Positive Self-Talk Practice
What children say to themselves affects their emotions, behaviour, and resilience.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
- Learning area: Socio-Emotional
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Identify negative self-talk
- Replace negative with positive self-talk
- Practise encouragement for self
Materials
- Self-talk cards
- Thought bubble activities
- Affirmation mirrors
Instructions
Identify the voice in our heads that talks to us. Notice when self-talk is negative and discouraging. Practise replacing negative self-talk with positive, encouraging thoughts. Create personal affirmations to use when struggling.
Educator tip
Share your own self-talk journey to normalize this inner experience.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe identification of self-talk and use of positive replacement.