Negative thinking
Calming strategies
Reframing the negative thought
Negative thinking
100

I only got $300 for my birthday and I need $325 to buy that new gaming system.  It's so unfair!

How can we change that thought?

I got a lot of $ for my Bday.

100

Name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and one thing you taste. 

Look around your area to identify the following. 

100

I passed my test but I only got a B.

Getting a B on a test is a good grade.

(other responses that focus on the positive)

100

I will fail the test. 

All or nothing Allen

200

Other kids will laugh at me when I raise my hand.

I will try to participate and raise my hand. Its Ok if someone doesn't like my answer.

200

Name a calming strategy that you can use your body.

Jumping jacks, stretching, karate, yoga, etc. 

200

I should have done this better. 

I did it the best way I could. I can try something different next time. 

(other responses that focus on the positive)

200

No one is looking at me. They must hate my new shirt.

Psych Out Sam 

300

I am the worst person. 

I make mistakes and a learn from them.

300

Practice Making Lemonade 

  • Imagine that they are standing beneath a lemon tree.
  • Pick lemons: Stretch both hands in the air and grab imaginary lemons.
  • Squeeze the juice: Make tight fists and squeeze hard.
  • Take a break: Throw the lemons on the ground and relax the hands.
  • Repeat until you have enough juice for a glass of lemonade.
  • Relax: After the last squeeze and throw, shake out those hands!
300

Michael is always so annoying.


Michael can be annoying but he is actually a really funny kid!

(other responses that focus on the positive)

300

What if I do not make the baseball team and the other players make fun of me for it? 

Drama Queen Jean

400

How was I supposed to know I should have brought my binder to science?  It's not my fault I forgot!

I didn't know I needed my binder. Next  time I will ask.

400

You can write down your thoughts and feelings in a notebook or an electronic device.

Journaling 

400

I'm so dumb. 


I made a mistake but that's OK.  Mistakes are a sign of learning.

(other responses that focus on the positive)

400

I scored the game-winning goals, but anyone could have done it. 

Not a Big Deal Norman

500

I'll never win the prize. 

Ill try my best. Even if I don't win.

500

Stuffed animal breathing 

Grab a stuffed animal and practice by putting the stuffed animal on your belly, watch the stuffed animal move as you inhale through your nose and out through your mouth.
500

Jane does not like me. 

I have other good friends. I don't know what Jane is thinking. 


(other responses that focus on the positive)

500

What is wrong with me? This math problem shouldn’t be so hard to do.

Shoulda Sharonda