Lesson Plan
Anger Check-In
Students will be able to identify and articulate different levels of their anger using a visual scale, and recognize physical and emotional cues associated with these levels.
Understanding and measuring anger is crucial for developing healthy coping mechanisms. This lesson helps boys gain self-awareness, allowing them to better manage their emotions and prevent escalation.
Audience
Middle School Boys
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aid, and a practical game to reinforce anger measurement.
Materials
Whiteboard or Chart Paper, Markers, Anger Scale Slide Deck, and Anger Thermometer Game
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Anger Scale Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Prepare the whiteboard or chart paper for drawing an anger scale.
- Print or prepare the materials for the Anger Thermometer Game.
- Ensure a quiet space for the small group discussion.
Step 1
Introduction: What is Anger?
5 minutes
- Begin with a quick check-in: "What are some feelings you've experienced recently?"
- Introduce the topic: "Today we're going to talk about anger – a strong emotion everyone feels. It's not bad to feel angry, but it's important to understand how angry we are and what to do about it."
- Display the first slide of the Anger Scale Slide Deck.
Step 2
The Anger Scale
10 minutes
- "Just like a thermometer measures temperature, we can create an 'anger thermometer' to measure how angry we feel."
- Using the Anger Scale Slide Deck, guide students to collaboratively create an anger scale from 1 (calm) to 5 (boiling point) on the whiteboard/chart paper.
- For each level, ask: "What does a 'Level 2' anger feel like in your body? What thoughts might you have? What might you do?" Encourage specific examples (e.g., tight jaw, fast heart, clenching fists).
- Emphasize that different people experience anger differently, and there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers.
Step 3
Anger Thermometer Game
10 minutes
- Introduce the Anger Thermometer Game.
- Explain the rules and guide the students through a few scenarios. "Let's play a game where we practice identifying anger levels. I'll describe a situation, and you tell me what number on our anger scale you think you'd be at, and why."
- Facilitate discussion after each scenario, encouraging students to explain their reasoning and consider different perspectives.
Step 4
Wrap-Up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Ask students: "What's one thing you learned today about your anger or anger in general?"
- "How can knowing your anger level help you?"
- Encourage them to try and notice their anger levels throughout the week and discuss next time.
Slide Deck
What's Your Anger Level?
Everyone feels angry sometimes.
It's a normal human emotion.
But how angry are you?
How do you know?
Welcome the students and ask them to share one feeling they've had recently, without judgment. Transition to discussing how anger is a normal emotion.
The Anger Thermometer
Imagine your anger is like a thermometer.
It can go from cool to boiling.
Let's create our own scale to understand it better!
Explain that anger isn't 'good' or 'bad,' but understanding its intensity helps us manage it. Introduce the idea of an 'anger thermometer.' Draw a simple thermometer on the board or chart paper.
Level 1: Calm & Cool
- Feeling: Relaxed, peaceful, everything is okay.
- Body: Normal breathing, muscles are loose.
- Thoughts: Clear, positive, easy-going.
- Actions: Listening, smiling, enjoying.
Guide the discussion for each level. Encourage students to describe physical sensations (e.g., tight muscles, rapid breathing), thoughts (e.g., 'This isn't fair,' 'I'm going to explode'), and potential actions (e.g., walking away, yelling, hitting). Emphasize that responses vary individually.
Level 2: A Little Annoyed
- Feeling: A small irritation, something is bothering you.
- Body: Maybe a slight tension, a sigh.
- Thoughts: "This is a bit annoying," "I wish this would stop."
- Actions: Frowning, maybe a quiet complaint.
Continue to guide the discussion, focusing on the subtle shifts in physical and emotional responses as anger increases. Prompt for examples of minor annoyances.
Level 3: Frustrated & Irritated
- Feeling: Growing annoyance, things aren't going your way.
- Body: Jaw might clench a little, heart rate slightly up.
- Thoughts: "This is unfair!" "Why is this happening to me?"
- Actions: Complaining more loudly, sighing, restless.
At this level, students might start recognizing clearer physical signs of anger. Ask for examples of situations that might cause this level of anger.
Level 4: Really Angry!
- Feeling: Strong anger, feeling hot or tense.
- Body: Muscles tight, face red, fast breathing.
- Thoughts: "I'm so mad!" "I want to shout."
- Actions: Raising voice, pacing, getting agitated.
This is a critical point where anger is significant. Discuss the importance of noticing these signs and strategies before reaching Level 5. Ask for examples of how anger at this level might manifest.
Level 5: Boiling Point! (Out of Control)
- Feeling: Intense rage, feeling like you might explode.
- Body: Trembling, shaking, losing control.
- Thoughts: "I can't take this!" "I'm going to lose it!"
- Actions: Yelling, hitting, throwing things, saying hurtful things.
Emphasize that Level 5 is the 'loss of control' stage, where healthy decision-making is difficult. Highlight that the goal is to prevent reaching this stage by recognizing earlier levels. Ask what might happen if someone acts from Level 5.
Why is this important?
Knowing your anger level helps you:
- Understand your feelings.
- Recognize your body's signals.
- Choose healthy ways to respond before you reach the boiling point.
Conclude by reiterating the purpose of the scale: self-awareness for better management. Explain that the game will help them practice identifying these levels.
Game
Anger Thermometer Game
Objective: To help students identify and articulate different levels of anger in various scenarios.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or chart paper with the collaborative anger scale (from the lesson)
- Markers
Instructions:
- Review the Anger Scale: Before starting, quickly review the anger scale created during the lesson (Levels 1-5).
- Explain the Game: "I will read out a situation. Your task is to think about how angry you would feel in that situation and identify which level on our anger thermometer it would be for you. Then, share why you chose that level and what it might feel like in your body or what you might want to do."
- Scenario Rounds: Read one scenario at a time. After each scenario, ask individual students or have a brief group discussion about their chosen anger level and reasoning.
- Facilitate Discussion: Encourage students to justify their answers. Prompt them with questions like:
- "What makes you feel that level of anger in this situation?"
- "What physical feelings would you notice?"
- "What thoughts might you be having?"
- "What would be a helpful way to respond at that level?"
- "Would anyone feel a different level? Why?"
- Emphasize Individuality: Remind students that there are no right or wrong answers, as everyone experiences emotions differently. The goal is self-awareness.
Game Scenarios:
Scenario 1:
You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates keeps interrupting you and taking over your ideas.
Scenario 2:
You come home from school, excited to play your favorite video game, but your younger sibling is already playing it and won't let you have a turn, even though it's your designated time.
Scenario 3:
You just finished building an amazing Lego creation, and someone accidentally knocks it over and breaks it into many pieces.
Scenario 4:
You are playing basketball, and a player on the other team constantly fouls you without the referee calling anything.
Scenario 5:
You accidentally spill your drink all over your homework right before you need to turn it in.
Scenario 6 (Personal Scenario - Optional):
"Think about a time recently when you felt a little angry or frustrated. What happened, and what level on our thermometer would you say your anger was at? (Only share if you feel comfortable.)"
Scenario 7:
You've been looking forward to a special treat all day, but when you get home, someone else has eaten it all.
Scenario 8:
A friend borrowed your favorite jacket and returned it stained and ripped, without telling you.
Scenario 9:
You are trying to explain something important to an adult, but they keep interrupting you and not listening.