Lesson Plan
Anger Adventure Lesson Plan
Students will identify bodily signs and triggers of anger and practice simple calming strategies to manage big emotions.
Early anger-management skills promote self-regulation, reduce tantrums, and help first graders express feelings in healthy, constructive ways.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Hands-on activities and guided reflection
Materials
- Anger Detection Cards, - Calming Techniques Visual, - Anger Adventure Reflection Sheet, and - Feelings Chart (printed)
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print and cut out the Anger Detection Cards.
- Print the Calming Techniques Visual and laminate if possible.
- Print several copies of the Anger Adventure Reflection Sheet.
- Review each material to familiarize yourself with the activities.
- Set up a calm corner with pillows or soft seating for body-scan and breathing exercises.
Step 1
Welcome & Emotions Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Greet the student and establish a safe, supportive atmosphere.
- Show the Feelings Chart and ask: “Which face describes how you feel right now?”
- Encourage the student to point out the anger face and name situations when they’ve felt that way.
- Explain that today’s adventure is all about understanding and managing anger.
Step 2
What Is Anger? Discussion & Chart
15 minutes
- Define anger in simple terms: “Anger is a strong feeling we get when something feels wrong.”
- Use the Anger Detection Cards to show pictures of people feeling angry in different scenarios.
- Ask the student to share times they felt like the cards.
- Chart the student’s triggers on paper (e.g., “When I can’t find my toy”).
Step 3
Body Scanning Exercise
15 minutes
- Explain that anger can show up in our bodies (e.g., tight hands, fast heartbeat).
- Guide the student through a slow head-to-toe body scan: “Notice if your shoulders are tight, your jaw is clenched.”
- Encourage the student to describe any feelings or sensations they notice.
Step 4
Calming Techniques Practice
20 minutes
- Introduce breathing and relaxing methods using the Calming Techniques Visual.
- Model “bubble breathing”: take a deep breath in, hold, then blow out slowly as if blowing bubbles.
- Practice counting to five when feeling upset.
- Role-play a small angry moment and have the student use a chosen technique.
Step 5
Reflection & Goal Setting
20 minutes
- Give the student an Anger Adventure Reflection Sheet.
- Ask them to draw or write one thing that makes them angry and one strategy they will use next time.
- Help the student set a simple goal, e.g., “If I feel angry, I will take three deep breaths.”
- Praise their ideas and encourage honesty.
Step 6
Closing & Next Steps
10 minutes
- Review the key points: triggers, body clues, and calming tools.
- Offer positive reinforcement: “You did great exploring your anger adventure today!”
- Explain that they can use these tools anytime they feel upset.
- Store materials in the calm corner for future practice.
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Slide Deck
Anger Adventure
Welcome!
Today we'll learn about the feeling of anger and explore cool ways to manage it.
Greet the student warmly. Explain that today is an adventure all about learning what anger is and how to handle it in a healthy way. Encourage a positive, safe space.
Emotions Warm-Up
• Look at the Feelings Chart
• Which face shows how you feel?
• Can you find the “angry” face?
Show the printed Feelings Chart. Ask the student to point at a face that matches their current feeling. Highlight the angry face and ask when they’ve felt that way.
What Is Anger?
Anger is a strong feeling we get when something feels wrong or unfair.
Define anger in simple terms. Pull out the Anger Detection Cards and show a few pictures. Ask the student to tell a story when they felt like the person in the card.
My Anger Triggers
Things that might make me angry:
• ____________
• ____________
(Let’s fill these in together!)
On a piece of paper, write down the student’s triggers as they name them (e.g., losing a toy). Leave blank lines so they can fill in their own later.
Body Clues
When I get angry, I might notice:
• Tight hands
• Fast heartbeat
• Clenched jaw
Lead a slow head-to-toe body scan. Prompt: “Notice your shoulders. Are they tight? Check your hands: are they clenched?” Encourage description of sensations.
Calming Tools
• Bubble Breathing: inhale, hold, exhale slowly
• Counting to 5
(See the [Calming Techniques Visual])
Show the Calming Techniques Visual. Model bubble breathing: inhale, hold, exhale like blowing a bubble. Practice counting to five. Role-play a small upset moment.
My Anger Plan
On your [Anger Adventure Reflection Sheet]:
• Draw one thing that makes you angry
• Draw or write one way you will calm down next time
Give the student the Anger Adventure Reflection Sheet. Ask them to draw their trigger and choose one strategy to use next time. Help them write a simple goal.
Next Steps
• Remember your triggers and body clues
• Use your calming tools anytime
• Practice in our calm corner!
Review the student’s drawings and strategies. Praise their effort and honesty. Encourage them to practice anytime they feel upset and to visit the calm corner when needed.
Worksheet
Anger Adventure Reflection Sheet
Today you’re the explorer! Use this sheet to think about what makes you feel angry and pick a cool way to calm down.
1. Draw or Write: My Anger Trigger
What is one thing that makes me feel angry?
2. Draw or Write: My Calming Strategy
Choose one way to help yourself feel better next time. You can use the Calming Techniques Visual for ideas.
3. My Anger Plan
Write a simple goal to follow when you feel angry.
For example: “If I feel angry, I will take three deep breaths.”
My plan: “If I feel angry, I will _______________________________________________________.”
Great job! Keep this sheet in your calm corner and use it whenever you need to on your next Anger Adventure.
Activity
Body Scan Game
Purpose: Help the student notice where anger shows up in their body using a fun, interactive “Simon Says” style game.
Materials: None (just your body and listening ears!)
How to Play
- Explain the rules: We’ll play “Simon Says” but instead of movements, Simon will ask us to check different body parts for feelings. Only do it when Simon says.
- Have the student sit or stand comfortably. You (as Simon) call out prompts like:
- “Simon says check your head. Do you feel any tightness or heat?”
- “Simon says check your shoulders. Can you wiggle them and notice if they feel heavy?”
- “Simon says check your jaw. Is it relaxed or clamped?”
- (Occasionally throw in a prompt without “Simon says” to keep it playful and attentive.)
- After each valid prompt, ask the student to describe what they notice (e.g., “My shoulders feel tight,” or “My jaw is relaxed”).
- Continue for 6–8 different body spots: temples, eyebrows, chest, belly, fists, knees, feet.
What to Notice
- Which spots felt different?
- Did anything feel hot, tight, fluttery, or heavy?
- Which sensation surprised you the most?
Follow-Up Questions
- When you think about a time you were angry, where do you remember feeling something in your body?
- How could you use this game when you start to feel upset at home or school?
Tip for Teacher: Praise the student for careful listening and honest descriptions. Emphasize that noticing these body clues is the first step to calming down.