'Flip the Thoughts' Transforming Unhelpful to Helpful Thoughts: Challenging Negative Thoughts (Pancake Day themed)

This thought-challenging activity is a popular one in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: challenging unhelpful thoughts and turning those negative thoughts into more positive, helpful thoughts. This activity has been simplified to be used by Practitioners, Teachers, Parents, and ELSAs.
It encourages the child to think about their thought in new ways. Sometimes we can have thoughts that we really believe are true but when we think about the against FOR/AGAINST the thought, our minds can change. It can also be helpful to consider the Coping Strategies needed to cope with negative thoughts!
How could this resource be used?
- To support with deciding if a thought is accurate or not.
- To help with changing children’s thoughts from negative ones into positive ones with evidence.
- To support with self-regulation.
Relevant Curriculum Links:
England PSHE – Which statutory PSHE curriculum* objectives does this resource fall into? *in line with the PSHE Association 2021 Statutory Guidance.
- KS1:H18 – different things they can do to manage big feelings, to help calm themselves down and/or change their mood when they don’t feel good.
- KS2: H16 – about strategies and behaviours that support mental health.
- KS2: H20 – strategies to respond to feelings, including intense or conflicting feelings; how to manage and respond to feelings appropriately and proportionately in different situations.
- KS2: H29. about how to manage setbacks/perceived failures, including how to re-frame unhelpful thinking.
Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):
- Mental and Emotional Wellbeing:
- I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available. HWB 0-06a / HWB 1-06a / HWB 2-06a / HWB 3-06a / HWB 4-06a.
More amazing resources you might like:
- All
- Bullying and Anti-Bullying
- Colouring Sheets
- Conflict Resolution
- EYFS
- Emotional Literacy
- Emotions and Feelings
- Games and Activities
- KS1
- KS2
- Morning Slides
- PSHE Curriculum
- Physical Health
- Relationships
- SEND
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Love
- Zones of Regulation

My Confidence Crew (or Trust Tribe) Handprint

‘Food and Mood’: Sorting Nutritionally Rich Foods Activity

World Cup inspired Football Resources: Regulation Zones Prompts

Nature-Inspired Emotions Worksheet Bundle – ‘Play At The Treehouse x Exciting Teacher’ Collaboration

Morning Activity Slides – Week 6 (Summer Term): Emotional Literacy, Wellbeing and Mindfulness Focused

Is it okay to ‘Think It or Say It’? – Conflict Resolution Sorting Activity

FREE: ‘What matters to me?’ Fill the Globe with Things Important to You Activity (Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 Resources)

FREE: My Voice Matters Colouring-In Sheets (Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 Resources)

Anti-Bullying: Bullying Looks, Feels, and Sounds Like… Worksheet

Anti-Bullying: How Words and Actions Affect Others – The Crinkled Heart FREE Activity
Share this resource:
Request a Resource
Want to request or suggest a resource? Pop us a message below and we will see what we can do. We are not able to respond directly to all requests but be rest assured, we are reading them and constantly updating the resource bank accordingly to all your fabulous ideas!