Transforming Unhelpful to Helpful Thoughts: Challenging Negative Thoughts
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.
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
- 5 Point Scale
- Behaviour Management
- Bullying and Anti-Bullying
- Christmas
- Colouring Sheets
- Emotional Literacy
- Emotions and Feelings
- Happy Scribble
- Healthy Lifestyles & Physical Wellbeing
- Mental Health
- Mindfulness
- Morning Slides
- PSHE Curriculum
- Relationships
- Sleep Management
- The Scribbles Crew
‘Cheering for Small Wins’ Racetrack-themed Goal & Progress Tracking Worksheet
A Friendship ‘Soup/Cake’ Recipe: Qualities of a Good Friend
Morning Activity Slides – Week 7: Emotional Literacy, Wellbeing and Mindfulness Focused
‘My Happy Place’: Happy Scribble Worksheet Activity
Advent: Mindfulness Colouring-In Sheets / Christmas Cards
I feel right now…
Anti-Bullying: The Kind Hand – what makes a good friend?
World Sleep Day: Exploring Sleep Deprivation Symptoms (Tired Scribble from The Scribbles Crew)
Morning Activity Slides – Week 7 (Summer Term): Emotional Literacy, Wellbeing and Mindfulness Focused
FREE World Book Day: Experiencing Emotions in Stories and Through Characters
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!