Teacher Script: Anger: Who's in Control?

Warm-Up (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about a really powerful and common emotion: anger. We're going to start with a quick warm-up called the Anger Thermometer Warm-Up. On your slips of paper, I want you to draw a simple thermometer. Then, I want you to mark on it where you typically feel your anger. Do you get a little warm? Do you boil over quickly? There's no right or wrong answer, just where you usually are when you get angry. Take about a minute for this."

(Give students a minute to draw and mark.)

Teacher: "Now, turn to a partner and share your thermometer. Briefly discuss what it means for you. What does that level of 'heat' feel like in your body?"

(Allow 2 minutes for partner sharing. Circulate and listen.)

Introduction: What is Anger? (2 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Anger Management Slide Deck - Slide 1: "Anger: Who's in Control?")

Teacher: "Alright, let's bring it back together. Based on your warm-up and what you just discussed, what are some of the first things that come to mind when you hear the word 'anger'? You can share a word, a feeling, or even a situation."

(Call on a few students. Acknowledge all responses without judgment.)

Teacher: "Great responses. Anger is something we all experience, and sometimes it can feel like it takes over. Today, we're going to explore what anger is and, more importantly, learn some healthy ways to keep it in check so we are in control, not our anger."

Understanding Anger and Healthy Coping (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Anger Management Slide Deck - Slide 2: "What is Anger?")

Teacher: "As you can see on the slide, anger is a totally normal human emotion. It's not 'bad' to feel angry. In fact, it's a natural signal your body sends when you feel hurt, frustrated, or like something isn't fair. Think about it: has anyone ever felt angry because someone broke a promise? Or because you couldn't figure out a difficult homework problem? Those are all valid reasons to feel frustrated, which can lead to anger. The key is that while it's okay to feel angry, how we express or react to that anger is what really matters."

(Pause for a quick show of hands if students relate to the examples. You can ask: "Can anyone think of a time when anger actually helped them, perhaps by making them stand up for themselves or for someone else?")

Teacher: (Transition to Anger Management Slide Deck - Slide 3: "What Happens When We Get Angry?")

Teacher: "So, what does anger actually do to our bodies? When you get angry, your body goes through some changes. You might notice your heart beating faster, your hands clenching, your face getting hot, or your breathing getting quicker. These are all signs your body is getting ready to react. It's like your body is saying, 'Warning! Something's up!' Knowing these physical signs can be really helpful because they can tell you when it's time to use some of your coping strategies."

(Ask: "Has anyone noticed any of these feelings in their body when they're angry? What other physical signs do you notice?")

Teacher: (Transition to Anger Management Slide Deck - Slide 4: "Healthy Ways to Cope with Anger")

Teacher: "This is where we take back control! When you notice those physical signs of anger, you have a choice. You can let the anger take over, or you can choose a healthy way to cope. Here are some strategies that many people find helpful:

• Pause & Breathe: This is a big one. When you feel anger rising, just stop for a moment. Take a few deep breaths. Count to ten slowly. This gives your brain time to catch up and think before you act.
• Talk it Out: Sometimes just talking about why you're angry with a trusted adult – like a parent, teacher, or counselor – can make a huge difference. They might even help you find a solution.
• Move Your Body: Physical activity can be a great way to release angry energy. Go for a walk, do some jumping jacks, stretch. It can help clear your head.
• Distract Yourself: If you can't solve the problem right away, sometimes it helps to shift your focus. Read a book, listen to music, draw, or play a game. Give your mind a break.
• Problem-Solve: Once you're calm, you can think about solutions. What can you do to fix the situation? What can you learn from it?"

(Ask: "Do any of these strategies sound familiar? Does anyone already use one of these, or another way to calm down?")

Activity: Calm Down Choices (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it's your turn to explore these ideas a bit more. We're going to do the Calm Down Choices Activity. I'm going to put you into small groups/pairs. Your task is to brainstorm more ideas for healthy ways to cope with anger. Think about the strategies we just discussed and come up with your own! How many different healthy choices can you list? You can write them down on your paper."

(Divide students into groups/pairs. Distribute activity sheets if printed, or instruct them to use their own paper. Circulate, listen, and provide guidance. If a group is struggling, prompt them with questions like: "What do you do when you feel stressed? Could that work for anger?" or "What makes you feel peaceful or happy?")

Conclusion & Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Can I get a few groups to share one or two of their favorite or most creative 'calm down choices' they came up with?"

(Call on 2-3 groups to share. Acknowledge and affirm their ideas.)

Teacher: (Transition to Anger Management Slide Deck - Slide 5: "You've Got This!")

Teacher: "Fantastic ideas! Remember, learning to manage anger is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. It's okay to feel angry, but it's important to choose how you react. You are in control of your emotions, not the other way around."

Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson today, please complete the Reflection Cool-Down on the slips of paper I'm handing out. Write down one new healthy way you will try to manage your anger. This is for you to reflect on what you've learned. You don't need to share this, just turn it in as you leave."

(Distribute cool-down slips. Collect them as students exit or finish.)

Teacher: "Thank you for your thoughtful participation today!"

Anger Thermometer Warm-Up

Instructions:

1. On a small slip of paper, draw a simple thermometer like the one below.
2. Think about what anger feels like for you. Where do you usually feel your anger?
3. Mark on your thermometer where you typically are when you start to feel angry. Do you get a little warm (low on the thermometer)? Or do you tend to get really hot and boil over quickly (high on the thermometer)?
4. Be ready to share with a partner what your thermometer means for you and what that level of "heat" feels like in your body.

  100°F (Boiling Point! Out of Control)
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  0°F (Completely Calm)

Calm Down Choices Activity

Instructions:

Work with your group/partner to brainstorm and list as many healthy ways to cope with anger as you can. Think about what we discussed in class and any other ideas you have. Remember, a healthy choice helps you feel better without hurting yourself or others.

Our Calm Down Choices:

Reflection Cool-Down

Instructions:

On this slip of paper, please write down one new healthy way you will try to manage your anger the next time you feel it. This is for your own reflection, and you do not need to share it.

My new healthy anger management strategy is: