Introduction

Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can make students feel sad, angry, and even lead to unhealthy behaviors. It is essential for educators to teach high school students how to manage jealousy and practice positive self-talk. By doing so, students can learn to control their feelings and actions, maintain healthy relationships, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. This blog post will explore an engaging no-prep activity, thought-provoking discussion questions, and related skills to help students better manage jealousy and practice positive self-talk.

No-Prep Activity: The Compliment Circle

This activity requires no preparation or materials and can be easily implemented in the classroom. The goal is to help students focus on the positive aspects of themselves and others, reducing feelings of jealousy and fostering a supportive environment.

1. Have students sit in a circle.
2. Ask each student to think of a genuine compliment for the person sitting to their right.
3. Going around the circle, each student shares their compliment with the person to their right.
4. Encourage students to accept compliments graciously and to thank the person giving the compliment.
5. Repeat the process, with students giving compliments to the person on their left.

This activity promotes positive self-talk by encouraging students to recognize and appreciate the good qualities in themselves and others. It also helps to build a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere, where students learn to celebrate each other’s successes and achievements.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions about managing jealousy and practicing positive self-talk:

1. Can you share a personal experience when you felt jealous? How did you handle the situation?
2. Why is it essential to control our feelings and actions when experiencing jealousy?
3. What are some strategies that can help you manage jealousy and practice positive self-talk?
4. How can we support our friends when they are feeling jealous?
5. What are the potential consequences of not managing jealousy and engaging in negative self-talk?

Related Skills

In addition to managing jealousy and practicing positive self-talk, students can benefit from developing the following related skills:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, asking questions, and providing feedback.
• Conflict resolution: Identifying and resolving disagreements in a healthy and constructive manner.
• Assertiveness: Expressing thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in an open, honest, and respectful way.
• Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, including accomplishments and the kindness of others.

Next Steps

Ready to help your students develop essential skills for managing jealousy and practicing positive self-talk? Sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech to access a variety of engaging and practical resources. These sample materials cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that you have the tools you need to support your students in their social-emotional learning journey.