Big Emotions and Self-Regulation

James Kelliher

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Big Emotions and Self-Regulation

Connecting regulation strategies with different big emotions

In this lesson, students will learn about different big emotions and how to regulate them using self-regulation strategies. The lesson includes a video, an engaging activity, and a discussion to help students understand and practice these strategies. This lesson is important as it helps young children develop emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.

Audience

Kindergarten, 22 students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Self-Regulation Song For Kids video, Printable Emotion Cards, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Welcome the students and briefly explain that today they will learn about big emotions and how to manage them.
Ask the students to share some examples of big emotions they have felt (e.g., happiness, sadness, anger).
Explain that it's normal to have big emotions and that there are ways to help us feel better when we have them.

Step 2

Video: Self-Regulation Song

3 minutes

Introduce the video 'Self-Regulation Song For Kids' and explain that it will teach them a fun way to calm down when they have big emotions.
Play the video: Self-Regulation Song For Kids
Encourage the students to follow along with the actions in the video (e.g., raising hands, stretching, deep breathing).

Step 3

Activity: Emotion Cards

10 minutes

Hand out printable emotion cards to each student.
Explain that each card shows a different big emotion (e.g., happy, sad, angry, scared).
Ask the students to pick a card and act out the emotion shown on their card.
After each student has had a turn, discuss how they can use the self-regulation strategies from the video to calm down when they feel that emotion.

Step 4

Discussion

10 minutes

Gather the students in a circle for a discussion.
Use the provided discussion questions to guide the conversation about big emotions and self-regulation strategies.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences.
Summarize the key points and remind students that it's okay to have big emotions and that they can use the strategies they learned to feel better.

Step 5

Closure

2 minutes

Thank the students for participating and remind them to practice the self-regulation strategies they learned.
Encourage them to share what they learned with their family and friends.

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Worksheet

Emotion Cards

These printable cards show different big emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry, scared) and are used in the activity to help students identify and act out emotions.

Happy

Sad

Angry

Scared

Excited

Frustrated

Surprised

Nervous

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions are used to guide the discussion about big emotions and self-regulation strategies.

What are some big emotions you have felt?

Encourage students to share examples of emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear.

How did you feel when you had those big emotions?

Ask students to describe their physical and emotional feelings during those times.

What are some ways you can calm down when you have big emotions?

Refer to the self-regulation strategies from the video, such as deep breathing and stretching.

Why is it important to know how to calm down when you have big emotions?

Discuss the benefits of emotional regulation, such as feeling better and getting along with others.