Calm and Connect

Lisa Krempa

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Calm and Connect

Replace pushing when angry

This lesson aims to help a middle school boy with intellectual needs learn to replace the physical act of pushing adults when angry with more appropriate behaviors. By focusing on emotional awareness and alternative actions, the lesson will provide practical strategies to manage anger constructively. This is crucial for fostering positive interactions and ensuring a safe environment for both the student and those around him.

Audience

Middle school boy with intellectual needs

Time

30 min

Approach

Materials

Emotion Cards, Scenario Cards, Calm Down Strategies Handout, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Greet the student warmly and explain the purpose of the lesson: to find new ways to express feelings when angry.
Briefly discuss why it's important to find safe ways to express anger.

Step 2

Emotion Identification

5 mins

Use Emotion Cards to help the student identify different emotions.
Discuss how each emotion feels and looks, focusing on anger.

Step 3

Discuss Alternative Actions

10 mins

Present Scenario Cards depicting situations where the student might feel angry.
Discuss alternative actions to pushing, such as using words, taking deep breaths, or walking away.
Use the Calm Down Strategies Handout to explore these options.

Step 4

Role-Playing Practice

5 mins

Role-play scenarios with the student, practicing the alternative actions discussed.
Provide positive feedback and encouragement for using new strategies.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the lesson by reviewing the alternative actions practiced.
Encourage the student to use these strategies in real-life situations.
End with a positive note, reinforcing the student's ability to manage anger constructively.

Worksheet

Emotion Cards

Cards to help identify and discuss different emotions, focusing on anger.

Happy

Sad

Angry

Frustrated

Calm

Excited

Worksheet

Scenario Cards

Cards depicting situations where the student might feel angry, used for discussion and role-playing.

Someone takes your toy without asking.

You are told to stop playing and do homework.

You lose a game you were playing.

An adult says 'no' to something you want.

Reading

Calm Down Strategies Handout

A handout listing strategies to calm down when feeling angry.

Take deep breaths
Count to ten
Use words to express feelings
Walk away to a quiet place
Squeeze a stress ball
Talk to a trusted adult

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to guide a discussion on managing anger and using alternative actions.

Why is it important to find safe ways to express anger?

Discuss the impact of physical actions on others and the benefits of using words or other strategies.

What are some feelings you have when you get angry?

Encourage the student to identify and describe emotions associated with anger.

What can you do instead of pushing when you feel angry?

Review the alternative actions discussed and practiced during the lesson.