Changing Charlie helps children discover how small, positive choices can grow into healthy habits. Through mindfulness, movement, and self-awareness, kids explore ways to make changes that support their well-being.
Changing Charlie’s Self-Talk
“I create change.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Changing Charlie
Introduce Changing Charlie and explore how habits are formed and changed.
Help children understand that habits develop when we do something repeatedly. Some habits help us, while others may get in our way. The good news is that we can learn new habits, one small step at a time!
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Charlie's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I adjust to change.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words when they're working on changing a habit or trying something new.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Changing Charlie's Guide to Changing Habits where children will see it often.
Explore Charlie's reminders:
Recognize that habits take time to change.
Notice helpful habits, such as walking, using good manners, and being honest.
Identify habits you'd like to change.
Start small and think about what happens because of an old habit.
Replace the old habit with a new behavior.
Practice your new behavior.
Celebrate your self-control!
Remind children of Charlie's encouraging message: “They are a cinch by the inch.”
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Changing Charlie's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
5. Read the Story
Bring Changing Charlie to life! Read his story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Charlie learns about habits, practice, and making positive changes.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Charlie's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to think about a habit they already feel good about and one they'd like to improve.
Help them recognize that changing a habit takes time and practice.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Charlie's lesson.
You can also invite children to choose one small habit they'd like to change. Help them identify a new behavior to practice in its place.
Celebrate their efforts as they make progress!
8. Lights, Camera, Action! — Role-Play
Bring the lesson to life with role-playing!
Use the Powerful You laminated scenario cards or create your own everyday situations.
Invite children to act out replacing an unhelpful habit with a helpful one—for example, raising a hand instead of calling out or using encouraging words instead of negative self-talk.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: Small changes, practiced often, can become powerful habits!
