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Anger Volcano

Lesson Plan

Anger Volcano Lesson Plan

Students will understand anger as a ‘volcano’ by recognizing early signs of ‘eruptions,’ expressing feelings through creative play, and practicing calming strategies. By the end, the student will label anger intensity and demonstrate at least one calming technique.

Early emotional awareness and self-regulation reduce behavioral outbursts and equip Pre-K learners with lifelong coping skills. This individualized session builds foundational social-emotional competence.

Audience

Pre-K

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Metaphor-based play and guided practice.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

5 minutes

  • Show the Anger Volcano Visual and point out calm vs. erupting zones
  • Explain that anger can build like a volcano and lead to an eruption
  • Ask the student to share a time they felt ‘hot’ like a volcano

Step 2

Volcano Model Activity

10 minutes

  • Give the student the Play-Doh Volcano Kit
  • Guide them to build a volcano and name its parts (base, cone, crater)
  • Relate each part to how anger builds (e.g., magma chamber = simmering feelings)

Step 3

Feelings Check and Thermometer

5 minutes

  • Hand out the Feelings Thermometer Handout
  • Ask the student to color or point to how ‘hot’ (angry) they feel right now
  • Discuss what happens when it gets too hot

Step 4

Calming Strategy Practice

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

3 minutes

  • Ask the student which strategy helped them cool off the most
  • Praise their effort in recognizing and managing anger
  • Encourage them to use these tools when they feel ‘volcano hot’ again
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Slide Deck

Anger Volcano

Today we will learn how anger can be like a volcano! We’ll explore how anger builds and practice ways to calm our eruptions.

Welcome! Today we're exploring anger using the volcano metaphor. Explain that by the end, the student will recognize when their anger is building and practice ways to cool off.

What Is an Anger Volcano?

Anger can build up inside us like a volcano. Sometimes we feel calm, sometimes we feel warm, and if it gets too hot, we might erupt like lava!

Show the Anger Volcano Visual. Point out the calm (green), warm (yellow), and erupt (red) zones. Ask: “Have you ever felt hot like a volcano?”

Volcano Model Activity

Use Play-Doh to build a volcano. Name the base, cone, and crater. Imagine the magma chamber as your feelings simmering inside.

Hand over the Play-Doh Volcano Kit. Guide the student to build the base, cone, and crater. Relate each part to how anger builds inside.

Feelings Thermometer

Color or point to how “hot” you feel right now, from cool (calm) to very hot (angry). Let’s see where we are on the thermometer!

Give the student the Feelings Thermometer Handout. Ask them to color or point to how hot (angry) they feel now.

Calming Strategies

Here are some ways to cool down your anger:

  1. Take deep breaths
  2. Count to 5 slowly
  3. Stretch your arms and yawn

Introduce the Calm Down Strategy Cards. Review two or three cards (e.g., deep breathing, counting, stretching).

Breathing Practice

Put on your breathing bracelet. Breathe in for the bead to slide up, then breathe out as it slides down. Let’s practice together for 2 minutes.

Give the student the Deep Breathing Bracelet. Set a 2-minute timer. Guide breaths: inhale as the bead moves up, exhale as it moves down.

Reflection & Closure

Which strategy helped you cool off the best? Great job! Remember to use your volcano tools whenever you feel 'hot' again.

Ask the student which strategy helped them cool off the most. Praise their effort and encourage using these tools at home or school.

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Worksheet

Anger Volcano Visual

Use your anger volcano to see how your feelings build and learn to cool off before you erupt!

1. Draw and Color Your Volcano

• Draw a volcano with three layers (base, middle, top) in the box below.
• Divide it into three zones: Calm Zone (bottom), Warm Zone (middle), Erupt Zone (top).
• Color each zone: Calm = green, Warm = yellow, Erupt = red.












2. Calm Zone Self-Portrait

In the Calm Zone, draw a picture of what you look like and feel when you are calm.






3. Erupt Zone Self-Portrait

In the Erupt Zone, draw a picture of what you look like and feel when you are angry.






4. Label the Volcano Parts

Write the name of each volcano part and draw an arrow pointing to where it goes:

  • Base
  • Cone
  • Crater








5. Cooling Strategy

When you feel your anger rising like a volcano, what is one thing you can do to cool down? Write or draw below.






Great job! Keep this visual in mind whenever you feel ‘volcano hot.’

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Feelings Thermometer Handout

Use this thermometer to show how “hot” your anger feels. Color or circle the face that matches your feelings right now.

Level 1 (Calm) 😊 ◻️ Level 2 (A little warm) 🙂 ◻️ Level 3 (Warm) 😐 ◻️ Level 4 (Hot) 😡 ◻️ Level 5 (Erupting) 🤬 ◻️



Which level are you feeling now? Write the number here: ____



2. What makes you feel this way?

Draw or write below what can make your anger turn up like a thermometer.






3. Cooling Strategies

When you feel your anger getting hot, what are two things you can do to cool down?





2. ______________________________





Great job! Keep this handout handy to check your anger temperature and use your cooling strategies whenever you feel ‘volcano hot.’

lenny
lenny

Activity

Calm Down Strategy Cards

Use these cards to help you cool down your anger volcano. Choose one to try when you feel ‘volcano hot.’

1. Take Deep Breaths 🌬️

• Sit or stand comfortably.
• Put one hand on your belly and one on your chest.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose for 3 seconds (feel your belly rise).
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 3 seconds (feel your belly fall).




2. Count to Five ✋

• Hold up one hand.
• Slowly touch one finger at a time while you count out loud:
1…2…3…4…5.
• Focus on each number and each finger.




3. Stretch and Yawn 🧘‍♂️

• Stand up with your feet apart.
• Stretch your arms up to the sky and reach high.
• Yawn big or take a big stretch to release tight feelings.
• Shake your arms and legs like a loose noodle.




4. Squeeze a Soft Toy 🧸

• Hold a small soft toy or squeeze ball in your hand.
• Squeeze tightly for 3 seconds and then let go.
• Repeat 3 times, feeling the tension melt away.




5. Use Your Cozy Corner 🪑

• Find a special cozy spot with pillows or a soft blanket.
• Sit quietly and hug a stuffed friend.
• Take 5 slow breaths while you relax in your cozy corner.




Great job! Pick a card and practice your favorite calm-down strategy whenever you feel your anger building like a volcano.

lenny
lenny

Activity

Deep Breathing Bracelet

Create and use your very own breathing bracelet to help cool down your anger volcano.

Materials

  • Elastic string (about 12 inches)
  • 5 colorful beads
  • Scissors
  • (Optional) Tape or a dab of glue


Steps to Make Your Bracelet

  1. Tie one end of the string with a simple knot (this keeps beads from slipping off).


  2. Slide all 5 beads onto the string. These beads will be your breathing guides.


  3. Once all beads are on, tie the two ends of the string together securely. Add a second knot or a bit of tape/glue for extra hold.



How to Use Your Breathing Bracelet

  1. When you feel your anger volcano getting warm, put the bracelet on your wrist.
  2. Find a quiet spot and rest your other hand on the first bead next to your knot.
  3. Breathe in slowly through your nose as you slide that bead toward you.
  4. Breathe out slowly through your mouth as you slide it back in place.
  5. Move to the next bead and repeat until all 5 beads have been slid in and back.

Each bead helps you take one full breath—inhale and exhale—so by the end, you’ll have taken 5 calming breaths.



Reflection (Draw or Write)

What did you notice about your body after using your breathing bracelet?











When else could you use your breathing bracelet to help cool off your anger volcano? Draw or write an idea below:









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lenny