Teacher Script: Anger Architects

Session 1: Understanding Anger's Blueprint

Teacher: "Welcome, Anger Architects! I'm so glad you're here. In this group, we're going to become experts at understanding and managing a very important feeling: anger. Has anyone ever felt angry before? (Pause for responses). Of course! Everyone feels angry sometimes, and that's totally okay. Anger is a normal human emotion, just like happiness or sadness."

"Our goal in this group is to build our own 'Cool Head Toolkit' – a collection of strategies we can use when anger starts to get too big. Think of yourselves as architects, designing the best ways to keep calm. This is a safe space to share your feelings and learn new skills, so there's no right or wrong answer, just honest sharing."

Teacher: "Let's start by thinking about what anger feels like in our bodies. When you get angry, where do you feel it? Does your face get hot? Do your muscles feel tight? Does your heart beat fast? Let's do a quick 'Body Scan'. Close your eyes if you feel comfortable, or just look down at your hands. Take a deep breath in... and out."

"Now, think about a time you felt a little bit angry. Not super angry, just a little. Where did you feel that feeling in your body? Did you notice anything in your head? Your shoulders? Your stomach? Just notice what you feel, without judgment."

(After a minute or so)

Teacher: "Open your eyes. Who would like to share where they noticed anger in their body?" (Facilitate discussion, validating all responses. Write down common responses on a whiteboard, e.g., 'hot ears,' 'tight stomach,' 'clenched hands').

"Great job recognizing your body's 'alarm system'! Knowing these signs is the first step to becoming an Anger Architect!"

Session 2: My Anger Triggers

Teacher: "Welcome back, Anger Architects! Last week, we talked about how anger feels in our bodies. Today, we're going to explore what causes our anger. We call these 'anger triggers' – like something that 'triggers' or sets off your anger. Think of it like a domino effect – one thing happens, and it can trigger your anger."

"For example, maybe being teased by a sibling is an anger trigger for some. Or perhaps losing a game they really wanted to win. These are things that can 'push our buttons.'"

Teacher: "I'm going to give you a My Anger Triggers Worksheet. On this worksheet, I want you to draw or write about some things that make you feel angry. Remember, this is about your triggers, and everyone's are different. We'll keep these in our 'Cool Head Toolkit' folders."

(Distribute My Anger Triggers Worksheet. Provide support and prompts as students work. Allow 15-20 minutes for this activity).

Teacher: "Who would like to share one or two things they identified as an anger trigger? Remember, we're sharing to help each other understand, not to judge."

(Facilitate discussion, normalizing different triggers and emphasizing that it's normal to have them).

Session 3: Anger Thermometer & Zone Check

Teacher: "Hello, Anger Architects! Today we're going to think about how big or small our anger feels. Sometimes anger is just a little spark, and other times it feels like a giant fire. We're going to use an 'Anger Thermometer' to help us understand this."

(Display Anger Architects Slide Deck Slide 4, the Anger Thermometer).

Teacher: "Look at our Anger Thermometer. A '1' means you're just a little bit annoyed, like someone accidentally bumped into you. A '5' means you're really, really angry, like you want to shout or throw something. What might a '2' or '3' or '4' feel like?"

(Discuss each level, providing examples and asking students for their own examples).

Teacher: "Now I'm giving you an Anger Thermometer Worksheet. I want you to think of two different situations where you felt angry. First, rate your anger on the thermometer. Then, describe how your body felt at that level of anger."

(Distribute Anger Thermometer Worksheet. Provide support and prompts. Allow 15 minutes).

Teacher: "Let's share. Can anyone give an example of a '1' anger situation, and how their body felt? How about a '3'? This helps us understand ourselves and each other better."

Session 4: Calm Down Crew: Breathing & Body Scans

Teacher: "Welcome back, Anger Architects! We've learned to identify anger and our triggers, and even how to measure its heat with our thermometer. Now, it's time to add some powerful tools to our 'Cool Head Toolkit' – our 'Calm Down Crew'!"

(Display Anger Architects Slide Deck Slide 5).

Teacher: "One of the best ways to cool down our anger is with our breath. Our breath is like a secret superpower! Let's try something called 'Balloon Breath.' Put one hand on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose, imagining you're filling a balloon in your belly – feel it rise! Then slowly breathe out through your mouth, letting all the air out of the balloon. Let's do it 3 times together."

(Lead 3-5 rounds of Balloon Breath. Provide positive reinforcement).

Teacher: "Another tool is a 'Body Scan for Calm.' This is similar to what we did in Session 1, but this time we're focusing on relaxing. Let's try it. Close your eyes or look down. Take a deep breath. Now, imagine a warm, calm feeling starting at your toes. Feel it slowly move up your legs, relaxing your muscles. Up to your tummy, your chest, your arms, your hands, your neck, and finally your head. Notice how calm you feel."

(Lead a 2-3 minute Body Scan. Afterwards, distribute Calm Down Strategies Worksheet).

Teacher: "On this worksheet, write or draw about how you felt during the Balloon Breath or the Body Scan. What felt good about it?"

(Allow 10-15 minutes for the worksheet).

Session 5: Thought Power! Changing My Thinking

Teacher: "Hello, Anger Architects! Today we're going to talk about something super powerful: our thoughts! Our thoughts can either make our anger bigger or help us calm down. Think of it like this: if you think 'That kid always tries to mess up my game!', you'll probably feel more angry than if you think 'Maybe that kid didn't see me, or just wants to play too.'"

(Display Anger Architects Slide Deck Slide 6).

Teacher: "We're going to practice 'Thought Power' – changing our angry or unhelpful thoughts into more calm and helpful thoughts. It's like being a detective for your own mind!"

(Provide 2-3 simple scenarios and model reframing. E.g., "Someone cut in front of me in line." Angry thought: "They did it on purpose!" Calm thought: "Maybe they didn't see me, or they're in a hurry.")

Teacher: "Now, I'm going to give you a Thought Power Journal. On this journal page, I want you to think about a situation that made you feel angry. First, write down the angry thought you had. Then, try to write a 'calm' or 'helpful' thought instead. It takes practice!"

(Distribute Thought Power Journal. Provide support. Allow 15-20 minutes).

Teacher: "Who would like to share their angry thought and their new 'thought power' thought? It's brave to share, and it helps us all learn!"

Session 6: Problem-Solving for Peace

Teacher: "Welcome back, Anger Architects! We've come so far! We know what anger feels like, what triggers it, how to measure it, and how to use our breath and thoughts to calm down. Today, we're going to put it all together and practice problem-solving when anger strikes."

Teacher: "Sometimes, even with our calm-down tools, we still need to figure out how to solve the problem that made us angry. This is where being a 'Problem-Solving Peace Builder' comes in handy!"

(Present 2-3 simple scenario cards. For each, lead a group discussion using the following steps):

1. What's the problem? (Identify the situation that led to anger).
2. How do I feel? (Connect back to the Anger Thermometer).
3. What calm-down tools can I use first? (Brainstorm breathing, breaks, thought power).
4. What are some solutions to the problem? (Brainstorm at least 3 solutions, e.g., 'Talk to the person,' 'Ask a teacher for help,' 'Walk away and play something else').
5. What's the best solution and why? (Discuss pros and cons of solutions).

Teacher: "I'm going to give each of you a small piece of Play-Doh or a stress ball. As we discuss these scenarios, you can squeeze it if you feel any tension or just to help you focus on calming down."

(Conduct the problem-solving activity with 2-3 scenarios. Encourage role-playing if students are comfortable).

Session 7: My Anger Management Tool Kit (Review & Practice)

Teacher: "Hello, amazing Anger Architects! This is our last session together, and you have built an incredible 'Cool Head Toolkit' filled with strategies to manage your anger. Today is all about reviewing and practicing our skills!"

Teacher: "Let's quickly review everything we've learned. Who can tell me:

• What is anger?
• Where do you feel anger in your body?
• What is an 'anger trigger'?
• What's one 'calm-down' strategy we learned?
• How can our thoughts help us with anger?"

(Facilitate a quick review using questions and referring back to previous worksheets or the Anger Architects Slide Deck as needed).

Teacher: "Now, let's play 'Anger Management Charades'! I have some scenario cards here. I'll pick one, read the scenario, and then you'll act out how you would use a calm-down strategy to handle the situation. No talking, just acting!"

(Play 'Anger Management Charades' for 15-20 minutes. Provide positive feedback and encourage thoughtful responses).

Teacher: "Fantastic job, everyone! You've all become true Anger Architects. Remember, these tools are always with you. When anger starts to build, you have the power to choose how you respond. Keep practicing your 'Cool Head Toolkit' at school and at home. I'm so proud of the progress you've all made!"