Positive Self-Talk
Use kind, realistic self-talk during difficult situations. Notice an unhelpful thought and choose words that support a next step, such as trying another way, taking a break or asking for help.
What a learner can do afterwards
- Give an example of an unhelpful thought and rephrase it as a helpful one
- Use positive self-talk aloud or in writing when facing a challenge
- Explain how self-talk can affect feelings and the next action they choose
1 · Read
Self-talk is what you say to yourself, silently, aloud or in writing. Helpful self-talk uses kind, realistic words. 'I'm stupid' judges your whole self. 'This is hard. I can try one part' names the task and gives you a next step.
Mia cannot start a math task. She thinks she will never understand it. Then she says, 'I can ask my teacher to show me how to start.' Her words give her a next step.
Self-talk can affect feelings and what you do next. A harsh label may leave you discouraged. Kind, realistic words can support trying, resting or asking for help. They do not promise success or make every feeling disappear. If a thought keeps upsetting you, tell a trusted grown-up.
To change an unhelpful thought, name this task or mistake instead of judging your whole self. Choose a next step: try another way, take a short break and return, or ask for help. You can also remember something you learned before.
Jonah forgets a line in the play. He remembers learning to ride his bike. He says, 'I have learned hard things before. I can practise this line with someone.' His words give him a next step.
Notice an unhelpful thought. Choose kind, realistic words and a next step. You can still have feelings and ask for help.
Original lesson, questions and flashcards written for this learning dataset.
Three original readings and accompanying flashcards written for this learning dataset.
More to read
When a thought comes back
Ellis is learning a song. A thought keeps coming back: 'I will never remember it.'
Ellis can notice the thought and choose words for his next step: 'I can practise one line with my teacher.' He does not have to force the thought away.
The thought may return. That does not mean Ellis has done anything badly. If it keeps upsetting him, he can tell a trusted grown-up and ask for support.
Words for starting homework
Tariq opens his homework and cannot understand the first question. He thinks, 'I cannot do any of this.'
He notices where he is stuck: the first question. He writes, 'I can ask someone to explain this part.' Then he asks a grown-up.
Helpful self-talk can go with a request for help. Tariq does not have to promise that he will finish every page. If the work still feels too much, he can tell his teacher.
A helpful thought before saying hello
In class, Lina wants to greet a classmate she knows. She feels nervous and thinks, 'What if they do not answer?'
Lina chooses words about her own action: 'I can say hello politely.' She cannot promise what the classmate will do.
If the classmate does not answer, Lina can give them space. She can still feel nervous after saying hello. Helpful self-talk supports her choice; it does not control another person's response.
2 · Watch
به انگلیسیTake it off screen
Where it sits
Optional connections
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.