Inspiring Izzie helps children discover how positive words and thoughtful actions can inspire others. Kids explore ways to build strong friendships, encourage their peers, and become positive influences in the lives of those around them.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I INSPIRE others to find their passion.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Inspiring Izzie
Introduce Inspiring Izzie and explore how friendships can help us discover our interests, share our passions, and inspire one another.
Help children understand that being a good friend means being yourself, including others, appreciating differences, and encouraging people to do what they love.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Izzie's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I INSPIRE others to find their passion.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words as a reminder that sharing what they love and supporting others can make a positive difference.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Inspiring Izzie's Friendship Guide where children will see it often.
Explore Izzie's friendship reminders:
Be Direct: Don't say or text something about someone that you wouldn't say to their face.
Share What You Love: Talk about your passions and interests with friends.
Include & Invite: Welcome others into your conversations and activities.
Sparkle: Be yourself!
Create New Friendships: Make new friends while keeping the old.
Be Understanding: Allow friends to have other friendships.
Be Kind: Look for the goodness in others.
Use Straight Talk: Handle disagreements without involving unnecessary people.
Take a Break: It's okay to take some space from a friendship when needed.
Appreciate Others: Celebrate the differences that make each person unique.
Invite children to choose one friendship skill to practice throughout the day.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Inspiring Izzie's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
5. Read the Story
Bring Inspiring Izzie to life! Read her story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Izzie discovers about friendship, sharing interests, and inspiring others.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Izzie's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to share something they love doing. Has a friend ever inspired them to try something new?
Talk about how we can encourage others to explore their own interests and talents.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Izzie's lesson.
You can also try a Share Your Spark activity.
Invite children to share something they're passionate about, such as a hobby, sport, book, or creative activity. Encourage others to listen, ask questions, and celebrate one another's interests.
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 practice welcoming someone into a group, encouraging a friend's interests, resolving a disagreement directly, or showing kindness to someone who is different from them.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I INSPIRE others to find their passion.”
