Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will learn to recognize negative thought patterns and practice interrupting them using the thought stopping technique, gaining awareness and a cue-based strategy for self-regulation.
Challenging and stopping negative thoughts can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. This session builds foundational awareness and equips students with an actionable skill to disrupt harmful thinking.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Room Setup
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up Activity
5 minutes
Step 2
Define Thought Stopping
5 minutes
Step 3
Worksheet Practice
10 minutes
Step 4
Technique Application
7 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down and Reflection
3 minutes
Slide Deck
Flip Your Thoughts: Session 1
Session Objectives
What Are Negative Thoughts?
Common Cognitive Distortions
Why Negative Thoughts Matter
What Is Thought Stopping?
How to Use Thought Stopping
Thought Stopping Cues
Warm-Up Activity: Negative to Balanced
Worksheet Practice
Technique Application
Cool Down & Reflection
Next Steps & Homework
Script
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Warm Up
Game
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will deepen their ability to spot specific cognitive distortions, challenge them with evidence, and generate balanced thoughts through guided practice and interactive activities.
Identifying and disputing cognitive distortions builds students’ resilience, reducing anxiety and depression by replacing unhelpful thinking with realistic, balanced alternatives.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Room Setup
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up Activity
5 minutes
Step 2
Review Cognitive Distortions
5 minutes
Step 3
Worksheet Practice
8 minutes
Step 4
Partner Activity: Distortion Detective
7 minutes
Step 5
Game: Distortion Relay Race
3 minutes
Step 6
Cool Down and Reflection
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Flip Your Thoughts: Session 2
Session Objectives
Warm-Up: Homework Reflection
Review: Key Cognitive Distortions
What Is Evidence-Based Challenge?
How to Challenge a Distortion
Worksheet Practice
Partner Activity: Distortion Detective
Game: Distortion Relay Race
Cool Down & Reflection
Next Steps & Homework
Script
Worksheet
Warm Up
Activity
Game
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will integrate Thought Stopping and evidence-based challenge to reframe automatic negative thoughts into realistic, balanced statements and practice applying these skills in varied scenarios.
Reframing automatic thoughts with evidence promotes deeper cognitive restructuring, reducing negative emotions and enhancing coping skills.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Room Setup
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up Reflection
5 minutes
Step 2
Group Reframing Demonstration
5 minutes
Step 3
Worksheet Practice
8 minutes
Step 4
Partner Role-Play
7 minutes
Step 5
Game: Cognitive Calendar
3 minutes
Step 6
Cool Down & Reflection
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Flip Your Thoughts: Session 3
Session Objectives
Warm-Up: Reflection on Distortions
Group Reframing Demonstration
Reframing Workflow
Worksheet Practice
Partner Role-Play Scenarios
Game: Cognitive Calendar
Cool Down & Reflection
Next Steps & Homework
Script
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Game
Warm Up
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Lesson Plan
Students will consolidate Thought Stopping and evidence-based reframing skills, develop personalized maintenance and relapse-prevention plans, and set specific goals for continued practice.
Sustaining progress requires clear strategies, support networks, and action plans to handle setbacks, ensuring students continue redirecting negative thinking beyond the program.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Room Setup
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up Reflection
5 minutes
Step 2
Review Core Skills
5 minutes
Step 3
Worksheet Practice: Action Plan
8 minutes
Step 4
Partner Role-Play: Relapse Prevention
5 minutes
Step 5
Activity: Support Network Map
4 minutes
Step 6
Game: Action Plan Race
2 minutes
Step 7
Cool Down & Reflection
1 minute
Slide Deck
Flip Your Thoughts: Session 4
Session Objectives
Warm-Up: Successes & Challenges
Review: Core Skills
Worksheet: Maintenance Action Plan
Partner Role-Play: Relapse Prevention
Activity: Support Network Map
Game: Action Plan Race
Cool Down & Reflection
Congratulations & Next Steps
Script
Worksheet
Warm Up
Activity
Activity
