Self-Talk
GRADES K-2

Locked Content

Unlock this lesson plan by becoming a paid member. Existing members, please log in.

Learning Goal

Students will be able to describe the difference between positive and negative self-talk.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lessons, students will be able to:

  • Name positive qualities about themselves
  • Describe the differences between positive and negative self-talk
Learning Summary

Research suggests that it takes five positive interactions to make up for a single negative interaction in a relationship; the same is true of self-talk. This means we need a conscious, active process of positive self-talk in order to make up for our brains’ negative wiring.

This lesson helps your students discover and practice it. This lesson begins with a mindful moment in which students learn a new breathing technique called the 3-3-4 breath. You then lead a short conversation to define self-talk, followed by a Munchy and Jumpy story. In the story, Munchy realizes all the negative messages he is sending himself throughout the day and works on switching those thoughts to positive comments. Students will discuss the story then create a flower drawing with each petal showing an affirming statement or drawing about themselves. After the activity, students share out one of their positive self-talk affirmations. Students end by reflecting in their journal through a drawing of how they feel when they are kind to themselves.

computer icon Online Teaching Tips for Self-Talk

This lesson centers on doing and talking about self-talk, something well-suited for practice at home. Utilize the Munchy and Jumpy story as a centerpiece for the lesson. For the Affirmation Flower activity, send students a copy to fill out or provide your class a few minutes to have them create their own flower.

For the discussion and share-out of students’ affirmation flowers, have them show their flower to the screen and take a screenshot once all flowers are shown to send out to the class.

For the discussion, encourage students to find a time to sit down with a family member at home to show them their flower and share their positive self-talk messages.

CASEL Competencies

Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. This includes capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.

Self-management: The abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation & agency to accomplish personal/collective goals.