Fact or Opinion?
Help kids challenge negative self-talk for a positive outlook.
Our self-perception can shape how we examine our thoughts. For example, a child with a positive self-perception may get a low grade on a spelling test and think, “I didn’t do well, I’ll study more next time.” While a child with a negative self-perception may think, “I didn’t do well, I’m stupid.”
When helping kids examine their thoughts, it is important for them to sort fact from opinion. Are you stupid or were you underprepared?
Sorting fact from opinion sounds simple, but our self-perception can stubbornly shape the way we internalize passing thoughts.
For this reason, it is important to help kids challenge their thoughts to build a more resilient outlook. In the following trio of worksheets, kids are encouraged to consider the statements and decide if they are fact or opinion. Valuable insight can be gained from the examination of thoughts, so don’t get too caught up on the “right answer,” but rather pay attention to the thought processes and look for inconsistencies that can be gently appraised.
Questions for further consideration:
Why do some opinions feel so much like fact?
What are some telltale ways to identify an opinion?
Can facts change?
Can opinions change?
If a statement is identified as an opinion, does it make that statement untrue?
If we wanted to, how could we change negative opinions about ourselves?
Let’s talk about it! Is it a fact or an opinion? Print these free worksheets HERE.
These free printable worksheets and more can be found in our Conversation Starters tab.
