Lesson Plan
Strengths and Affirmations Plan
Students will identify three personal strengths and convert two negative self-talk statements into growth-oriented affirmations.
By focusing on personal strengths and reframing negative self-talk, students develop self-awareness, build confidence, and cultivate a growth mindset that supports resilience in academics and life.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive reflection, peer interviews, and guided journaling.
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print or set up digital access to all handouts and slides:
- Review each material to familiarize yourself with prompts and examples.
- Arrange seating so students can easily pair up for interviews.
Step 1
Do Now – Two-Word Check-In
5 minutes
- Project or distribute Two-Word Check-In Do Now.
- Prompt: “In two words, how are you feeling today?”
- Students write their two words privately.
- Invite 3–4 volunteers to share their words aloud.
Step 2
Mini-Lesson – Fixed vs. Growth Self-Talk
7 minutes
- Display Reframing the Inner Voice Slides.
- Define fixed self-talk (e.g., “I can’t do this”) vs. growth self-talk (e.g., “I can improve with effort”).
- Walk through 2–3 examples, modeling how to reframe:
- “I’m not good at math” → “I can get better by practicing problems.”
- “I always mess up” → “Mistakes help me learn and grow.”
- Ask students to jot down one example of each type.
Step 3
Peer Interview – Spotting Strengths
8 minutes
- Distribute Strengths Spotting Interview Cards.
- Students pair up and take turns asking three prompts (e.g., “What are you most proud of?” or “When do you feel most energized?”).
- Each partner listens and records three strengths shared by their peer.
- After 4 minutes, switch roles and repeat.
Step 4
Independent Write – Affirmation Builder
7 minutes
- Hand out Affirmation Builder Sheet.
- Prompt students to list two recent negative self-talk statements they’ve used.
- Using the sheet’s guided steps, have them reframe each into a growth-oriented affirmation.
- Encourage integration of at least one personal strength from the interview stage into each affirmation.
Step 5
Share & Exit Ticket
3 minutes
- Invite 3–4 students to share one of their newly crafted affirmations.
- Distribute Exit Ticket One Thing I’ll Try.
- Prompt: “Write one affirmation or action you’ll try this week to reinforce your strengths.”
- Collect exit tickets as students leave.
Slide Deck
Reframing the Inner Voice
How we talk to ourselves matters.
• Our mindset shapes our confidence and actions.
• Let’s learn to catch negative self-talk and turn it into growth self-talk.
Welcome students! Today we’re going to explore how our inner voice—our self-talk—can hold us back or help us grow. This mini-lesson will define two types of self-talk and give examples of how to reframe negative messages into positive, growth-oriented affirmations.
What Is Fixed Self-Talk?
Fixed self-talk: Believing abilities are set in stone.
Examples:
• “I’ll never be good at this.”
• “I always mess up.”
• “I’m just not smart enough.”
This voice keeps us stuck.
Explain that fixed self-talk is the voice that tells us our abilities are unchangeable. Emphasize common phrases you hear in class or everyday life.
What Is Growth Self-Talk?
Growth self-talk: Focusing on effort and learning.
Examples:
• “I can improve with practice.”
• “Mistakes help me learn.”
• “I haven’t mastered this yet.”
This voice builds confidence and resilience.
Define growth self-talk. Highlight how this voice encourages effort, learning, and improvement over time.
From Fixed to Growth: Examples
Fixed: “I’m not good at math.”
Growth: “I can get better by practicing problems.”
Fixed: “I always mess up.”
Growth: “Mistakes help me learn and grow.”
Fixed: “I can’t do this.”
Growth: “I will get there with effort.”
Walk through each pair: read the fixed statement first, then model the reframed growth statement. Invite students to notice how the meaning shifts.
Your Turn: Identify & Reframe
- Write one recent fixed self-talk statement you’ve used.
- Reframe it into growth self-talk.
Be ready to share your reframed statement.
Invite students to write down their own examples. Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking. After 2–3 minutes, ask 2–3 volunteers to share.
Key Takeaways
• Fixed self-talk limits us; growth self-talk empowers us.
• We can reframe negative messages into positive, actionable statements.
• Use this skill to support your strengths and learning journey.
Summarize the mini-lesson and remind students that we’ll build on this skill in the next activity (peer interviews and affirmation building).
Warm Up
Two-Word Check-In Do Now
Prompt: In two words, how are you feeling today?
Write your two words below and be ready to share one if you’d like.
Activity
Strengths Spotting Interview Cards
Instructions:
- Work with a partner. Take turns drawing a card and asking your partner the prompt.
- Listen actively and record your partner’s response in the space provided.
- After 4 minutes, switch roles and repeat with any remaining cards.
Card 1: What are you most proud of accomplishing recently?
Notes:
Card 2: When do you feel most energized or excited?
Notes:
Card 3: If a friend needed your help, what would they ask you to do?
Notes:
Card 4: Describe a challenge you overcame. What helped you succeed?
Notes:
Card 5: What skill or talent do you enjoy using the most?
Notes:
Card 6: In what situation do you feel you shine or stand out?
Notes:
Journal
Affirmation Builder Sheet
Use this sheet to transform negative self-talk into powerful, growth-focused affirmations by weaving in your personal strengths.
1. Identify & Reflect on Negative Self-Talk
a. Negative Self-Talk Statement #1
“I often say to myself: _______________________________”
b. What feeling or limiting belief is behind this statement?
(e.g., fear of failure, not smart enough, overwhelmed)
c. Which personal strength (from your interview) counters this belief?
(e.g., perseverance, creativity, empathy)
2. Craft a Growth-Oriented Affirmation
Combine your reflection above into one concise, positive statement you can repeat to yourself.
My Affirmation #1:
“___________________________________________________________________________”
3. Repeat the Process for Statement #2
a. Negative Self-Talk Statement #2
“I often say to myself: _______________________________”
b. Underlying feeling or belief:
c. Personal strength that challenges this belief:
d. My Affirmation #2:
“___________________________________________________________________________”
4. Plan for Action
How will I use these affirmations this week?
(For example: say them each morning, write them on sticky notes, share with a friend.)
Cool Down
Exit Ticket – One Thing I’ll Try
Prompt: Write one affirmation or action you’ll try this week to reinforce your strengths.