Lesson 4: Self Talk for Staying on Task

Why This Lesson Matters

Self-talk is a developmentally appropriate strategy that students can use to help themselves listen, follow directions, and stay on task. Over time, self-talk typically becomes internalized and is no longer spoken out loud. However, whether out loud or silent, self-talk can be a powerful tool to help students remember directions and focus and guide their efforts. Different students in your class may be at different points in this developmental continuum, but practicing and using self-talk in some form is likely to be helpful for all children.

Objectives

Students will be able to demonstrate self-talk for remembering directions in the context of a drawing game.

Lesson Concepts

• Self-talk means talking to yourself in a quiet voice or inside your head.

• Self-talk helps you focus and maintain attention.