Hero Emotion Cards

Description:
A set of 6 printable, hero-themed emotion cards to help 4th-grade students identify and discuss feelings. Each card features a dynamic hero illustration (to be printed on cardstock) with a clear emotion label and a prompt to spark conversation.

Materials:

• Printed Hero Emotion Cards
• Scissors or paper cutter
• (Optional) Colored pencils or markers for decorating

Prep:

1. Print the hero cards on cardstock or heavy paper (two pages, 3 cards per page).
2. Cut along the outlines to create individual cards.
3. Shuffle or lay cards face down for the activity.

Activity Instructions:

1. Introduction (2 minutes): Explain that each card shows a hero feeling a certain way. We’ll use these cards to talk about our own emotions.
2. Card Selection (3 minutes): Ask the student to shuffle and pick one card at random.
3. Emotion Discussion (3 minutes per card): For each selected card:
   • Name the emotion shown (e.g., “Anger”).
   • Describe the hero’s expression and body language.
   • Respond to the prompt: “When have you felt this way?”
     
     
     
4. Reflection (5 minutes): After covering all cards, ask the student:
   • Which emotion was easiest to talk about? Which was hardest?
   • How can recognizing these feelings help you become a calmer hero?

Hero Cards (6 Cards):

Use these cards throughout the “Action Figure Role-Play” and “Reflection & Wrap-Up” steps of the session. Encourage the student to refer back to the Anger and Calm cards when talking about triggers and calming strategies.

Trigger Tracker Worksheet

Use this worksheet during the Trigger Tracking step to notice your anger and learn from it. Think back to your action-figure role-play (or any time you feel angry) and fill in the chart.

After completing the chart, answer:

1. Which detail was easiest to notice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Which detail was hardest to notice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What is one strategy you can use next time to help calm yourself?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Calming Strategy Chart

Use this chart during the Calming Strategy Practice step to try different ways to help your body and mind feel calm. For each strategy:

1. Read the steps in the How to Do It column.
2. Practice the strategy when you feel angry or upset.
3. In the How Did It Feel? column, write or draw what happened in your body or mind.
4. In the Would You Use It Again? column, circle Yes or No.

2. Repeat it quietly 5 times. |
   
   
   
   | Yes / No
   
   |
   | Other Strategy: __________ | Describe and practice your own idea: |
   
   
   
   | Yes / No
   
   |

Reflection:

1. Which strategy helped you the most?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. When will you choose to use your “Hero Calm Strategy”?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Keep this chart handy and try these strategies anytime you feel angry or upset. You are your own Action Hero of Calm!

Parent Handout: Hero Calm at Home

Help your child become an “Action Hero of Calm” by practicing anger-management strategies at home. This guide offers simple tips, fun activities, and resources to reinforce skills learned during the session.

Why This Matters

• Children who learn to identify and manage anger feel more confident and in control.
• Practicing at home builds consistency and turns skills into lifelong habits.

1. Talk About Anger Like a Hero

• Encourage your child to name their feelings (e.g., “I feel angry”).
• Use everyday moments (a disagreement with a sibling, missing the bus) as talking points.
• Ask: “What did your Action Hero feel in their body?” (tight fists, fast heartbeat).

2. Role-Play with Action Figures

• Let your child pick an action figure to represent them and another for the “trigger” (e.g., a toy taken).
• Act out a short scene, pausing when the hero feels angry.
• Prompt questions:
  • “What made the hero mad?”
  • “What could the hero do instead of yelling?”
• Celebrate creative, calm solutions (hero takes deep breaths, uses words).

3. Keep an Anger Journal

• After a rough moment, invite your child to draw or write:
  1. What happened?
     
     
     
  2. How did it feel? (heart racing, face hot)
     
     
     
  3. What calm strategy did you try? (deep breathing, counting back)
     
     
     
• Reflect together: “Which idea helped the most?”

4. Practice Hero Calm Strategies Daily

• Pick one strategy each day: deep breathing, counting backwards, muscle relax, visualization, or a Hero Mantra (e.g., “I am a calm hero”).
• Schedule a 2-minute Hero Calm time after school or before bed:
  • Set a timer for 2 minutes.
  • Practice the strategy together.

5. Use Handy Resources

• Hero Emotion Cards: Talk through each emotion and share personal stories.
• Trigger Tracker Worksheet: Record real-life triggers and notice patterns.
• Calming Strategy Chart: Let your child try strategies and mark favorites.

Celebrate Calm Wins!

• Praise your child when they use a calm strategy, even in small moments.
• Create a “Hero Calm Wall” where they add a sticker or drawing each time they stay calm.
• Remind them: every hero practices to get stronger.

With your support and these fun tools, your child can master anger management and be their own Action Hero of Calm—anytime, anywhere!