Lesson Plan
Anger Arsenal Lesson Plan
By the end of this session, students will identify and rate their top anger triggers and learn three evidence-based coping strategies to manage anger.
Helping students recognize triggers and practice coping tools builds emotional self-awareness, improves peer relationships, and fosters a calmer classroom environment.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, worksheets, and role-play.
Materials
- Anger Triggers Worksheet, - Coping Strategies Cards, - Feelings Thermometer Poster, - Anger Reflection Sheets, - Whiteboard and Dry-Erase Markers, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Timer
Prep
Prepare Materials and Review Content
10 minutes
- Print one Anger Triggers Worksheet and one Anger Reflection Sheet per student
- Print or cut out Coping Strategies Cards
- Post the Feelings Thermometer Poster visibly on the wall
- Set up chart paper and markers for group discussion
- Review CBT principles on anger triggers and coping strategies
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet students and explain the goal: learning to spot anger triggers and coping tools
- Point to the Feelings Thermometer Poster and model how anger levels rise
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to briefly share a situation that made them angry
Step 2
Identifying Anger Triggers
7 minutes
- Distribute Anger Triggers Worksheet
- Model completing one trigger example and rating it on the thermometer scale
- Students list 3–5 personal anger triggers and rate each 1–10
- Ask a few students to share one trigger and its rating with the group
Step 3
Introducing Coping Strategies
7 minutes
- Display Coping Strategies Cards and briefly explain each (e.g., deep breathing, counting to ten, taking a walk)
- Lead the group in a guided deep-breathing exercise
- Discuss which strategies might be most helpful at different anger levels
Step 4
Strategy Selection and Planning
8 minutes
- Hand out Anger Reflection Sheets
- Students choose two coping strategies to try and write a short plan: when and how to use them
- In pairs, role-play a mild triggering scenario and practice the chosen strategies
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Reflection
3 minutes
- Bring the group back together; invite students to share one key takeaway or plan
- Encourage them to use their strategies during the week and notice any changes
- Reinforce positive effort and remind them that self-awareness is a first step
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Anger Arsenal
• Identify your top anger triggers
• Learn three evidence-based coping strategies
• Create a personal plan to manage strong emotions
Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s focus: spotting anger triggers and learning ways to cool down. Outline session goals: identify triggers, learn strategies, build a plan.
Warm-Up: Feeling the Heat
• View the Feelings Thermometer Poster
• Recall a moment your anger spiked above 7
• Share a one-sentence description with the group
Point to the Feelings Thermometer Poster and model how anger rises on the scale. Encourage quick volunteer shares.
Spot Your Triggers
• Take your Anger Triggers Worksheet
• List 3–5 situations that make you angry
• Rate each trigger from 1 (low) to 10 (high)
Model filling out one trigger and rating it. Then hand out worksheets and circulate as students work.
Coping Strategies to Cool Down
• Review strategies on the Coping Strategies Cards:
– Deep breathing
– Counting to ten
– Taking a short walk
• Practice deep breathing together now
Display the Coping Strategies Cards. Briefly explain each, then guide a breathing exercise.
Plan & Practice
• Use your Anger Reflection Sheet
• Choose two strategies and write when/how you’ll use them
• Pair up and role-play a mild anger scenario using your strategies
Explain the reflection sheet. Encourage realistic, concrete plans. Monitor role-plays and prompt positive feedback.
Reflection & Next Steps
• Share one key takeaway or plan with the group
• Commit to using your chosen strategies this week
• Notice any changes in how you feel and interact
Invite a few students to share. Praise effort and remind them to practice during the week.
Worksheet
Anger Triggers Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ___________________
Instructions
Think about situations that make you feel angry. Below, list at least five personal anger triggers and rate each on a scale of 1 (low anger) to 10 (high anger) using the Feelings Thermometer Poster.
My Top Anger Triggers
- Situation: ____________________________________________ Rating (1-10): ___
- Situation: ____________________________________________ Rating (1-10): ___
- Situation: ____________________________________________ Rating (1-10): ___
- Situation: ____________________________________________ Rating (1-10): ___
- Situation: ____________________________________________ Rating (1-10): ___
Reflection Questions
-
Which trigger had the highest rating? Why do you think this situation upsets you so much?
-
When you experience this trigger, what physical sensations do you notice in your body?
-
What thoughts go through your mind when this happens? How do these thoughts influence how angry you feel?
-
How might noticing this trigger early help you choose a coping strategy?
Next Step: Use your answers here to fill out your Anger Reflection Sheets and plan two coping strategies to try.
Activity
Coping Strategies Cards
Use these cards to remind yourself of quick, evidence-based ways to cool down when anger rises. Each card describes one strategy and how to use it.
1. Deep Breathing
• Sit or stand comfortably.
• Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4.
• Hold your breath for 2 seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6.
• Repeat 3–5 times until you feel calmer.
2. Counting to Ten
• Pause and look around you.
• Slowly count from 1 to 10 out loud or in your head.
• Focus on each number and your breathing.
• Notice your body relax as you reach 10.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Find a quiet spot and sit down.
• Starting at your toes, tense each muscle group for 5 seconds.
• Release the tension and notice the difference.
• Move up through your legs, stomach, arms, and face.
4. Positive Self-Talk
• Notice negative thoughts (“I can’t handle this”).
• Pause and replace them with calm statements (“I’ve dealt with tough things before”).
• Repeat your positive phrase until you believe it.
5. Visualization
• Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful place (beach, forest, room).
• Picture the details: sights, sounds, smells.
• Breathe slowly and stay in the scene for 30 seconds.
6. Taking a Short Walk or Stretch
• Stand up and stretch your arms overhead.
• Take a 2-minute walk around the room or outside.
• Notice how moving your body can release tension.
When you feel your anger rising, choose one card and follow its steps. Practice these strategies regularly so they become easy to use in the moment!
Worksheet
Anger Reflection Sheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ___________________
Instructions
Think about two coping strategies you’d like to try from the Coping Strategies Cards. For each, plan when and how you will use it. Afterward, reflect on how it went.
Strategy 1
Name of Strategy: ________________________________________
When & Where will you use it?
Steps I will follow:
Strategy 2
Name of Strategy: ________________________________________
When & Where will you use it?
Steps I will follow:
Reflection Questions
-
Which strategy did you try first, and what happened?
-
How did using this strategy help you calm down?
-
If this situation happens again, what would you keep the same or change?
Next Steps: Keep this sheet somewhere you can see it. When you notice anger rising, check your plan and give your strategies a try!
Reading
Feelings Thermometer Poster
Use this thermometer to notice how intense your anger feels. Point to or circle the number that matches your current feeling. The higher you go, the hotter and stronger your anger.
10 – 🔥 Exploding! “I feel completely out of control. I might yell, scream, or break something.”
9 – 😡 Raging “My face is red, my heart pounds, and I want to lash out.”
8 – 😠 Very Angry “I’m so mad I can’t focus on anything else.”
7 – 😤 Getting Angry “My thoughts race and my body feels tight.”
6 – 😕 Frustrated “I feel annoyed, and small things are bothering me.”
5 – 😐 Irritated “I’m not happy, but I’m not ready to explode.”
4 – 🙂 Uneasy “I feel a little off or bothered.”
3 – 😊 Calm-ish “I feel mostly calm with a tiny bit of tension.”
2 – 😌 Calm “I’m relaxed and in control.”
1 – ❄️ Very Calm “I feel peaceful and chill.”
Place this poster where everyone can see it. During the lesson, use it to:
• Point out your current anger level.
• Recognize early signs of rising anger.
• Choose the right coping strategy for your level.
Keep this visible as a reminder: noticing your anger early helps you use the right tools to cool down!