Turning Thoughts Around

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Objective

I can change a negative thought into a more helpful thought.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

SEL Sketches · 4:40

We don't generate video — this one is by SEL Sketches on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Automatic Negative Thoughts, or ANTs, are negative thoughts that can leave you feeling bad and stop you from problem solving.

  2. 2

    Although negative thoughts are normal and try to keep us safe, getting stuck in them can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, worry, or anger.

  3. 3

    To manage ANT buddies, you can recognize the thought, swat it with a thought stopping statement, catch it to examine it, and question the thought to find the truth.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

10 questions

1

What are 'ANTS' in the video about?

2

Why do negative thoughts (the 'ANT' buddies) show up?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe a negative thought you have had recently. Then, describe how you could reframe that thought into a more helpful or positive one.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

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