In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching students to express their feelings and use positive self-talk in their everyday interactions. Developing these skills is crucial for students to build healthy relationships and navigate social situations confidently. Let’s dive into an easy-to-implement activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help students communicate their feelings effectively and use positive self-talk to overcome nervousness.

Introduction

At times, our friends might say or do things that we don’t like, which can make us feel upset. If we don’t communicate our feelings, they won’t know that their actions affect us negatively. It’s essential to teach students to express their feelings calmly and assertively. In situations where they might be nervous to speak up, encouraging the use of positive self-talk can help them gain the confidence to address the issue. By teaching these skills, we can equip students with the tools they need to navigate social situations and build healthy relationships.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “Express and Reflect,” requires no preparation or materials from the educator and can be easily incorporated into the classroom. The purpose of this activity is to help students practice expressing their feelings and using positive self-talk in various scenarios.

1. Divide the class into pairs. In each pair, one student will play the role of “Speaker” and the other will be the “Listener.”
2. Provide a scenario for the pairs to role-play. For example, the Speaker feels upset because the Listener borrowed their pencil without asking.
3. Ask the Speaker to express their feelings about the situation calmly and assertively, while the Listener listens attentively.
4. Encourage the Speaker to use positive self-talk if they feel nervous about expressing their feelings.
5. After the Speaker has expressed their feelings, ask the Listener to reflect back on what they heard and respond empathetically.
6. Switch roles and repeat the process with a new scenario.

This activity helps students practice expressing their feelings and using positive self-talk in a safe and supportive environment. It also encourages active listening and empathy among students.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to express our feelings when someone says or does something that upsets us?
• How can positive self-talk help us feel more confident when addressing difficult situations?
• What are some examples of positive self-talk phrases that you can use when feeling nervous about expressing your feelings?
• How can we make sure that we express our feelings in a calm and assertive manner?
• What are some strategies for being an active and empathetic listener when someone shares their feelings with us?

Related Skills

Teaching students to express their feelings and use positive self-talk is an essential aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills that can help students develop healthy relationships and navigate social situations effectively include:

• Active listening
• Empathy
• Conflict resolution
• Assertiveness
• Respect for others

Next Steps

If you found this blog post helpful and would like to explore more resources to teach these skills and others, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. You’ll find a variety of engaging activities, videos, and more to help your students develop crucial Social-Emotional Learning skills.