Lesson Plan
Artful Anger Quest
Students will identify personal anger triggers, express their feelings through art, and practice calming strategies in a creative, game-based session.
Many 7th graders resist traditional therapy; combining art and interactive play makes anger management engaging and accessible, promoting healthier emotional skills.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive art and games to explore triggers and calming techniques.
Materials
- Anger Trigger Cards, - Calm Strategy Posters, - Artful Anger Quest Worksheet, - Drawing Paper, - Colored Pencils and Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out all cards from Anger Trigger Cards.
- Print and laminate or poster-print the Calm Strategy Posters and display them around the room.
- Make enough copies of the Artful Anger Quest Worksheet for each student.
- Gather drawing paper, colored pencils, markers, and a timer.
- Review the worksheet prompts and poster content to familiarize yourself.
Step 1
Introduction to Anger Management
5 minutes
- Briefly introduce the session goal: recognizing and managing anger through art and games.
- Ask students, “What does anger feel like?” and note responses on the board.
- Explain that understanding triggers helps us stay in control.
Step 2
Trigger Identification Game
10 minutes
- Shuffle the Anger Trigger Cards and place them face down.
- Students take turns drawing a card, reading the scenario aloud, and sharing if they’ve experienced a similar trigger.
- After each share, ask the class: “How might we respond calmly in this situation?”
- Encourage quick brainstorms and note key ideas on the board.
Step 3
Art Expression Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute drawing paper and art supplies alongside the Artful Anger Quest Worksheet.
- Prompt students to illustrate a recent situation where they felt angry, labeling the trigger.
- On the worksheet, have them list at least two calming strategies from the Calm Strategy Posters they could use next time.
- Circulate to support and prompt deeper reflection.
Step 4
Debrief and Practice Calming Strategies
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share their drawings and chosen calming strategies.
- Highlight creative ideas and reference the Calm Strategy Posters.
- End with a one-minute guided breathing exercise, using the timer, to practice a calming strategy as a group.
- Reinforce that these techniques can be used anytime they feel anger rising.
Slide Deck
Artful Anger Quest
A 30-minute interactive session for 7th graders to explore healthy anger management through art and games.
Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s session, Artful Anger Quest. Explain we’ll use drawing and games to learn about anger and how to calm down. Emphasize this is a fun, creative space.
Objectives
• Identify personal anger triggers
• Express feelings through art
• Practice calming strategies
Read each objective aloud and clarify as needed. Ensure students know what they’ll accomplish.
Materials
• Anger Trigger Cards
• Calm Strategy Posters
• Artful Anger Quest Worksheet
• Drawing paper, colored pencils & markers, timer
Point out the physical materials and posters around the room. Remind students to handle supplies carefully.
What Does Anger Feel Like?
- Think: How does anger feel in your body?
- Pair: Turn to a partner and share one sensation.
- Share: We’ll note a few on the board.
Ask students to close their eyes and think about a time they felt angry. Then solicit a few examples and record key words on the board.
Trigger Identification Game
- Shuffle the Anger Trigger Cards face down.
- Students take turns drawing a card and reading the scenario.
- Share if you’ve felt this trigger.
- Brainstorm: How could we respond calmly?
Keep the pace lively. Encourage each student to share briefly. Write calm ideas where everyone can see.
Art Expression Activity
- Use drawing paper and art supplies with your worksheet.
- Illustrate a recent anger moment; label the trigger.
- On the worksheet, list two calming strategies from the Calm Strategy Posters.
Circulate and ask open-ended questions: “Why did you choose those strategies?” Praise creativity.
Debrief & Breathing Exercise
• Volunteers share drawings & chosen strategies.
• One-minute guided breathing exercise (timer).
• Reminder: Use these techniques anytime you feel anger rising.
Invite volunteers, keep shares positive and supportive. Lead the breathing exercise: inhale for 4, hold 2, exhale 6.
Thank You!
Great job today! Any questions or thoughts before we finish?
Thank students for participation. Invite any final questions. Encourage them to revisit the posters and cards whenever they need.
Worksheet
Artful Anger Quest Worksheet
Part 1: Draw It Out
On the space below, illustrate a recent moment when you felt angry. Be sure to label the trigger (what set you off) in your drawing.
Part 2: Identify Your Anger
- What exactly was the trigger in your situation?
- How did you feel in your body when you were angry? (e.g., tight chest, clenched fists, racing heart)
Part 3: Choose Calming Strategies
Look at the Calm Strategy Posters around the room. List two strategies you could use next time you feel anger rising:
2.
Part 4: My Action Plan
• Which one of the strategies above will you try first? Why did you choose this one?
• How will you remind yourself to use it when you feel angry again?
Reading
Anger Trigger Cards
Use these scenario cards to explore common anger triggers. Print and cut along the lines so each card is a standalone prompt for discussion or gameplay.
1. Your best friend shares your secret with others as a joke.
2. A classmate laughs at your answer when you get something wrong in front of everyone.
3. Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
4. Your sibling accidentally breaks something you worked hard on creating.
5. A teammate refuses to pass you the ball during a game.
6. A video game freezes just as you’re about to win.
7. A friend cancels your plans at the last minute without a reason.
8. You’re blamed for something you didn’t do at school.
9. Someone uses your art supplies without asking and then loses them.
10. Your teacher calls on you when you’re not prepared to answer.
Activity
Calm Strategy Posters
Use these posters around the room to remind students of quick, healthy ways to cool down when anger flares.
1. Deep Breathing
• Sit or stand comfortably.
• Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts.
• Hold for 2 counts.
• Exhale gently through your mouth for 6 counts.
• Repeat until you feel calmer.
2. Counting Backwards
• Choose a high number (e.g., 50).
• Slowly count backward by 3s or 5s.
• Focus on each number rather than what made you angry.
3. Positive Self-Talk
• Stop and acknowledge your anger (“I’m upset right now.”).
• Replace harsh thoughts with encouraging ones (“I can handle this.”).
• Repeat phrases like “I am strong” or “I’ve managed tough times before.”
4. Physical Movement
• Stand up and stretch your arms toward the ceiling.
• Shake out your hands and legs to release tension.
• Take a quick walk or do 10 jumping jacks.
5. Art Expression
• Grab paper and a pencil or marker.
• Sketch or doodle how you feel—no need for an audience.
• Coloring shapes or patterns can help you focus and relax.
6. Mindful Listening
• Close your eyes for a moment.
• Listen carefully to five different sounds around you (clock ticking, distant talking, hum of lights, etc.).
• Notice how each sound changes your breathing and mood.