Lesson Plan
Anger Busters Lesson Plan
In this 30-minute lesson, 3rd graders will learn to identify anger triggers, practice mindful breathing, gauge anger intensity with an anger thermometer, and select calming strategies from coping cards to manage their emotions effectively.
Building anger management skills supports emotional regulation, reduces classroom disruptions, fosters positive peer interactions, and helps students make better choices when upset.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive modeling, hands-on practice, and group discussion.
Materials
Anger Thermometer Poster, - Calm-Down Strategy Cards, - Breathing Technique Script, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and laminate the Anger Thermometer Poster and display it at the front of the circle
- Print, cut, and shuffle the Calm-Down Strategy Cards
- Review the Breathing Technique Script to lead the class through mindful breathing
- Have a timer or stopwatch ready to keep each activity on track
- Arrange seating in a circle to promote sharing and eye contact
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and introduce the lesson’s goal: learning ways to calm down when angry
- Conduct a quick emotional check-in: “On a scale of 1 to 5, how calm or upset do you feel right now?”
- Explain that anger is normal but we need tools to handle it safely
Step 2
Mindful Breathing Exercise
8 minutes
- Explain that breathing can help our bodies feel calm
- Use the Breathing Technique Script to model “balloon breathing”: inhale to fill your belly, exhale to deflate
- Practice together for 5 cycles, cueing “inhale… exhale…” slowly
- Ask students how their bodies feel after the practice
Step 3
Anger Thermometer Exploration
7 minutes
- Display the Anger Thermometer Poster showing levels 1 (calm) to 5 (very angry)
- Describe each level with examples (e.g., level 3: frustrated stomp)
- Invite volunteers to share a time they felt at each level and what happened next
- Emphasize that noticing the level early helps us choose a coping tool
Step 4
Coping Strategy Card Practice
7 minutes
- Give each student a Calm-Down Strategy Card
- Read a few card examples aloud (e.g., count to ten, stretch like a tree)
- Students silently practice their strategy for 1 minute
- Pair-share: “How did your body feel after using this strategy?”
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Reflection
3 minutes
- Recap the breathing technique, thermometer levels, and strategy cards
- Ask each student to set a goal: “Next time I notice I’m at level ___, I will _______.”
- Praise effort and remind them these tools are always available
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Slide Deck
Anger Busters
A fun 30-minute lesson on anger management for 3rd graders.
• Mindful breathing
• Anger thermometer
• Coping strategy cards
Welcome students! Introduce this 30-minute session: we’re learning simple ways to calm down when we feel angry. Explain we call this lesson “Anger Busters.”
Our Goals Today
- Notice when anger starts
- Practice balloon breathing
- Use our anger thermometer
- Pick a calm-down strategy
Review these learning goals with the class.
Balloon Breathing
• Sit tall and place hands on belly
• Inhale: feel your belly rise
• Exhale: feel your belly fall
Practice 5 slow cycles together!
Use the Breathing Technique Script to guide them. Model “balloon breathing”: inhale slowly to fill the belly, exhale to let out the air.
Anger Thermometer
Level 1: Calm 🟢
Level 2: Annoyed 🟡
Level 3: Frustrated 🟠
Level 4: Mad 🔴
Level 5: Very Angry 🔥
Notice early to choose a strategy!
Show the Anger Thermometer Poster. Explain each level with examples: Level 1 = calm, Level 3 = frustrated stomp, Level 5 = furious.
Coping Strategy Cards
Try one of these:
• Count to 10
• Stretch like a tree 🌳
• Draw a quick doodle ✏️
• Take a walk 🚶
Pick a card and get ready to practice!
Distribute the Calm-Down Strategy Cards. Read a few aloud to spark ideas.
Try It Out
- Practice your chosen strategy for 1 minute
- Turn to a partner and share:
“How did your body feel?”
Allow 1 minute of individual practice, then partner up for a quick share.
Wrap-Up & Reflection
• Recap: balloon breathing, thermometer, strategy cards
• Student goal: “Next time I’m at level ___, I will ___.”
Great job! Keep these tools handy.
Guide each student to set a personal goal. Reinforce that these tools are always available.
Activity
Anger Thermometer Poster
Use this poster to help students notice their anger level early and pick a calm-down strategy. Display it prominently for quick visual reference.
| Level | Color & Icon | Feeling | What You Might Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🟢 Green | Calm | Breathing steady, body relaxed |
| 2 | 🟡 Yellow | Annoyed | Small frown, slight sighs |
| 3 | 🟠 Orange | Frustrated | Tense shoulders, foot tapping or stomping |
| 4 | 🔴 Red | Mad | Clenched fists, raised voice |
| 5 | 🔥 Fire | Very Angry | Heart racing, feeling out of control |
Tip: Catch yourself at Level 2 or 3 and use a coping strategy before anger spikes!
Reminder: You can choose from breathing, stretching, drawing, walking, counting, or any card from the Calm-Down Strategy Cards when you notice your level rising.
Activity
Calm-Down Strategy Cards
Print, cut, and shuffle these cards. When you feel angry, pick one and practice the strategy.
| Card # | Strategy | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Count to Ten | Slowly count from 1️⃣ to 1️⃣0️⃣ in your mind |
| 2 | Balloon Blowing | Sit tall, take a deep breath in, then blow out like a balloon 🎈 |
| 3 | Stretch Like a Tree | Stand tall, reach arms up, sway gently like a tree 🌳 |
| 4 | Doodle Drawing | Grab paper & pencil and draw shapes or pictures ✏️ |
| 5 | Walk in Place | Take 10 slow steps in place, swinging your arms 🚶♂️ |
| 6 | Hug a Stuffed Animal | Find a soft toy and give it a big, comforting hug 🧸 |
| 7 | Squeeze a Stress Ball | Firmly squeeze and release a small ball or soft object 🏀 |
| 8 | Positive Self-Talk | Say out loud: “I can calm down,” or “I am in control.” 🗣️ |
Tip: Try one card for 1 minute, then notice how your body feels. If it helps, pick another card to keep you calm!
Script
Breathing Technique Script
Teacher: "Alright, friends! Let’s get ready to practice our balloon breathing."
Teacher: "First, sit up tall like a proud superhero. Plant both feet flat on the floor and rest your hands—one on your belly and one on your chest."
(pause to let students settle)
Teacher: "Now, imagine there’s a big, colorful balloon inside your belly. When we breathe in through our nose, we will fill up that balloon with air."
Teacher: "Ready? Let’s breathe in... through your nose... 1... 2... 3... feel your belly rise like a balloon filling up!"
Teacher: "Great job. Now breathe out slowly through your mouth... 1... 2... 3... watch the balloon gently deflate."
(pause for effect)
Teacher: "Let’s try that together four more times. I’ll say ‘inhale’ and ‘exhale,’ and you follow along."
- Teacher: "Inhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause)
Teacher: "Exhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause) - Teacher: "Inhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause)
Teacher: "Exhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause) - Teacher: "Inhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause)
Teacher: "Exhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause) - Teacher: "Inhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause)
Teacher: "Exhale... 1... 2... 3..." (pause)
Teacher: "Awesome! You all did balloon breathing so well."
Teacher: "Now, put your hands down and take a moment to notice how your body feels."
(pause for student reflection)
Teacher: "Who can share one thing they noticed? Maybe your heart felt calmer, or your shoulders relaxed. Raise your hand if you’d like to share."
(wait for responses)
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing! Remember, anytime you start to feel upset or angry, you can use balloon breathing to help calm your body and mind."
Teacher: "Great work! Let’s keep that breathing tool in our toolbox for the rest of our lesson."