Helpful Self Talk Activity – Item 775

This engaging, hands-on ‘Helpful Self Talk Activity helps children explore the thoughts they might have in everyday situations and begin to recognise which thoughts are helpful and which can make things feel harder.

Each activity card presents a realistic, child-friendly scenario, alongside a set of self-talk statements. Children cut out the cards and sort them into helpful and unhelpful categories, encouraging discussion, reflection, and deeper understanding of how thoughts link to feelings and behaviour.

The resource also includes blank cards so children can create their own self-talk, supporting independence and personalisation.

What this Helpful Self Talk activity supports

• Flexible thinking
• Positive self-talk and coping strategies
• Social and emotional development

How it can be used

• 1:1 ELSA sessions
• Small group work
• Classroom wellbeing activities
• Targeted support for children with anxiety or social difficulties

Why this resource is effective

By actively sorting and discussing thoughts, children move beyond simply being told what is “helpful” and instead begin to understand and apply these ideas to their own experiences. This builds confidence, resilience, and more positive ways of responding in everyday situations.

There are 21 sheets in a pack. One sheet is totally blank so you can handwrite your own scenario and helpful/unhelpful self-talk.