Teacher Script: Taming Your Temper

Introduction & Warm-Up (2 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today we're going to talk about an emotion that every single one of us feels, sometimes more often than we'd like. We're talking about anger!"

"To get us started, let's do a quick Warm-Up: Anger Check-In. I want you to privately think about a time recently when you felt a little bit annoyed, frustrated, or even really angry. You don't have to share the details, just think about what that feeling was like in your body. Did your face get hot? Did your fists clench? Did your heart race?"

"Alright, thank you for reflecting. We all experience anger, and that's perfectly normal."

Understanding Anger (5 minutes)

"Let's open up our Anger: Friend or Foe? Slide Deck." (Display Slide 1: Anger: Friend or Foe?)

"As the title suggests, anger can sometimes feel like a friend, and other times like a foe. What do I mean by that?"

(Display Slide 2: Anger as a 'Friend')

"Anger can actually be a 'friend' because it's a signal. It tells us when something is wrong, unfair, or when our boundaries have been crossed. For example, if someone keeps taking your things without asking, your anger might be telling you that you need to speak up and set a boundary. It can motivate us to make positive changes or stand up for ourselves and others. Can anyone think of a time when anger, or even just strong frustration, pushed them to solve a problem or make something better?"

(Display Slide 3: Anger as a 'Foe')

"But anger can also be a 'foe' if we let it control us. When anger isn't managed well, it can lead to shouting, saying hurtful things, or even doing something we regret. Think about what happens if you yell at a friend or lash out at your family. It can damage relationships, get us into trouble, and make us feel even worse in the long run. Has anyone ever said or done something out of anger that they later wished they hadn't?"

(Display Slide 4: What Are Your Anger Triggers?)

"So, what makes us angry? These are called triggers. Triggers can be external, meaning things outside of us, like someone teasing you, losing a game, or even a messy room. They can also be internal, like feeling misunderstood, being really hungry, or being super tired."

"Think about your own experiences. What are some common things that trigger anger for middle schoolers? Feel free to share examples without naming names or getting too personal."

Coping Strategies (6 minutes)

"Now that we understand anger better, let's talk about how to manage it so it doesn't become a 'foe.' It's about having an Anger Toolkit with healthy strategies." (Display Slide 5: Taming the Temper: Healthy Coping Strategies)

"Here are a few tools we can use:

1. Take a Deep Breath: This is super powerful. When you feel anger starting, take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Let's all try it together right now. In... hold... out... (Guide students through 2-3 deep breaths). This helps calm your body and mind.
2. Count to Ten: Simple, but effective! It gives you a moment to pause and think before reacting impulsively.
3. Talk it Out: When you're calm, explaining how you feel to a trusted adult – a parent, a teacher, a counselor – or even a close friend, can make a huge difference.
4. Move Your Body: Sometimes, anger gives us extra energy. Go for a quick walk, do some jumping jacks, or stretch. Release that energy in a healthy way.
5. Change Your Focus: Distract yourself! Listen to your favorite song, draw, read a book, or play a quick, quiet game."

"Does anyone else have a healthy way they cope with anger that they'd like to share?"

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up (2 minutes)

(Display Slide 6: Practice Makes Progress!)

"Remember, managing anger is a skill, just like playing a sport or learning an instrument. The more you practice, the better you get."

"Now, for our Cool-Down: My Anger Toolkit. I want you to think about all the strategies we discussed. Pick one strategy that you think you could try the next time you feel angry or frustrated."

"Great. Keep that strategy in mind. It's okay to feel angry, but it's really important to learn how to respond to that feeling in a way that keeps you and others safe and happy. You've got this!"

Warm-Up: Anger Check-In

Instructions: Think about a time recently when you felt annoyed, frustrated, or angry. You don't need to share the specific situation, but reflect on the following:

1. What did the feeling of anger feel like in your body? (e.g., hot face, tight fists, fast heartbeat, tense shoulders)
   
   
   
2. What was one thing that might have contributed to you feeling that way? (e.g., someone said something, a situation didn't go your way, you were tired)
   
   
   
   
   
   

(This is a reflective activity. Students do not need to write down answers or share aloud unless comfortable.)

Cool-Down: My Anger Toolkit

Instructions: Reflect on the different coping strategies we discussed today. Choose one strategy that you think would be most helpful for you to try the next time you feel angry.

1. Which coping strategy will you try? (e.g., Deep Breathing, Counting to Ten, Talking it Out, Moving Your Body, Changing Your Focus)
   
   
   
2. Why did you choose this strategy? How do you think it will help you manage your anger in a healthy way?
   
   
   
   
   
   

(Students can write their answers or simply think about them as an exit ticket.)