Self Talk Teaching Resources
Encourage positive self talk in your classroom with this collection of teacher-created self management activities for kids.
From printable posters with affirmations for kids to post in your classroom to positive self talk prompts, fill your teacher toolbox with everything you need to teach this essential aspect of self management skills and emotional regulation for kids.
What Is Self Talk? A Kid-Friendly Definition
Trying to explain what positive and negative self talk are to your students? Here's a kid-friendly definition from our teacher team!
Self talk refers to the thoughts and statements that we make to ourselves in our minds. You might have watched a movie or TV show where you heard a character talking to themselves, but only they could hear it. This is self talk!
Self talk is part of regulating and directing one's thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It can be either positive or negative, and it plays a significant role in our overall sense of well-being and self-esteem.
Positive Self Talk Quotes for Kids
Sometimes called positive affirmations, positive self talk quotes are statements that we say to ourselves to improve our mood and help us build a positive mindset.
Here are some great positive self talk quotes you might want to write on your whiteboard throughout the school year and discuss during a morning meeting for students to get used to using positive self talk to improve their well-being!
- 'I am capable of learning and growing every day.'
- 'I can face any challenge with determination and resilience.'
- 'My mistakes don't define me.'
- 'I believe in myself and my ability to succeed.'
- 'I am unique and have valuable contributions to offer.'
- 'I am kind, compassionate and capable of making a difference.'
- 'I have the power to choose positive thoughts and attitudes.'
- 'I am in control of my own choices and actions.'
- 'I embrace challenges to help me grow.'
- 'I am worthy of love, respect and happiness.'
- 'I am strong and capable of overcoming obstacles.'
- 'I have the courage to speak up and express myself.'
- 'I am resilient and bounce back from setbacks.'
- 'I believe in my abilities and trust in my potential.'
- 'I have the power to create a positive impact in the world.'
- 'I am patient and persistent in pursuing my goals.'
- 'I embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth.'
- 'I am proud of who I am and all that I can accomplish.'
How to Stop Negative Self Talk
Sharing specific examples of positive self talk that students can use to pump themselves up is a wonderful way to help kids improve their self management skills. But what about those other things our students say to themselves that counteracts all that positivity?
Negative self talk is all-too-common, and it can be sneaky ... kids may not even realize they're bringing themselves down with the things they say to themselves (verbally or in their own minds).
Facing negative self talk head-on in your SEL discussions can help students identify the sorts of talk that can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, sadness and anxiety.
Some examples of negative self talk that kids often engage in include:
- 'I'm not good at anything.'
- 'Nobody likes me.'
- 'I am just not good at [learning area].'
- 'I'm stupid.'
- 'I'll never be as smart as [student's name].'
- 'I can't do anything right.'
- 'I'm always the worst in everything.'
- 'Nobody wants to be my friend.'
- 'I'm ugly.'
- 'I will never be able to do it.'
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Printable Positive Affirmation Desk Mats
Print a set of positive affirmation desk mats for the early years classroom.
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When You Enter This Classroom - Door Display
Welcome your students into your classroom with a ‘When You Enter This Classroom” Student Affirmations Classroom Door Display
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Positive Affirmations for Kids — Classroom Display Cards
Print a set of 25 positive affirmations display cards for kids to use in your classroom.
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Positive Affirmations for Kids - Writing Worksheets
Complete and read allowed these positive affirmations for kids.
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Positive Self-Talk Bookmark
A bookmark with positive self-talk affirmations.
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Growth Affirmation Display Banner
A beautifully designed growth affirmation display banner for the classroom.
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Positive Self Talk Poster: Talking to Myself
Highlight the benefits of positive self talk and having a growth mindset with this classroom poster.
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Positive Self-Talk Poster
Encourage your students to use positive self-talk on a daily basis with this motivational classroom poster.
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Positive Affirmations for Kids - Posters
Help your students overcome self-doubt with this set of posters containing positive affirmations for kids.
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Name Five Things - Calming Strategy Task Cards
Use the ‘Name 5 Things’ Calming Strategy in your classroom to help students regain self-control with printable calming activity task cards.
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Positive Self-Talk Writing Prompts (Teaching Slides)
Use this set of 15 positive self-talk scenarios as writing prompts to expand your students ability to be kind to themselves!
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Personalised Positive Self-Talk Statements - Worksheet
Face challenges with positivity and a growth mindset by compiling a personalised list of positive self-talk statements.
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Positive Self-Talk Worksheet
Encourage students to analyse their individual self-talk practices and establish a growth mindset with this personal assessment worksheet.
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Positive Self-Talk Brag Bracelets
Encourage a positive mindset with a fun set of printable positive self-talk bracelets.
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I Can Help My Brain to Learn - Posters
Display these classroom posters to remind your students of things they can do to ensure the three brains are functioning at their best.