Anger Triggers Worksheet

Sometimes things happen that make us feel angry. These are called anger triggers.

For the activity, you will write down things that make you angry on separate strips of paper. Use this worksheet to brainstorm your anger triggers before you write them on the small strips of paper.

Think about:

• What situations make you frustrated?
• What words or actions from others make you upset?
• What unfair things make you mad?

My Anger Triggers Brainstorm:

1. ____________________________________
   
   
   

2. ____________________________________
   
   
   

3. ____________________________________
   
   
   

4. ____________________________________
   
   
   

5. ____________________________________
   
   
   

6. ____________________________________
   
   
   

Now, choose your top 3-5 anger triggers and write each one on a separate small strip of paper for the "Red Zone Balloon Pop" activity.

Red Zone Balloon Pop Activity: Conquering Anger Triggers

Objective

Students will identify personal anger triggers and explore coping strategies for managing angry feelings.

Materials

• Balloons (red preferred, but any color works)
• Small strips of paper
• Pens/pencils
• Anger Triggers Worksheet (optional, for brainstorming)

Instructions

Part 1: Identifying Triggers (5-7 minutes)

1. Introduce the "Red Zone": Explain that when we feel angry, it's like we're in the "Red Zone"—a place where our emotions are big and intense.
2. Brainstorm Triggers: Give each student several small strips of paper (3-5 per student). Have them use the Anger Triggers Worksheet to brainstorm or directly write down one thing that makes them angry on each strip of paper. Emphasize that these should be things that they personally find frustrating or upsetting.
3. Contain the Triggers: Instruct students to carefully fold their paper strips and insert them into a balloon. This symbolizes containing their anger triggers.
4. Inflate the Balloons: Have students inflate their balloons (or provide pre-inflated balloons with the triggers already inside).

Part 2: Popping Triggers & Finding Calm (10-15 minutes)

1. The "Pop" Moment: Explain that we're going to "pop" these triggers (the balloons) to release the anger and then discuss how to calm down.
2. Guided Popping and Discussion:
   • Have students pop their balloons (either by stomping on them, sitting on them, or using a pin, depending on safety and classroom environment).
   • As a balloon pops, have the student retrieve one of the trigger slips.
   • Read the trigger aloud (anonymously, or if the student is comfortable, they can share).
   • Facilitate Discussion: Ask the class:
     • "If this makes you angry, what are some things you could do to feel calmer?"
     • "What strategies have you used before that helped?"
     • "How can we respond to this trigger in a healthy way instead of letting it take over?"
   • Guide students to brainstorm various calming strategies (e.g., deep breaths, counting to ten, walking away, talking to a trusted adult, drawing, listening to music).
3. Repeat: Continue this process for several balloons/triggers, ensuring a variety of strategies are discussed.

Discussion Prompts for Teachers

• "What did it feel like to 'pop' that anger trigger?"
• "Why is it important to know what makes us angry?"
• "What are some new calming strategies you learned today that you might try?"
• "How can identifying our triggers help us stay out of the 'Red Zone'?"

Red Zone Balloon Pop Game: Conquering Anger Triggers

Objective

Students will identify personal anger triggers and explore coping strategies for managing angry feelings.

Materials

• Balloons (red preferred, but any color works)
• Small strips of paper
• Pens/pencils
• Anger Triggers Worksheet (optional, for brainstorming)

How to Play

Round 1: Identifying Triggers (5-7 minutes)

1. Welcome to the "Red Zone": Explain that when we feel angry, it's like we're in the "Red Zone"—a place where our emotions are big and intense. Our goal is to conquer the triggers that send us there!
2. Trigger Hunt: Each player gets several small strips of paper (3-5 per person). Use the Anger Triggers Worksheet to brainstorm or directly write down one thing that makes them angry on each strip. Think about things that make your blood boil or get you frustrated!
3. Balloon Bombs: Carefully fold your paper strips and put them inside your balloon. Now, inflate your balloon! These are your personal "anger bombs" ready to be defused.

Round 2: Popping Triggers & Finding Calm (10-15 minutes)

1. The Big Pop!: It's time to face our anger triggers! One by one, players will pop their balloons (safely, by stomping, sitting, or using a pin). The louder the pop, the more anger released!
2. Defuse the Bomb: After a balloon pops, retrieve one of the trigger slips. Read it aloud (you can keep it anonymous, or share if you feel brave!).
3. Strategy Session: As a team, brainstorm solutions! Ask:
   • "If this trigger sets you off, what are some super cool moves you could use to calm down?"
   • "What are some ways we can switch from red to green when this happens?"
   • "Can anyone share a time they used a great strategy for this trigger?"
4. Victory Lap: Continue popping balloons and discussing strategies until all (or most) triggers have been addressed. Celebrate learning new ways to manage anger!

Game Master Tips (for Teachers)

• Keep the energy positive and supportive. It's about learning, not shaming.
• Encourage creative and healthy coping strategies.
• Remind students that everyone's triggers and calming strategies can be different, and that's okay!
• This game helps us see that even though triggers exist, we have power over how we react to them!

Teacher Script: Anger's Fiery Grip

(Slide 1: Anger's Fiery Grip: Understanding & Managing Anger)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about a very common and powerful emotion: anger. Has anyone ever felt angry before?" (Pause for responses) "Of course! We all have. Anger is a natural part of being human."

"Sometimes anger can feel overwhelming, like a big storm inside us. But just like a storm, we can learn to understand it and find ways to weather it. Today, our goal is to understand what anger is, what makes us angry, and how we can handle those feelings in a healthy way."

(Slide 2: What is Anger?)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is anger? When you feel angry, what words come to mind?" (Listen to student suggestions).

"Great ideas! On our slide, you see some common words we use to describe anger: frustrated, mad, upset, annoyed, irritated. These are all different shades of anger."

"Think about it: When you're frustrated because something isn't working, that's a type of anger. When you're mad because a sibling took your toy, that's another. It can show up in different ways for different people."

(Slide 3: Anger in Action: Inside Out Clip)

Teacher: "To help us understand anger a little better, we're going to watch a short clip from a movie called Inside Out. In this movie, emotions are characters! We're going to meet the character named Anger."

"As you watch, I want you to pay attention to what makes Anger get upset, and how he reacts. What does his body language look like? What does he say?"

(Play clip: Inside Out – Anger Rant - approximately 1-2 minutes)

(Slide 4: Let's Talk About It!)

Teacher: "Wow, Anger certainly gets worked up, doesn't he? He turns red and even breathes fire! While we don't actually breathe fire, sometimes it can feel like that inside when we're really angry."

"Let's talk about our own experiences with anger. Look at the questions on the slide:"

"First, 'What makes you feel angry?' I want you to think about specific things, but remember, you don't have to share anything too personal if you don't want to. Just think about common things that might make kids your age feel angry. For example, maybe losing a game, or someone not listening to you. Share with a partner, or with the class, if you feel comfortable."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for sharing and discussion. Validate feelings, and remind students that it's okay to feel angry.)

Teacher: "Now, for the second question: 'How do you usually react when you get angry?' Do you get loud? Do you get quiet? Do you want to stomp your feet? Do you try to ignore it?"

(Allow 1-2 minutes for sharing. Acknowledge different reactions.)

Teacher: "And finally, 'What are some good ways to calm down when you feel angry?' This is super important! What are some things you do, or have heard of, that help you cool down?"

(Guide students to brainstorm healthy coping mechanisms: deep breaths, counting, walking away, talking to an adult, drawing, listening to music, getting a drink of water, etc.)

(Slide 5: Red Zone Balloon Pop Activity!)

Teacher: "That was a fantastic discussion! Now, we're going to do an activity to practice identifying our 'Anger Triggers' and thinking about strategies to 'Pop' them safely."

"We're going to play the Red Zone Balloon Pop Game! Each of you will get some small strips of paper and a balloon. First, I want you to think about things that make you angry, your personal anger triggers. You can use this Anger Triggers Worksheet to help you brainstorm."

"You'll write one anger trigger on each strip of paper. Then, you'll fold those papers and put them inside your balloon. Once your triggers are inside, you'll inflate your balloon!"

"Then, we'll take turns popping our balloons to release those triggers, and for each trigger, we'll discuss good ways to calm down and handle that situation. This helps us practice being prepared for when anger tries to take over."

(Distribute Anger Triggers Worksheet, paper strips, and balloons. Explain the full instructions for the Red Zone Balloon Pop Game as described in its material, guiding students through each step.)

Conclusion (As time allows during or after the game)

Teacher: "Excellent job today, everyone! What's one new thing you learned about anger, or one new way you might try to calm down when you feel angry?"

"Remember, it's completely normal to feel angry. The important thing is to understand what triggers your anger and to have a toolbox of healthy strategies to help you manage those feelings. You're all becoming experts at staying in control, even when things get tough!"

Anger Cool Down: My Calm Down Tool

Name: ____________________________

1. Today, I learned that anger is...

2. One thing that makes me angry (an "anger trigger") is...

3. One new way I can try to calm down when I feel angry is...