Lesson Plan
Session 1: Understanding Emotions
Adrian will learn to recognize and name basic emotions in himself and others and will be introduced to effective coping strategies (deep breathing, movement breaks) to manage feelings of frustration or anger.
Understanding and labeling emotions lays the groundwork for self-regulation. Equipping Adrian with coping tools early helps reduce outbursts and builds his confidence in handling strong feelings.
Audience
6th Grade Individual Counseling Session
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive visuals, guided practice, and reflection.
Materials
Prep
Setup Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out Emotion Flashcards.
- Display Coping Strategies Poster in the counseling area at eye level.
- Make one copy of the Emotion Reflection Worksheet for Adrian.
- Review the images and descriptions on each material to ensure you can guide Adrian smoothly.
Step 1
Welcome & Check-In
5 minutes
- Greet Adrian and ask how he’s doing today.
- Briefly describe the session’s goals: recognizing emotions and learning coping strategies.
- Set a positive tone and build rapport.
Step 2
Emotion Flashcard Activity
8 minutes
- Spread out the Emotion Flashcards face down.
- Ask Adrian to pick a card, show it, name the emotion, and share a time he’s felt that way.
- Discuss facial cues and body language that match each emotion.
- Reinforce correct labeling and offer gentle prompts when needed.
Step 3
Introduce Coping Strategies
8 minutes
- Present the Coping Strategies Poster and review two strategies: deep breathing and movement break.
- Model deep breathing: inhale for 4, hold 2, exhale for 6. Practice together twice.
- Demonstrate a quick movement break: stand, stretch, and shake arms for 10 seconds.
- Ask Adrian which strategy feels most helpful and why.
Step 4
Role-Play Practice
6 minutes
- Create a short scenario where Adrian feels frustrated (e.g., a classmate won’t share).
- Role-play the situation: have Adrian act out using one coping strategy.
- Provide prompts as needed and reinforce appropriate self-control and voice level.
- Praise his use of the strategy and discuss how it helped him feel calmer.
Step 5
Reflection & Goal Setting
3 minutes
- Give Adrian the Emotion Reflection Worksheet.
- Ask him to draw or write about a time he’ll practice deep breathing or a movement break this week.
- Set a simple goal: "I will use deep breathing once when I feel upset at school."
- Close with positive feedback and excitement for the next session.
Slide Deck
Session 1: Understanding Emotions
Welcome to Session 1 of our Calm & Connect Counseling Series
Understanding Emotions to help you feel more in control
Welcome Adrian to the first session. Set a friendly tone and introduce the Calm & Connect series. Ask a quick check-in: “How are you feeling today?”
Today’s Objectives
By the end of our 30-minute session, Adrian will:
• Recognize and name basic emotions
• Learn two coping strategies to manage strong feelings
• Practice using a strategy in a role-play and set a goal
Explain today’s goals clearly. Use “we” language to build partnership.
Why Emotions Matter
• When we name what we feel, we can decide how to respond
• Understanding feelings helps prevent outbursts
• Builds confidence to handle frustration or anger
Discuss why labeling emotions matters. Relate it to everyday experiences: noticing feelings before they get too big.
Activity 1: Emotion Flashcards
- Spread out the Emotion Flashcards face down
- Pick a card, show it, and name the emotion
- Share a time you’ve felt that way
- Notice facial expressions and body cues together
Guide Adrian step-by-step through the Emotion Flashcards activity.
Flashcard Examples
🙂 Happy 😢 Sad 😡 Angry
What do these faces tell us about how someone feels?
Show three sample cards; point out visual cues. Encourage Adrian to think about how he looks when he’s happy, sad, or angry.
Introducing Coping Strategies
Let’s review our Coping Strategies Poster:
• Deep Breathing
• Movement Break
Introduce the poster and highlight our two strategies today.
Deep Breathing
Follow these steps together:
- Inhale slowly for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 2 seconds
- Exhale slowly for 6 seconds
Practice 2 times
Model each step slowly and clearly. Practice twice together, praising Adrian for calm, steady breaths.
Movement Break
Let’s do a short break:
- Stand up and stretch arms overhead
- Shake your arms gently for 10 seconds
- Take a deep breath and notice how you feel
Lead Adrian in a quick stretch and shake. Ask him to notice any change in how he feels.
Activity 2: Role-Play Practice
- Pick a scenario (e.g., someone won’t share)
- Act out using deep breathing or movement break
- Keep good personal space and a calm voice
- Discuss how it helped you feel calmer
Set up a simple scenario (e.g., classmate won’t share). Encourage Adrian to use a chosen strategy while keeping his voice calm.
Reflection & Goal Setting
• Complete the Emotion Reflection Worksheet
• Draw or write about when you’ll practice a strategy
• Set a goal: “I will use deep breathing once when I feel upset at school.”
Hand over the Emotion Reflection Worksheet. Help Adrian articulate a realistic goal for the week.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Great job today, Adrian!
Next time: Following Adult Directives & Self-Control
Looking forward to seeing you next session!
Praise Adrian’s effort and enthusiasm. Preview that next session will focus on following adult directives and self-control.
Worksheet
Emotion Reflection Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: ________________
1. Emotions Today
Which emotion did you feel? (Circle one or write your own)
😊 Happy 😢 Sad 😡 Angry 😨 Nervous 😕 Frustrated Other: _______________
2. Draw It Out
Draw a picture of your face showing how you felt in the situation. Use the space below:
3. What Happened?
Describe what happened that made you feel this way:
4. Coping Strategy
Which strategy did you use to help yourself calm down? Circle one or add your own.
• Deep Breathing • Movement Break • Positive Thinking • Quiet Corner • Other: _______________
5. How Did It Help?
Before I used my strategy, I felt:
After I used my strategy, I felt:
6. Goal Setting
Write a goal for next time you feel this emotion. Start with “I will…”
_I will __________________________________________________________.
Thank you for reflecting! Bring this sheet to our next session to discuss how it went.
(use with Session 1: Understanding Emotions)
Activity
Emotion Flashcards
Print and cut along the lines to create individual emotion cards. Use these in sessions to help Adrian identify and discuss different feelings.
| 🙂 Happy | 😢 Sad | 😡 Angry | 😨 Nervous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 😕 Frustrated | 😲 Surprised | 😃 Excited | 😌 Calm |
Use each card to:
• Name the emotion
• Describe a time you’ve felt this way
• Identify body cues and facial expressions
(cut on cell borders; use with Session 1: Understanding Emotions)
Activity
Coping Strategies Poster
Use these tools whenever you start to feel upset, frustrated, or angry. Find the strategy that works best for you!
Deep Breathing 🧘♂️
• Inhale slowly for 4 counts
• Hold your breath for 2 counts
• Exhale gently for 6 counts
Movement Break 🏃♂️
• Stand up and stretch arms overhead
• Shake your arms or jump in place for 10 seconds
• Take a deep breath and notice how you feel
Positive Thinking 💭
• Think of a memory or place that makes you smile
• Say a kind phrase to yourself (e.g., “I can do this.”)
Quiet Corner 🛋️
• Find a calm spot in the room or hallway
• Sit quietly with a favorite book or fidget toy
• Take slow, steady breaths until you feel calmer
(Use this poster with Session 1: Understanding Emotions and in future sessions.)