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Anger Explorers

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Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will define anger in their own words, learn key feelings vocabulary, and share personal anger experiences to build rapport and understanding.

A shared understanding of anger and a common vocabulary helps students recognize and communicate emotions. Establishing norms and rapport creates a safe space for future skill-building.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Small Group Students with IEP Social-Emotional Needs

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, worksheet practice, and sharing using visuals and group activities.

Materials

Whiteboard and Markers, Anger Definition Anchor Chart, Feelings Vocabulary Cards, Session 1 Feelings Worksheet, Stress Ball or Fidget Toy, and Timer

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Group Norms

5 minutes

  • Greet students and invite them to sit in a circle
  • Introduce facilitator and session purpose
  • Co-create group norms (e.g., respect, listening, confidentiality) and record on whiteboard
  • Encourage each student to contribute one norm

Step 2

Defining Anger

8 minutes

  • Ask students ‘What is anger?’ and list responses on whiteboard
  • Present Anger Definition Anchor Chart
  • Read definition together: “Anger is a strong feeling you have when you think something unfair happened.”
  • Prompt students for real-life examples

Step 3

Feelings Vocabulary Building

8 minutes

  • Distribute Session 1 Feelings Worksheet
  • Introduce feelings vocabulary cards (e.g., frustrated, irritated, furious)
  • Students match vocabulary words to definitions on worksheet
  • Pair up to discuss matches, then share one example with group

Step 4

Personal Experience Sharing

7 minutes

  • Model sharing: “I felt angry when…”
  • Invite volunteers to share a recent experience of feeling angry
  • Use sentence stem charts if needed for support
  • Practice active listening: affirm and validate each speaker

Step 5

Cool Down

2 minutes

  • Lead a simple deep breathing exercise (inhale 3, exhale 3) for two rounds
  • Hand out stress balls or fidget toys for students to squeeze
  • Reinforce positive group effort and preview next session’s focus
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Activity

Anger Definition Chart

Heading: Anger

A strong feeling you have when you think something unfair happened.

Body Signals

  • Clenched fists
  • Tight chest
  • Faster heartbeat
  • Red or hot face

Examples of Anger

  • You lose a game you really wanted to win
  • Someone takes your pencil without asking
  • A friend breaks a promise

Why We Feel Angry

  • To protect ourselves from being hurt
  • To stand up when things feel unfair
  • Because our expectations weren’t met

Visual Cues & Tips

  • Use warm colors (reds, oranges) around the border
  • Draw simple flames or an angry face emoji next to the title
  • Leave space for students to add their own examples

Post this chart where everyone can see it during the session. It will help students recall the definition, notice their own physical signs of anger, and connect real-life examples.

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Worksheet

Session 1 Feelings Worksheet

Part 1: Match the Feelings Vocabulary

Draw a line or write the letter of the definition next to each feeling word.

  1. frustrated _______
  2. irritated _______
  3. furious _______
  4. annoyed _______
  5. upset _______
  6. angry _______

A. Feeling very mad, like you might explode
B. A little bothered or restless
C. Feeling blocked from reaching a goal
D. Feeling hurt or sad about something
E. Feeling somewhat bothered; small things get on your nerves
F. A strong feeling you have when something unfair happened







Part 2: Write Your Own Examples

Choose two of the words above. For each, write a sentence about a time you felt that way.

  1. Feeling word: ____________
    Sentence:






  1. Feeling word: ____________
    Sentence:






Part 3: Draw a Feeling

Pick one feeling word from Part 1 and draw a picture of a time you felt that way. Label your drawing with the feeling word.

Feeling: ____________

(Use the space below for your drawing.)












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Cool Down

Session 1 Cool Down

1. Deep Breathing (2 rounds)

  • Sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and hands resting in your lap.
  • Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 1–2–3.
  • Breathe out slowly through your mouth for a count of 1–2–3.
  • Repeat two full rounds, paying attention to how your body feels.

2. Reflection Prompt

Take a moment to think about what we learned today. You can write or draw your responses below.

  • One new feeling word I learned: ____________


  • A time I felt that feeling: ____________


  • How my body felt during deep breathing: ____________



3. Cool Tool

Pick up your stress ball or fidget toy. Squeeze it slowly as you recall a time when you can use breathing to calm down. If there’s time, share your plan with a partner.

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Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will identify their personal anger triggers and recognize physical body signals that indicate anger is building.

Recognizing triggers and body signals helps students anticipate anger and use coping skills before emotions escalate.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Small Group Students with IEP Social-Emotional Needs

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, worksheet, and body mapping.

Materials

Whiteboard and Markers, Anger Definition Anchor Chart, Session 2 Triggers Worksheet, Session 2 Body Signals Chart, Feelings Vocabulary Cards, Stress Ball or Fidget Toy, and Timer

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Recap

5 minutes

  • Greet students and review group norms
  • Revisit definition of anger on the Anger Definition Anchor Chart
  • Ask one student to share a feeling word learned last session

Step 2

Identify Triggers

10 minutes

  • Distribute Session 2 Triggers Worksheet
  • Define “trigger” as something that makes you feel angry
  • Students brainstorm and write 3 personal triggers
  • Invite volunteers to share one trigger with the group

Step 3

Body Signals Mapping

8 minutes

  • Show Session 2 Body Signals Chart
  • Discuss physical signs of anger (e.g., clenched fists, racing heart)
  • Students mark on their worksheet where they feel signals in their own bodies

Step 4

Pair Share

5 minutes

  • Pair students to share one trigger and one body signal they mapped
  • Practice active listening: partner repeats what they heard

Step 5

Cool Down

2 minutes

  • Lead two rounds of deep breathing (inhale 3, exhale 3)
  • Hand out stress balls; invite students to squeeze slowly
  • Praise effort and preview next session’s focus on coping skills
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Worksheet

Session 2 Triggers Worksheet

Part 1: List Your Triggers

Write three things that make you feel angry.

  1. Trigger: ________________________________



  1. Trigger: ________________________________



  1. Trigger: ________________________________



Part 2: Categorize Your Triggers

For each trigger above, write or circle which category fits best: School / Home / Friends / Other.

  1. Trigger 1: ________________ Category: ________________



  1. Trigger 2: ________________ Category: ________________



  1. Trigger 3: ________________ Category: ________________



Part 3: Rate the Intensity

Circle a number to show how strongly each trigger makes you feel angry. (1 = a little upset; 5 = very angry)

  1. Trigger 1: 1 2 3 4 5



  1. Trigger 2: 1 2 3 4 5



  1. Trigger 3: 1 2 3 4 5



Part 4: Body Signal Reflection

Choose one trigger above and write or draw how your body feels when that trigger happens. Label any body signals you notice.












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Activity

Session 2 Body Signals Chart

Physical Signs of Anger:

  • Clenched fists
  • Tight or clenched jaw
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Faster breathing
  • Flushed or warm face
  • Sweaty palms
  • Tense muscles (shoulders, neck)
  • Pacing or restlessness

Why Notice Your Body Signals?

Recognizing these signs early helps you choose a calm-down strategy before your anger grows too strong.

Visual Tips:

  • Draw a simple outline of a person and label where you feel each signal (heart, fists, jaw).
  • Use colors (e.g., red for racing heart, blue for tight muscles).
  • Leave blank spots for students to add any other signals they notice in themselves.

Post this chart where everyone can see it and refer back during activities and discussions.

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Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice three healthy coping strategies for anger (deep breathing, positive self-talk, and timeout) through interactive activities and apply them in real-life scenarios.

Teaching concrete coping skills empowers students to manage anger before it escalates, building self-regulation and confidence in social situations.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Small Group Students with IEP Social-Emotional Needs

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive games, guided practice, and worksheet reflection.

Materials

Whiteboard and Markers, Anger Definition Anchor Chart, Feelings Vocabulary Cards, Session 3 Coping Strategies Poster, Session 3 Coping Strategies Worksheet, Timer, and Stress Ball or Fidget Toy

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Review

5 minutes

  • Greet students and revisit group norms
  • Quick recap: ask a student to define anger using the Anger Definition Anchor Chart
  • Remind students of their body signals and triggers

Step 2

Introduce Coping Strategies

7 minutes

  • Present Session 3 Coping Strategies Poster
  • Explain each strategy:
    • Deep Breathing (inhale 4, exhale 4)
    • Positive Self-Talk (“I can handle this.”)
    • Timeout/Break (safe space to calm down)
  • Ask students to give examples of when each might help

Step 3

Coping Strategy Relay

8 minutes

  • Divide the group into two teams
  • Set up three stations, one per strategy, with visual prompts
  • Teams rotate on signal (use timer) and practice the strategy for 30 seconds
  • After each round, teams share how it felt

Step 4

Worksheet Application

7 minutes

  • Distribute Session 3 Coping Strategies Worksheet
  • Students choose one real or imagined scenario of anger and write which strategy they’d use and why
  • Invite volunteers to share their scenario and plan

Step 5

Cool Down

3 minutes

  • Lead a guided deep-breathing exercise (inhale 4, hold 2, exhale 4) for three rounds
  • Hand out stress balls; encourage students to squeeze as they recall a time to use deep breathing
  • Praise effort and preview next session’s focus on problem-solving skills
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Activity

Session 3 Coping Strategies Poster

1. Deep Breathing

• Sit comfortably with feet on the floor.

• Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4 (1–2–3–4).

• Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4 (1–2–3–4).

• Repeat 3–5 times.

(Visual: draw lungs expanding and contracting with arrows.)

2. Positive Self-Talk

• Think or say out loud: “I can handle this.”

• Replace negative thoughts (“I can’t do it”) with positive ones (“I will try my best”).

• Use a speech bubble or write affirmations on a sticky note.

(Visual: a stick figure with a speech bubble saying “I’ve got this!”.)

3. Timeout / Break

• Move to a pre-chosen safe spot (calm corner, quiet area).

• Use a timer (1–2 minutes) to notice your body signals.

• Return to the group when you feel ready and calm.

(Visual: a clock and a little bench or cushion.)

Post this poster where everyone can see it. Refer back during practice and when deciding which strategy to use!

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Worksheet

Session 3 Coping Worksheet

Part 1: Think of an Anger Scenario

Describe a time (real or made-up) when you felt angry. Write what happened and how you felt.











Part 2: Choose a Coping Strategy

Circle one: Deep Breathing / Positive Self-Talk / Timeout

Why did you pick this strategy?







Part 3: Plan Your Steps

Write out the steps you will take to use this strategy in your scenario.

  1. Step 1: ________________________________


  1. Step 2: ________________________________


  1. Step 3: ________________________________


Part 4: Reflection

After using this strategy, how do you think your body and mind will feel?











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Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Students will learn a structured problem‐solving process to handle anger‐inducing situations and practice it collaboratively and individually.

Equipping students with clear steps to solve conflicts supports self‐regulation and empowers them to manage anger constructively.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Small Group Students with IEP Social‐Emotional Needs

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Modeling, group activity, and worksheet practice.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Recap

5 minutes

  • Greet students and revisit group norms
  • Ask a volunteer to define anger using the Anger Definition Anchor Chart
  • Quick review: name one coping strategy learned last session

Step 2

Introduce Problem-Solving Steps

7 minutes

  • Present Session 4 Problem-Solving Steps Poster
  • Explain each step:
    1. Stop & Breathe
    2. Identify the Problem
    3. Brainstorm Solutions
    4. Choose & Plan
    5. Try & Reflect
  • Model through a simple scenario: “Lost pencil”

Step 3

Group Problem-Solving Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into two small teams
  • Give each team a different anger scenario card (e.g., teased by peer, unfair chore)
  • Teams use the poster to walk through each step aloud and record their plan
  • Each team shares one step they found most helpful

Step 4

Worksheet Practice

5 minutes

  • Distribute Session 4 Problem-Solving Worksheet
  • Students choose a real or made-up scenario and complete all five steps in writing
  • Invite one or two volunteers to share their plans

Step 5

Cool Down

3 minutes

  • Lead two rounds of deep breathing (inhale 4, exhale 4)
  • Hand out stress balls; invite students to squeeze as they recall the “Stop & Breathe” step
  • Praise effort and preview next session’s focus on reflecting and tracking progress
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Activity

Session 4 Problem-Solving Steps Poster

1. Stop & Breathe

• Pause and take a slow breath (inhale 4, exhale 4).

• Calm your body before you think.

2. Identify the Problem

• Ask yourself: “What exactly made me angry?”

• Describe the situation in one sentence.

3. Brainstorm Solutions

• Think of at least 3 ways to solve or improve the situation.

• Write or draw your ideas without judging them.

4. Choose & Plan

• Pick the best solution from your list.

• Plan out the steps you will take: Step 1, Step 2, Step 3.

5. Try & Reflect

• Put your plan into action.

• Later, ask yourself: “Did it help me feel calmer? What did I learn?”

Visual Tips:

  • Draw a stop sign next to Step 1.
  • Use a magnifying glass icon for Step 2.
  • Sketch lightbulbs next to Step 3.
  • Show a checklist for Step 4.
  • Use a thought bubble for Step 5.

Post this poster at eye level and refer back during group problem‐solving activities!

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Worksheet

Session 4 Problem-Solving Worksheet

Part 1: Describe an Anger Situation

Write a real or made-up situation that made you feel angry.












Part 2: Stop & Breathe

Pause and take a slow breath (inhale 4, exhale 4). How did your body feel afterward?





Part 3: Identify the Problem

What exactly made you angry? Write one clear sentence.





Part 4: Brainstorm Solutions

List at least three ways you could solve or improve this situation.











Part 5: Choose & Plan

Circle the number of the solution you will use (1 / 2 / 3) and then write out your steps.

Chosen solution: ________

Step 1: ________________________________



Step 2: ________________________________



Step 3: ________________________________




Part 6: Try & Reflect

After you put your plan into action, how did you feel? What did you learn from using these steps?











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Lesson Plan

Session 5 Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their learning, track their progress in understanding and managing anger, and celebrate growth while planning continued use of skills.

Reviewing progress and celebrating successes reinforces learning, boosts confidence, and motivates students to apply skills beyond the group.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Small Group Students with IEP Social-Emotional Needs

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Reflection, charting growth, and celebration activities.

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Recap

5 minutes

  • Greet students and review group norms
  • Ask one volunteer to define anger or share a favorite coping strategy from earlier sessions
  • Highlight how far the group has come since Session 1

Step 2

Reflection & Portfolio Review

10 minutes

  • Distribute Session 5 Reflection Worksheet
  • Students complete prompts about their biggest “aha” moments, most-used strategies, and challenges overcome
  • Pair up to share one insight with a partner
  • Encourage active listening and positive feedback

Step 3

Progress Tracking Activity

8 minutes

  • Display Session 5 Progress Tracking Chart
  • Guide students to plot or note their growth in three areas: vocabulary, trigger recognition, and coping use
  • Invite each student to add their name and a sticker or dot to the chart

Step 4

Celebration & Future Planning

5 minutes

  • Hand out Session 5 Celebration Certificate
  • Students write one personal goal for applying anger-management skills in the coming weeks
  • Share goals in the group and receive applause or encouragement

Step 5

Cool Down

2 minutes

  • Lead one round of deep breathing (inhale 4, exhale 4)
  • Distribute stress balls; squeeze slowly while reflecting on progress
  • Close with a group affirmation: “We can handle our anger together!”
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Worksheet

Session 5 Reflection Worksheet

Part 1: Biggest “Aha” Moment

What is one new insight or “aha” you had about anger or yourself during our sessions?







Part 2: My Favorite Strategy

Which coping strategy did you use most often? Why did it help you?







Part 3: Challenge & Growth

Think of a moment when you felt angry. Describe the challenge you faced and how you used what you learned to handle it.












Part 4: Looking Ahead

What is one goal you have for using your anger-management skills in the coming weeks?











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Activity

Session 5 Progress Tracking Chart

How to Use:

  1. At the start, write your name under Participant (or add your own row).
  2. For each area, place a sticker or dot under the column (1–5) that best shows how much you’ve grown.
    • 1 = Just starting
    • 5 = I feel I’ve really mastered it
Participant1 (Just Starting)2345 (Mastered)
Vocabulary Knowledge
Trigger Recognition
Coping Strategies Use

As each student adds their dot, watch our group’s progress light up!

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Activity

Session 5 Celebration Certificate

**This Certificate is Proud

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