Noticing Naima helps children develop important test-taking skills by learning to slow down, pay attention, and notice important details. Kids explore how careful reading, thoughtful choices, and a calm approach can help them feel more confident when taking tests.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I NOTICE, name and let go of worries.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Noticing Naima
Introduce Noticing Naima and explore how noticing our thoughts and feelings can help us manage worries.
Help children understand that everyone experiences worries sometimes. Naima reminds us that we can notice a worry, give it a name, and use our breath to help our bodies feel calmer.
We don't have to make every worry disappear. We can learn ways to respond to our worries with greater awareness and confidence.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Naima's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I NOTICE, name and let go of worries.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words when they notice a worried thought or uncomfortable feeling.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Noticing Naima's Breathing Guide where children will see it often.
Explore Naima's breathing steps:
Sit Tall: Plant your feet on the ground and press your sit bones into your chair.
Relax Your Shoulders: Draw your shoulders away from your ears and gently tuck your chin.
Breathe In: Close your lips and breathe in through your nose to a count of four.
Breathe Out: Slowly exhale through your nose to a count of eight.
Fill and Empty Your Lungs: Notice the movement of your breath as you inhale and exhale.
Practice Regularly: Naima suggests practicing eight to ten times daily.
Encourage children to breathe gently and comfortably. Shorten the counts if needed, and never force or hold the breath.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Noticing Naima's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
Invite them to pause and notice whether their breathing, thoughts, or feelings have changed.
5. Read the Story
Bring Noticing Naima to life! Read her story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Naima discovers about worries, breathing, and paying attention to her thoughts and feelings.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Naima's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to share where they notice worries in their bodies. Do they feel butterflies in their stomach, tight shoulders, or a faster heartbeat?
Talk about how noticing these signals can remind us to pause and breathe.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Naima's lesson.
You can also try a Notice, Name, and Breathe activity.
Invite children to pause and notice a worry or feeling. Help them give it a simple name, such as “I'm nervous” or “I'm worried about tomorrow.”
Then practice a few comfortable breaths together.
Remind children that feelings can change, and they can ask a trusted adult for help whenever they need it.
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 noticing worries before a test, meeting someone new, trying an unfamiliar activity, or speaking in front of others.
Encourage them to pause, name what they're feeling, and practice a calming breath before deciding what to do next.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I NOTICE, name and let go of worries.”
