Target Level: Intermediate
Skill Focus: Vocabulary, Reading, Speaking/Conversation, Writing
===INTRO:
Welcome to today’s lesson on "The Power of Self-Talk: Challenging Negative Thoughts, Affirmations, Cognitive Reframing." Have you ever noticed how you talk to yourself throughout the day? Is your inner voice your greatest supporter or your harshest critic? Today, we’ll explore how the conversations we have with ourselves can shape our feelings, influence our behavior, and impact our mental health. Ready to dive in?
Vocabulary:
- Self-talk – The act of talking to oneself, either aloud or silently.
- Negative thoughts – Unhelpful and often unrealistic thoughts that bring down one’s mood and self-esteem.
- Affirmations – Positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.
- Cognitive reframing – A psychological technique that involves identifying and disputing irrational or maladaptive thoughts.
- Mindfulness – The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
Grammar: Modal Verbs for Suggestions (Should, Could, Might)
Modal verbs are used to express possibility, necessity, or permission. In the context of self-talk and cognitive reframing, modal verbs can be particularly useful in formulating suggestions for improvement or change.
- Should is used to give advice: You should try to think more positively.
- Could expresses possibility: You could start practicing affirmations every morning.
- Might suggests a softer possibility than could: You might want to consider cognitive reframing.
Practice Activity: Create three sentences using each of the modal verbs above related to improving self-talk.
Reading:
Title: "Transforming Mindsets: Jane’s Journey"
Jane always considered herself a realist. Yet, her therapist pointed out that her "realism" often bordered on pessimism. During their sessions, Jane learned about the concept of cognitive reframing. Initially skeptical, Jane started to recognize patterns in her negative self-talk. She realized how often she told herself she wasn’t good enough, especially at work.
Her therapist introduced her to affirmations. Every morning, Jane began to say, "I am competent, skilled, and bring value to my team." It felt silly at first, but with time, Jane noticed a shift in her mindset. She became more confident and less critical of herself.
Comprehension Questions:
- What was Jane’s initial attitude towards her thoughts?
- How did cognitive reframing help Jane?
- What change did Jane notice after practicing affirmations?
Listening:
Script for Audio Clip: "The Power of Positive Self-Talk"
[Soft, uplifting music in the background]
Narrator: "It’s another beautiful morning. As you prepare for the day, you catch your reflection in the mirror. What’s the first thing you say to yourself? Is it a kind word or a critical judgment? The way we talk to ourselves can significantly impact our self-esteem, relationships, and even our success in life."
[Pause]
Narrator: "Meet Alex. Alex started an experiment two months ago, replacing every negative thought with a positive affirmation."
Alex: "The change wasn’t overnight, but gradually, I felt lighter, more optimistic. It was like I had been carrying a weight on my shoulders that I didn’t know was there."
Narrator: "Alex’s story is a testament to the power of positive self-talk…"
Questions:
- What does the narrator suggest you do first thing in the morning?
- Describe the change Alex noticed after the experiment.
Speaking/Conversation:
Activity: Positive Self-Talk Role Play
In pairs, students will role-play two scenarios. In the first, one student plays a version of themselves plagued by negative self-talk, while the other offers support and advice, utilizing affirmations and cognitive reframing. Then, they switch roles for the second scenario, where the student who was initially negative now practices positive self-talk, with the partner encouraging and reinforcing these positive changes.
Writing:
Task: Reflective Journal Entry
Write a journal entry about a recent time when you experienced negative self-talk. Describe the situation, your thoughts, and how it made you feel. Then, apply what you’ve learned about affirmations and cognitive reframing to rewrite the narrative of that event with a positive outlook. Conclude with a reflection on how changing your self-talk might impact your feelings and actions in similar future situations.
Structure:
- Introduction (Describe the situation)
- Body (Your initial thoughts and feelings)
- Application of Affirmations and Cognitive Reframing
- Conclusion (Reflection on potential impacts)
Today, we’ve embarked on a journey to understand "The Power of Self-Talk." We’ve explored how our inner dialogue shapes our reality and learned tools to challenge negative thoughts through affirmations and cognitive reframing. Remember, the way we talk to ourselves matters. As an extension activity, try keeping a daily affirmation journal for the next week, noting any shifts in your mood or outlook.
Thank you for joining today’s lesson. Keep speaking kindly to yourself, and see you next time!
