Teaching Kids to Tame Negative Thinking
You can teach students how to challenge negative thinking with simple step by step activities that help them develop realistic thinking.
ReadAbout This Resource
Students need scaffolded practice moving from automatic negative thoughts to positive self-talk. First, they need to recognize their own thinking, learn to evaluate and challenge it, and, when needed, develop new helpful thoughts.
You want clear and flexible tools to guide them through this process. This bundle combines three resources and supporting tools that work through the Catch-Check-Challenge-Change framework.
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Just Right Thinking Sort builds foundational awareness through hands-on sorting.
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Bright Thoughts helps students develop personalized positive self-talk.
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Check-Challenge-Change worksheets provide scaffolded practice evaluating, disputing, and replacing negative thoughts.
Use them sequentially as students build skills, or pull what you need based on where each student is.
With this resource, you'll be able to:
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Start with engaging, hands-on practice that builds foundational awareness
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Move to authentic positive self-talk development
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Progress through comprehensive, scaffolded cognitive restructuring practice
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Include plenty of supplemental tools (15 thought traps, 27 strategies, visual supports)
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Offer flexible formats for different students and settings
What's Included
1. Thought Sort Activity
Build awareness of helpful thinking by showing the differences between thoughts that are too positive, too negative, and just right.
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36 sorting cards (12 too negative, 12 too positive, 12 just right)
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3 bag labels for organizing sorted thoughts
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Facilitator directions for individual and group use
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Editable PowerPoint file with blank cards
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Color and B&W versions
2. Bright Thoughts Activity
Create a collection of helpful positive thoughts
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8-page minibook with 6 situation-specific prompts (color & B&W)
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1-page worksheet version alternative
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Facilitator guide
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Blank page for custom situations
3. Check, Challenge, Change Practice Worksheets
Guided strategy practice to create helpful thinking.
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Set 1: Check Worksheets (8 worksheets with answer keys and teaching notes)
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Set 2: Challenge Worksheets (18 worksheets with answer keys and teaching notes)
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Set 3: Change Worksheets (8 worksheets with answer keys and teaching notes)
4. Supplemental Tools - Cognitive Distortions & Strategies
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Thought Feeling Action Posters
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Thought Trap Cycle Poster
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Catch-Check-Challenge-Change Framework Poster
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Thought Traps Guide (15 cognitive distortions with teaching guidance)
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Thought Traps Poster with illustrated characters
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Thought Trap Cards (individual cards with definitions and examples)
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27 Strategy Cards (checking, challenging, and changing techniques)
160+ pages total | Color and B&W versions
How It Works
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Start with Thought Sort: Build foundational awareness through hands-on sorting activity (15-20 minutes)
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Develop alternatives with Bright Thoughts: Students create personalized positive self-talk minibooks or worksheets (30 minutes)
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Practice with Check-Challenge-Change worksheets: Move through scaffolded practice from checking to challenging to the complete cycle (5 minutes per worksheet)
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Reference supplemental tools throughout: Posters, cards, and guides support students across all activities
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Choose what fits your students: Pull what you need based on student readiness and session goals
Works for: Individual counseling or small groups (2-6 students)
What You'll Love
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Catch-Check-Challenge-Change framework - All four steps covered with hands-on activities, creative tools, and structured practice
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Flexible implementation options - Choose from sorting activities, minibooks, or worksheets depending on what your students need
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Progressive skill building - Start with awareness (Thought Sort), develop alternatives (Bright Thoughts), then practice comprehensive restructuring (worksheets)
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Plenty of supports included- 15 thought traps, 27 strategies, posters, cards, guides, answer keys, and teaching notes
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Multiple format options - Hands-on cards, creative minibooks, structured worksheets, and visual supports work together
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150+ pages of materials - Enough variety and depth to use across an entire school year
Ways to Use It
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Small group CBT sessions - Use all three components to teach cognitive restructuring skills with built-in variety and engagement
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Individual counseling toolkit - Pull from different components based on each student's needs and learning style
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Flexible session planning - Choose hands-on activities when students need engagement, worksheets when they need structured practice
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Tier 2 interventions - Comprehensive materials for students receiving targeted support for negative thinking patterns
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Private practice therapy - Complete toolkit for working with elementary and middle school clients on negative thinking
Perfect If
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You want a complete toolkit for teaching cognitive restructuring from awareness through to changing thoughts
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You need flexible options that work for different learning styles and student needs
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You're looking for comprehensive materials that will last an entire school year
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You want to save money by getting three resources plus supplemental tools in one bundle
Details
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Grade Levels: 3-7 (designed for upper elementary and middle school)
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Ideal For: Individual counseling or small groups (2-6 students)
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Format: PDF (150+ pages total) + editable PowerPoint for Thought Sort blank cards
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Printing: Mix of color and B&W options throughout
Copyright © Social Emotional Workshop. Permission to copy for a single user only. All Rights Reserved. Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
