Elementary students are still learning how to regulate their words in social situations. They may blurt out whatever they’re thinking—sometimes out of excitement, sometimes without understanding the impact. Many don’t yet recognize that not every thought needs to be spoken aloud, especially when it could be confusing, off-topic, or hurtful.

The Think It or Say It activity gives students a clear, visual way to practice filtering their speech. It introduces the idea that we all have internal thoughts, and part of becoming a strong communicator is learning which ones to keep in and which ones to express out loud. Using sorting cards and guided discussion, students learn how to evaluate what’s appropriate to say based on kindness, relevance, and timing.

This post outlines:

• Why filtering is a challenging but essential early communication skill
• A step-by-step instructional plan for using this activity
• Ways to reinforce the skill through discussion, modeling, and extension
• A free download link to the printable materials

Why Filtering Is Hard for Young Learners

In early elementary years, students are still building the foundation for self-monitoring and impulse control. Even when a student understands a rule (“be kind,” “don’t interrupt”), they may not yet have the tools to apply it in real time.

Common examples include:

• Commenting too honestly: “That looks weird,” “Your drawing is messy,” or “I don’t like that food.”
• Sharing irrelevant thoughts out of excitement: “My grandma has that blanket!” during a math lesson
• Saying something private or personal in a public setting: “My dad sleeps on the couch.”

These behaviors aren’t always intentional. Often, students simply haven’t yet developed the mental pause that allows them to evaluate a thought before they speak. That’s what this activity teaches.

Elementary Activity: Think It or Say It

The Think It or Say It activity includes:

• A printable set of short statements based on real-life student experiences
• A sorting game that asks students to decide which comments belong in the Think It pile (keep it to yourself) and which belong in the Say It pile (safe to share)
• Visual and verbal cues to help students understand the rationale for each decision

It’s simple to prep and flexible enough for whole-class mini-lessons, small group work, or individual practice in speech-language sessions.

Lesson Plan: Teaching Think It or Say It

This lesson takes 25–30 minutes and works well with K-3 students, especially those working on pragmatic language goals or classroom communication expectations.

Step 1: Introduce the Concept (5–7 minutes)

Begin with a short discussion about how our brain is always thinking—but not everything we think needs to be said out loud.

Use guiding questions like:

• “Have you ever said something that made someone feel bad, even if you didn’t mean to?”
• “What do you think it means to ‘use a filter’ when you talk?”

Use a few sample comments to illustrate the concept:

• “That’s a boring story.” → Just a thought. Better to keep inside.
• “I like your story!” → Encouraging and kind. Good to say out loud.

Explain that the goal is not to hide ideas, but to choose our words in a way that’s helpful, kind, and respectful.

Step 2: Card Sorting Activity (10–12 minutes)

Distribute the Think It or Say It cards to student pairs or small groups. Instruct them to:

• Read each card aloud
• Decide together which pile it belongs in
• Be ready to explain why they chose that pile

Circulate as they sort. If a student is unsure, ask prompting questions like:

• “Would that comment help someone feel included?”
• “Is this kind or necessary to say?”
• “Could this be a thought we keep to ourselves?”

Expect some gray areas—this is part of the learning. Encourage students to justify their decisions and consider multiple perspectives.

Step 3: Group Review and Discussion (8–10 minutes)

Bring the class together to review the cards. For each one, ask:

• “How many of you put this in the Say It pile?”
• “Why did you think this was better as a thought?”

Highlight patterns. Reinforce that “Say It” comments are usually kind, supportive, or connected to what’s happening. “Think It” comments may be true, but not always helpful to share.

This step is essential for helping students reflect and internalize the concept—not just memorize card placements.

Optional Extensions and Practice Ideas

To help the skill stick beyond one lesson, try one or more of these follow-up activities:

Role-Play Scenarios: Choose 3–4 cards and act them out. One student reads the card, and the class decides: “Should that character think it or say it?” Then discuss alternative responses that would be more appropriate.

Create Your Own Cards: Have students write their own “Think It or Say It” scenarios based on classroom experiences. This gives ownership and helps surface common peer challenges.

Anchor Chart for Ongoing Reference: Create a shared visual with two columns: Helpful to Say and Better to Think. Add new examples each week as part of your classroom routines. Refer to it during problem-solving conversations.

Use in Daily Transitions: During line-up, snack time, or post-recess chats, use one card as a quick check-in or think-aloud. This keeps the skill active and relevant without needing a full lesson.

Supporting Long-Term Communication Growth

The Think It or Say It activity builds the foundation for communication that is respectful, empathetic, and self-aware. When students learn to pause and consider the impact of their words, they are better equipped to form strong peer relationships and participate meaningfully in group settings.

This activity also supports broader pragmatic language development, including skills like:

• Conversation turn-taking
• Managing emotional responses
• Repairing misunderstandings
• Self-monitoring during group work

By making the skill visible and giving students repeated practice, you’re helping them internalize a lifelong habit: slowing down, checking in, and choosing words with care.