size of the problem
You make a mistake reading out loud in class.
What size is this problem?
Small problem
You forgot to bring your homework to school.
Which response shows how to use positive self talk in this situation?
1. I can never remember anything.
2. Everyone makes mistakes. Next time, I can make sure my homework is in my backpack before I go to bed.
3. If I mess up at school, it means I am a terrible student.
2. Everyone makes mistakes. Next time, I can make sure my homework is in my backpack before I go to bed.
You’re playing a game of tag, and you trip and fall. You have a small scratch, but you feel okay. What response matches this problem?
1. quitting the game.
2. getting a bandaid, and then coming back to play.
3. yelling at the people who were close to you when you fell
2. getting a bandaid, and then coming back to play.
A peer bumps into you while running in the hallway. They say sorry.
Which response matches the situation?
1. yelling, "What is your problem?!"
2. saying "no worries!" and moving on
3. making a mean joke towards the peer
2. saying "no worries!" and moving on
“I’m just bad at math. I’ll never get it.”
Which answer changes this thought to show a growth mindset?
1. Math is too hard for me.
2. I can get better at math if I keep practicing.
3. It doesn't matter what I do, I am just bad at this.
2. I can get better at math if I keep practicing.
You witness physical bullying (pushing, hitting).
What size is this problem? What should you do?
Big problem; Get an adult right away
You spilled your drink during lunch.
Which is NOT an example of positive self talk?
1. I am the clumsiest person ever.
2. It's just a spill. No big deal.
3. I can just clean it up and finish my lunch.
1. I am the clumsiest person ever.
Name one thing you can do to calm down if you’re feeling frustrated.
take deep breaths, count to 10, drink some water
A friend grabs the marker you were using and says, “I want this one!”
What could you say to them to advocate for yourself while still staying calm?
You can say, "I am using it right now. Can you give it back? You can have it when I am finished."
“If I can’t win, there’s no point in playing.”
How can you change this from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?
“Playing is about having fun and learning, even if I don’t win.”
Your friend is making silly faces while you are trying to focus.
What size problem? How can you respond?
Small problem
You can ask them to stop or you could ignore them.
Your friend can’t play today, but you really wanted to.
How can you use positive self talk?
That's okay, sometimes my friends are busy. There are plenty of other fun things to do today.
You’re losing in a video game. Instead of yelling, what could you do?
Pause the game, take a break, and try again.
Your friend keeps interrupting you while you are trying to tell a story because they are excited about the story.
How can you speak up for yourself without making your friend feel bad?
"It is hard to focus on my story when you are also talking. Can I finish first, and then it can be your turn to talk?"
“I messed up once, so I’m going to mess up again.”
How can you change this into a more flexible thought?
“Mistakes help me learn what to do better next time.”
A peer won’t let you join a group game for the third day in a row. You have already tried talking to them a few times.
What size problem? What is one potential solution?
Medium problem
You can go up to new peers that you don't know and try to play with them; You can tell a teacher what is happening and they can help you think of other solutions.
You made a mistake during a game and your team lost a point.
What could you say to yourself?
Everyone makes mistakes. I can keep trying my best.
You make a mistake while reading out loud in class and people giggle. What can you say to yourself to stay calm in that moment?
Keep reading and remind myself that mistakes happen to everyone.
Your friend wants to borrow your favorite game, but you don’t feel comfortable lending it out.
How can you communicate this boundary to your friend?
"This game is special to me, so I don't feel comfortable letting someone borrow it. We can play it together at my house, though!"
“This is too hard. I can’t do it.”
How can you change this thought to a growth mindset? Why is the new thought more helpful?
“This is hard right now, but I can figure it out step by step.”
It is hard to solve problems when you have a fixed mindset. A growth mindset encourages us to keep trying our best so that we can achieve our goals!
Your friend steps on your shoe a little. You aren't hurt, and they say sorry.
What size problem? Was this on purpose or a mistake? How can you respond?
Small problem
Accident
You can say "no problem!" or "it happens!" and move on
You studied for a quiz but didn’t get the score you wanted.
What could you say to yourself to feel better? What is one thing you can do to work towards solving the problem?
I'm proud of myself for studying and trying my best; I can go over the quiz with my teacher so that I can do better next time.
Your art project rips. You feel like crying. What is a potential solution and what can you say to yourself to stay cool?
I can fix it or start over. It’s okay to make mistakes.
Your friend keeps making jokes that hurt your feelings, even if they think they’re funny.
What should you say to them? What can you do if they don't stop?
"I don't like it when you make jokes like that. If you don't stop, I am going to leave this conversation."
If they don't stop, I can leave the conversation. If they continue to bother me, I can tell an adult.
Give an example of a time you thought about giving up, but didn't.
trying to beat a tricky level of a video game; learning division at school (rip); learning a new sport