Optimistic Oreta helps children discover the power of looking for possibilities and maintaining a hopeful outlook, even when life feels challenging. Kids explore how positive thinking, encouragement, and a willingness to keep trying can build confidence and resilience.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I live life full ON.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Optimistic Oreda
Introduce Optimistic Oreda and explore how the words we choose can shape the way we approach challenges.
Help children understand that being optimistic doesn't mean everything always goes our way. It means recognizing difficulties while believing we can keep learning, trying, and moving forward.
Oreda reminds us that even small changes in our words can help us see new possibilities.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Oreda's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I live life full ON.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words as a reminder to approach life with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to try.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Optimistic Oreda's Positive Words where children will see it often.
Explore three powerful words and phrases that can help us think more positively:
Anyway: Choose to take a helpful action even when something feels difficult.
Even Though: Acknowledge a challenge while remembering that we still have choices.
Yet: Remind yourself that learning and growing take time.
Practice Oreda's examples together:
“Even though I didn't do well on a test, I will try again.”
“Even though I didn't get chosen for the award, I will be happy for the other person.”
“I don't like writing, but I'm going to do it anyway.”
“I can't get along with those girls, but I am going to be nice anyway.”
“I don't understand math...YET.”
Invite children to choose one of these expressions and practice using it 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 Optimistic Oreda's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
5. Read the Story
Bring Optimistic Oreda to life! Read her story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice how Oreda uses positive words to approach challenges and discover new possibilities.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Oreda's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to share something they're still learning or something that hasn't gone the way they hoped.
Talk about how adding the word “yet” or choosing to try “anyway” can help them see a challenge differently.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Oreda's lesson.
You can also try a Positive Words Makeover activity.
Invite children to think of a discouraging statement, such as “I can't do this.”
Then practice changing it using one of Oreda's expressions:
“I can't do this...YET!”
Encourage children to create their own positive statements and practice saying them throughout the day.
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 responding to a disappointing grade, not being chosen for a team, struggling with a new skill, or facing an activity they don't enjoy.
Encourage them to use “anyway,” “even though,” or “yet” to practice a more optimistic response.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I live life full ON.”
Powerful You is a grab-and-go counseling resource designed to make group and classroom counseling simple, meaningful, and effective. Packed with 26 short, easy-to-use themed lessons, this book helps counselors, educators, and support staff guide students through important life topics with confidence and care.
Each lesson begins with a true story that reflects real challenges children face, followed by engaging turn-and-talk prompts that encourage student reflection, discussion, and connection. Inspiring quotes, hands-on activities, and practical tips are also included for optional lesson extensions.
Created by a school counselor with more than 35 years of experience listening to and supporting children, these lessons align with ASCA National Standards and explore sensitive school and home issues through a child’s perspective. Powerful You gives adults ready-to-use tools to build emotional awareness, resilience, communication skills, and confidence in students.
To bring each lesson to life, companion Powerful You laminated role-playing cards and colorful classroom signs are also available separately. These engaging tools correspond with every lesson and provide an interactive way for students to practice skills, deepen understanding, and reinforce key concepts.
