High school years are filled with academic pressures, peer dynamics, and the looming transition to adulthood. As counselors, psychologists, or social workers, one of the critical life skills we can impart is the power of positive self-talk. This subtle shift in mindset can be transformative, providing resilience during challenging times. Dive into our Free High School Positive Self-Talk Material to cultivate this crucial skill in students.

The Power of Words: Self-Talk in High School

Internal dialogue significantly influences a student’s perception of self-worth and capabilities. Positive self-talk doesn’t merely mean adopting an optimistic view but truly understanding one’s strengths and challenges without negative self-judgment.

The Sorting Worksheet: A Hands-on Learning Tool

Our Free High School Positive Self-Talk Material includes an interactive sorting worksheet. This no-prep activity offers students a tangible way to recognize and differentiate between positive and negative self-statements.

How does it work?

The worksheet lists various examples of self-talk. Students are tasked with categorizing each statement into ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ columns. This active involvement aids in better internalization of the concept.

Lesson Plan: Nurturing Positive Self-Talk

Objective: By the end of this session, students will be able to identify the difference between positive and negative self-talk and understand its impact on their mental well-being.

Duration: 20 minutes

1. Understanding Self-Talk (5 minutes)
   • Initiate a conversation about internal dialogues.
   • Use open-ended questions to discuss how students’ internal remarks affect their feelings and actions.
2. Introducing the Sorting Worksheet (5 minutes)
   • Hand out the sorting worksheet to students.
   • Allow them some minutes to read and categorize each statement.
3. Group Discussion (5 minutes)
   • Go over the statements as a group.
   • Discuss why certain statements were categorized as positive or negative.
4. Personal Reflection (5 minutes)
   • Ask students to recall a recent event and jot down their internal dialogue regarding that event.
   • Encourage them to reframe any negative self-talk into a positive perspective.

Conclusion: Adopting a Positive Inner Voice

By consistently practicing positive self-talk, students can bolster their self-confidence, cope better with stress, and foster a growth mindset. The sorting worksheet serves as a foundational step in this journey, helping students recognize and reshape their internal narratives.

Sample Video

Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!

Related Blog Posts:

Teaching Students the Power of Self-Talk for Emotional Well-Being

Teaching Positive Self-Talk: Activities and Discussion for High School Students

Helping Students Express Their Feelings and Utilize Positive Self-Talk