Introduction

People think constantly, but we rarely take the time to examine our thoughts. Frequently our thoughts are unhelpful and contribute to our bad moods. Learning how to examine our thoughts helps us realize how we may be perpetuating an unhealthy emotional frame of mind. These lessons teach students about common thinking errors that people make. It provides suggestions for how to challenge these thoughts and provides opportunities to practice.

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Grade 6

Teacher guide

• Suggested lesson plan (45 min)
  Fully completed 45-minute lesson plan for public schools.
• Milwaukee Archdiocese religious education options
  Connecting lesson to Archdiocese Religious Education Curriculum Expectations and Closing Prayer.

Check-in activities

• Select an option from the collection of check-in activities

Opening activities

• You are not your thoughts video (video, discussion, 10 minutes)

Main activities

• Thinking errors matching (15 minutes)
  
  • Cognitive distortions definitions and examples (pdf)
  • Cognitive distortions matching definitions (pdf)
  • Cognitive distortions matching examples (pdf)
• Thinking errors (10 minutes)
  • Cognitive distortions definitions and examples (pdf)
• Challenging your thoughts (10 minutes)
  • Challenging your thoughts cards (pdf)

Closing activities

• Compliments exchange (community building, 5 minutes)

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Toolkit access

Access to documents on each of the toolkit pages is restricted to Peace Works partners. If you are interested in becoming a Peace Works partner school or educator, please contact Sherri Walker. If you are already a Peace Works partner school or educator and have questions regarding the toolkit, please contact Sherri Walker.

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