note or card. Provide the following prompt:
      • "Write down a positive affirmation or empowering word that you can refer to when you need a boost!"
    • Remind them to think about words that make them feel confident and strong.
  3. Display and Sharing (1 Minute):

    • Have students place their notes on the designated wall or board in the classroom.
    • Invite a few students to share why they chose their particular words.

Follow-Up Points

  • Regular Updates: Encourage students to add new words or update their affirmations as they grow throughout the week.
  • Reflection: Ask students to reflect on how their contributions make them feel, and if they've found it beneficial to see positive words during challenging moments.
  • Connection: Over time, you might incorporate this wall into class discussions about self-talk, resilience, and growth.







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Words Matter • Lenny Learning