Big or Little Problem?

Jenny Kaplan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Big or Little Problem?

Differentiate major and minor issues

This lesson helps 6th graders learn to differentiate between major and minor issues and manage their emotions using strategies. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will engage in activities that promote emotional regulation. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and coping skills, enabling students to handle challenges effectively.

Audience

6th graders

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Video: How to Manage Your Emotions, Worksheet: Big or Little Problem?, Discussion: Emotional Regulation, Activity: Emotion Sorting Game, Role-Playing Scenario Cards, and Body Scan and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Guide

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to emotional regulation and its importance.
Explain the concept of differentiating between major and minor issues.
Introduce the video: How to Manage Your Emotions.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Play the video: How to Manage Your Emotions.
Ask students to note down any strategies they find interesting or useful.

Step 3

Discussion

5 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on the video and discuss the strategies mentioned.

Step 4

Activity: Emotion Sorting Game

10 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a set of printable cards with different scenarios.
Instruct students to sort the scenarios into 'big problem' or 'little problem' categories.
Discuss the reasoning behind their choices.

Step 5

Role-Playing Activity

10 mins

Provide students with scenario cards.
In pairs or small groups, have students role-play the scenarios, practicing emotional regulation strategies.
Encourage students to discuss how they felt during the role-play and what strategies were effective.

Step 6

Body Scan and Progressive Muscle Relaxation

5 mins

Guide students through a body scan exercise, focusing on relaxing each part of the body.
Introduce progressive muscle relaxation, where students tense and then relax different muscle groups.
Encourage students to use these techniques to manage stress and emotions.

Step 7

Worksheet Completion

5 mins

Distribute the "Big or Little Problem?" worksheet.
Have students complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on personal experiences and strategies for managing emotions.

Step 8

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson.
Ask students to share one new strategy they plan to use for emotional regulation.
Encourage students to practice these strategies in their daily lives.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Emotional Regulation

A discussion to explore students' understanding of emotional regulation and strategies for managing emotions.

What are some strategies you learned from the video for managing emotions?

Encourage students to mention specific strategies and discuss their effectiveness.

Can you think of a time when you faced a big problem? How did you handle it?

Guide students to reflect on past experiences and the emotions involved.

Why is it important to differentiate between big and little problems?

Discuss the impact of emotional regulation on stress management and decision-making.

Worksheet

Big or Little Problem?

This worksheet helps students reflect on personal experiences and categorize them as big or little problems, along with strategies for managing emotions.

Think of a recent problem you faced. Was it a big or little problem? Why?

List two strategies you can use to manage your emotions when facing a big problem.

Consider strategies from the video or discussion.

How can identifying whether a problem is big or little help you in managing your emotions?

Worksheet

Emotion Sorting Game Cards

Printable cards for the Emotion Sorting Game, where students categorize scenarios as big or little problems.

You find out that your best friend is moving to another city.

You accidentally broke a window while playing soccer.

You are struggling to understand a key concept in math and it's affecting your grades.

You forgot your homework at home.

You spilled a drink on your shirt during lunch.

You lost your favorite pen.

You have a disagreement with a classmate.

You didn't get invited to a party.

You missed the bus and have to wait for the next one.

Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenario Cards

Printable cards for role-playing activities, where students practice emotional regulation strategies in different scenarios.

You find out that your best friend is moving to another city.

You accidentally broke a window while playing soccer.

You are struggling to understand a key concept in math and it's affecting your grades.

You forgot your homework at home.

You spilled a drink on your shirt during lunch.

You lost your favorite pen.

You have a disagreement with a classmate.

You didn't get invited to a party.

You missed the bus and have to wait for the next one.

Reading

Body Scan and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Guide

A guide to help students practice body scan and progressive muscle relaxation techniques for stress management and emotional regulation.

Body Scan Exercise

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Focus on your toes, notice any tension, and relax them.
Slowly move your attention up your body, relaxing each part as you go.
Finish with your head, taking a deep breath and relaxing completely.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Start with your feet, tense the muscles for a few seconds, then release.
Move up to your calves, thighs, and so on, tensing and relaxing each group.
Continue up to your shoulders, neck, and face.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the feeling of relaxation.