Emotion Exploration Through Nature

Silvia Huffer

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Emotion Exploration Through Nature

Explore emotions through nature

This lesson invites Pre-K students to explore their emotions by observing and interacting with elements from nature, such as leaves or flowers. This approach helps young learners connect their feelings to changes in their environment, fostering emotional awareness and empathy. By engaging with nature, students can better understand and express their emotions in a safe and nurturing setting.

Audience

Pre-K Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Explore emotions through nature

Materials

Leaves or flowers, Crayons, Paper, and Emotion Exploration Discussion

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

Gather students in a circle.
Briefly explain that today they will explore how nature can help us understand our feelings.
Show a leaf or flower and ask students how it makes them feel.

Step 2

Nature Observation

7 minutes

Distribute leaves or flowers to each student.
Encourage students to observe their item closely, noting colors, shapes, and textures.
Ask them to think about what emotions these elements might represent.

Step 3

Drawing Emotions

5 minutes

Provide paper and crayons to each student.
Instruct students to draw how the leaf or flower makes them feel.
Encourage them to use colors that represent their emotions.

Step 4

Discussion

3 minutes

Use the 'Emotion Exploration Discussion' attachment to guide a conversation.
Ask students to share their drawings and the emotions they chose.
Discuss how different elements in nature can make us feel different emotions.

Step 5

Closure

2 minutes

Thank students for sharing their feelings and participating.
Reinforce the idea that nature can help us understand our emotions.

Discussion

Emotion Exploration Discussion

A guided discussion to help students articulate their emotions connected to nature.

How did the leaf or flower make you feel?

Encourage students to use descriptive words and relate them to their personal experiences.

Why do you think nature can make us feel different emotions?

Guide students to think about the colors, shapes, and textures in nature and how they relate to feelings.