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All the Feels About Starting Somewhere New

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Lesson Plan

All the Feels About Starting Somewhere New

Students will be able to name at least two feelings associated with moving to a new school and identify one positive coping strategy.

Starting somewhere new can bring up many different emotions. This lesson helps students understand that these feelings are normal and provides them with tools to navigate transitions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

Audience

Upper Elementary Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Discussion, activity, and reflection.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Opening Circle: Feelings Check-in

5 minutes

  1. Begin with a brief opening circle. Ask students to share one feeling they have today, using a thumbs up/down/sideways to indicate how they generally feel about new experiences. (Slide 2)
    2. Introduce the lesson by stating that today we'll talk about 'All the Feels About Starting Somewhere New.'

Step 2

Story or Scenario about Change

5 minutes

  1. Present a short, relatable scenario about a child moving to a new school. (Slide 3)
    2. Ask students: "How do you think [character's name] might be feeling?" Encourage them to think beyond 'happy' or 'sad.'

Step 3

Group Discussion on Emotions

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Feelings Wheel Worksheet. (Slide 4)
    2. Explain how to use the Feelings Wheel to identify a wider range of emotions. Discuss some feelings that might come up when starting somewhere new (e.g., excited, nervous, curious, scared, proud).
    3. Normalize these feelings, emphasizing that it's okay to feel many things at once. (Slide 5)

Step 4

Coping Strategies Brainstorm & Activity

3 minutes

  1. Lead a quick brainstorm: "What are some things we can do when we feel big emotions?" (Slide 6)
    2. Introduce the idea of a 'coping skills toolbox.' Distribute materials for the "My Coping Skills Toolbox" Activity. Briefly explain the activity where students draw or write one coping skill they can use. (Slide 7)

Step 5

Closing Reflection

2 minutes

  1. Ask students to share one coping strategy they put in their toolbox. (Slide 8)
    2. Conclude by reiterating that change is a part of life and having coping skills helps us manage our feelings. Thank students for sharing and listening.
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Slide Deck

All the Feels About Starting Somewhere New!

How are you feeling today?
(Thumbs up = great, Thumbs down = not so great, Thumbs sideways = okay)

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Explain that today we'll talk about feelings.

New Places, New Feelings

Have you ever started somewhere new? Like a new class, a new club, or maybe even moved houses?

Introduce the idea that new places, like a new school, can bring lots of feelings. Ask students to think about what it might feel like.

Meet Leo!

Leo is starting at a brand new school next week. He doesn't know anyone there yet.

How do you think Leo might be feeling?

Present a short, simple scenario. For example: "Meet Leo. Leo is starting at a brand new school next week. He doesn't know anyone there yet."

What's the Feeling?

Sometimes it's hard to name how we feel.
The Feelings Wheel can help!

Introduce the Feelings Wheel. Explain that it helps us find words for our emotions. Encourage students to look at their Feelings Wheel Worksheet as you discuss.

It's Okay to Feel All The Feels!

When we start somewhere new, we might feel:

  • Excited (yay! new friends!)
  • Nervous (what if... ?)
  • Curious (what will it be like?)
  • Scared (I miss my old school.)

It's totally normal to feel more than one thing at a time!

Discuss a few feelings relevant to starting a new school, e.g., 'nervous' (from scared), 'curious' (from happy/excited), 'anxious' (from scared). Emphasize that it's normal to have many different feelings.

What Can We Do?

When we have big feelings, what are some healthy ways we can cope?

Transition to coping strategies. Ask students to brainstorm ideas before showing the next slide. Encourage them to think of healthy ways to handle tough feelings.

Your Coping Skills Toolbox

Just like a carpenter has tools, we can have a toolbox of coping skills!

This toolbox helps us with our feelings.

Think of one skill you can use when you feel nervous or scared, and put it in your toolbox! (Activity Link)

Explain the concept of a 'coping skills toolbox.' Introduce the "My Coping Skills Toolbox" Activity.

Ready for Anything!

Change can be challenging, but with our coping skills, we can handle it!

What's one coping skill you added to your toolbox today?

Conclude by having a few students share their coping skills. Reinforce the main message about change and coping.

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Worksheet

My Feelings Wheel Worksheet

Starting somewhere new can bring many different feelings. Use the feelings wheel below to help you identify how you might feel.


Instructions:

  1. Look at the Feelings Wheel. The inner circle has basic emotions, and the outer circles have more specific feelings.
  2. In the spaces below, list at least two feelings you might have if you were starting a new school. Try to pick feelings beyond just "happy" or "sad."
  3. For each feeling, write a short sentence explaining why you might feel that way.

Feelings Wheel (Example - you can draw your own or glue one here)

(Imagine a simple feelings wheel illustration here, with core emotions like Sad, Mad, Scared, Joyful, Powerful, Peaceful in the center, branching out to more specific emotions like Lonely, Angry, Anxious, Excited, Confident, Calm.)


My Feelings:

  1. Feeling:



    Why I might feel this way:





  2. Feeling:



    Why I might feel this way:





  3. Feeling (Optional):



    Why I might feel this way:





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Activity

My Coping Skills Toolbox

When we have big feelings, it helps to have a plan! Your coping skills toolbox is full of strategies you can use to feel better or to manage tough emotions.


Instructions:

  1. Think about what helps you when you feel nervous, worried, or even super excited!
  2. On the toolbox below, draw or write one coping skill that you can use when you start somewhere new or have big feelings.
  3. Be ready to share your coping skill with the class!

My Coping Skills Toolbox

(Imagine a simple outline of a toolbox here, perhaps with a lid and handle, ready for students to fill in.)













Some ideas for coping skills (you can use one of these or think of your own!):

  • Taking a few deep breaths
  • Talking to a trusted adult
  • Drawing or coloring
  • Listening to music
  • Playing outside
  • Reading a book
  • Thinking positive thoughts
  • Asking for help
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