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Emotion Explorers

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Lesson Plan

Emotion Explorers Lesson Plan

Over a 4-week series of 20-minute sessions, guide 4th and 5th grade boys to recognize complex emotions, practice safe self-expression, and strengthen positive decision-making through teacher-led modeling and demonstrations.

Older boys benefit from concrete demonstrations of emotional skills. Modeling healthy expression and choices builds confidence, deepens understanding, and equips them to support peers with empathy and good decision-making.

Audience

4th and 5th Grade Boys

Time

20 minutes per session (4-week series)

Approach

Teacher modeling, think-alouds, guided practice, and reflection.

Materials

Feelings Flashcards, Emotion Words Chart, Share-Safe Tokens, Choice-Making Story Cards, and Calm-Down Corner Setup Guide

Prep

Review Materials & Plan Demonstrations

15 minutes before Session 1

  • Read through all session guides to plan which emotions and scenarios to model each week
  • Prepare 2–3 personal examples for each target emotion (frustration, excitement, worry, etc.)
  • Gather and label Share-Safe Tokens
  • Arrange seating in a semi-circle for clear viewing of demonstrations
  • Set up calm-down area following the Calm-Down Corner Setup Guide

Step 1

Warm-Up & Modeling

3 minutes

  • Teacher models: hold a Feelings Flashcard and think aloud: “I see this face; I think they feel frustrated because...”
  • Invite one volunteer to mirror your think-aloud approach with a different flashcard
  • Emphasize modeling “I feel ___ when ___” sentence frame

Step 2

Emotion Introduction & Demonstration

5 minutes

  • Display the Emotion Words Chart with 4–5 nuanced emotions (proud, anxious, annoyed, etc.)
  • Teacher shares a personal story demonstrating one emotion (use facial expression and body language)
  • Ask volunteers to act out and verbally label how they’d feel in a similar situation

Step 3

Scenario Modeling & Group Discussion

6 minutes

  • Read a scenario from Choice-Making Story Cards
  • Teacher think-aloud possible reactions: “I might feel nervous, so I could take a deep breath, talk to a friend, or ask a teacher.”
  • Prompt group: “Which option would you choose? Why?”
  • List and briefly model 1–2 responses on the board

Step 4

Student Practice with Token & Modeling

4 minutes

  • Teacher demonstrates passing and using a Share-Safe Token: “I’ll say my feeling and choose a calm-down strategy.”
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to take a token, name a complex emotion they’ve felt this week, and pick a strategy

Step 5

Cool-Down, Reflection & Teacher Wrap-Up

2 minutes

  • Model a 4-count breathing exercise: “Watch me: in 1, 2, 3, 4... out 1, 2, 3, 4.”
  • Ask: “What did we learn about modeling and choices?”
  • Teacher summarizes key takeaways and previews next week’s emotion focus
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Slide Deck

Emotion Explorers

A 4-week, 20-minute Tier 1 support series for 4th & 5th grade boys—building emotional awareness, self-expression, and positive choices.

Welcome, everyone! This slide deck will guide us through a 4-week series of 20-minute sessions. Each week we’ll focus on a new emotion or decision-making skill, using teacher modeling, think-alouds, and guided practice to deepen understanding.

Series Overview

Week 1: Recognizing & Managing Frustration
Week 2: Navigating Anxiety & Calm Strategies
Week 3: Celebrating Pride & Handling Annoyance
Week 4: Positive Decision-Making Under Pressure

Review the four weekly focuses. Encourage students to notice their growth each week.

Week 1: Recognizing Frustration

• Use Feelings Flashcards
• Model “I feel ___ when ___” think-aloud
• Invite one volunteer to mirror your approach

Begin by showing a frustration flashcard and modeling: “I see this face; I feel frustrated when I can’t solve a hard puzzle.”

Week 1 Demo

Teacher models a frustration scenario:
– Story with facial & body cues
– Think-aloud coping options
– “I might take three deep breaths”

Tell a brief personal story: e.g., missing the bus. Show body language and name strategy you used.

Week 1 Practice & Discussion

• Prompt with Choice-Making Story Cards
• Students share options
• Teacher models an additional healthy response

Ask: “What would you do if you felt that way?” List student ideas and model one more response on the board.

Week 2: Navigating Anxiety

• Display Emotion Words Chart
• Model naming anxious thoughts
• Use “I feel ___ when ___” frame

Introduce anxiety: “I felt anxious before a big test.” Show the [Emotion Words Chart].

Week 2 Demo

Teacher think-aloud:
– “My heart is racing; I’ll take 4 slow breaths.”
– Show posture & pacing

Demonstrate calm-down strategy: teacher models deep breathing, counting, and self-talk.

Week 2 Practice & Reflection

• Pass Share-Safe Tokens
• Students name anxious moments & pick tools
• Teacher reinforces positive choices

Invite volunteers to practice the breathing strategy with modeling support.

Week 3: Pride & Annoyance

• Refer to [Emotion Words Chart]
• Model “I felt proud when…” and “I felt annoyed when…”
• Emphasize body language

Introduce pride vs. annoyance. Show flashcards for “proud” and “annoyed.”

Week 3 Demo & Role-Play

• Teacher demonstrates correct/incorrect responses
• Students practice with partners

Role-play a scenario: teacher acts annoyed when interrupted, then models asking for a turn politely.

Week 4: Decision-Making Under Pressure

• Read from [Choice-Making Story Cards]
• Teacher weighs options aloud
• Show how to evaluate pros & cons

Use a story card illustrating a conflict. Model think-aloud for choosing calm options.

Week 4 Capstone Practice

• Pass [

Students take a token and decide in real time which choice they’d make, explaining their thinking.

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Worksheet

Emotion Sharing Worksheet

Use this worksheet to practice drawing and naming feelings. You can look at the Emotion Words Chart for ideas!

1. Draw a HAPPY face

Draw a big smile and eyes that show you’re happy.












Feeling name: ______________________




2. Draw a SAD face

Draw a frown and eyes that show you’re sad.












Feeling name: ______________________




3. Draw an ANGRY face

Draw a face that shows you’re angry.












Feeling name: ______________________




4. Draw your own feeling

Choose any feeling you have. Draw your face and name the feeling.












Feeling name: ______________________




Great job! Remember, you can use your drawing to tell others how you feel and talk to a friend or teacher when you need help.

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Activity

Calm-Down Corner Setup Guide

Use this quiet space to help students calm their bodies and feelings when they need a break.

Materials Needed

  • Soft seating (bean bag, floor cushion, or small chair)
  • Pillows and cozy blanket
  • Low, soft lighting (lamp or string lights)
  • Noise-reducing headphones or calm music playlist
  • Stress ball, fidget toys, or sensory items
  • Timer or visual sand timer
  • Emotion Words Chart
  • Simple calm-down choice cards (e.g., “Deep Breath,” “Count to Five,” “Draw”)
  • Small basket or box for Share-Safe Tokens
  • Calm-down visual poster with steps (see below)

Setup Steps

  1. Choose a Corner:
    • Find a low-traffic, quiet spot in the classroom.
    • Position seating so it feels cozy and sheltered.
  2. Arrange Materials:
    • Place pillows or a cushion on the floor or chair.
    • Add soft lighting for a warm feel.
    • Arrange sensory tools (stress ball, fidgets) within easy reach.
  3. Create Visual Supports:
    • Hang the Emotion Words Chart nearby.
    • Display calm-down choice cards on a small tabletop easel or clip.
    • Put a timer where the child can see it.
  4. Label Token Basket:
    • Place the basket of Share-Safe Tokens at the entrance.
    • Explain that holding a token means “I need a turn to calm down.”
  5. Post Calm-Down Steps Poster:
    • Include 3–4 simple steps (see example below).
    • Use images or icons plus words.

Example Calm-Down Steps Poster

  1. Take 3 deep breaths
  2. Name your feeling (use chart)
  3. Choose a calm-down tool
  4. Take turns with the token

Usage Guidelines for Teachers

  • Invite a child to the corner whenever they feel big feelings.
  • Encourage them to hold one token while they calm down.
  • Set a gentle timer (3–5 minutes) and check in when it rings.
  • Help them use a calm-down step and return the token when done.

Maintenance Tips

  • Check materials weekly; restock fidgets and replace worn visuals.
  • Rotate sensory items to keep interest high.
  • Praise and reinforce children for using the corner independently.
     
     
    Tip: Model using the corner yourself so boys see it as a safe, helpful space!
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Discussion

Emotion Explorers Discussion Guide

Use this guide to lead a safe, supportive circle discussion where kindergarten boys can practice identifying feelings, sharing experiences, and exploring positive choices.

Session Setup & Ground Rules (5 minutes)

  • Arrange seats in a circle so everyone can see each other.
  • Introduce ground rules:
    • Listening ears: wait your turn and listen quietly
    • Speak with kind words and voices
    • Use a Share-Safe Token to know whose turn it is
    • You may pass if you don’t want to share
  • Demonstrate how to use the token: the holder speaks; others listen.

1. Recognizing and Naming Emotions (5 minutes)

  1. Show a Feelings Flashcard (e.g., happy, sad, angry, scared) from Feelings Flashcards.
  2. Ask:
    • “What emotion is this?”





    • “Can you show me your face when you feel this?”
    • Follow‐up: “What makes you feel this way?”





  3. Praise each answer and encourage variety: “I love how Sam showed us that scared face!”

2. Sharing Personal Experiences (7 minutes)

  1. Pass the Share-Safe Token around the circle.
  2. Prompt:
    • “Tell us about a time you felt happy (or sad/angry/scared) today.”











  3. After each share, ask a quick follow-up:
    • “What did you do when you felt that way?”





    • “Did talking to someone help?”
  4. Affirm bravery: “Thank you for sharing, Jordan. That was very brave!”

3. Making Positive Choices (7 minutes)

  1. Read a short scenario from the Choice-Making Story Cards.
  2. Ask the group:
    • “How do you think our friend feels right now?”





    • “What could they do to feel better or solve the problem?”











  3. List responses on the board; highlight positive choices like “talk to a friend,” “ask a teacher,” or “take deep breaths.”
  4. Follow-up: “Which choice would you try? Why?”





4. Exploring Calm-Down Strategies (6 minutes)

  1. Introduce the Calm-Down Corner Setup Guide.
  2. Ask:
    • “Which calm-down tool would you pick if you felt very mad or sad?”





    • Offer examples: “Deep breathing, drawing, using a stress ball.”
  3. Practice a short breathing exercise together:
    • In through nose (count to 4)
      Exhale through mouth (count to 4)
      Repeat 2 times.

5. Reflection & Closing (5 minutes)

  • Go around the circle with a quick question:
    “What is one thing you learned today about feelings or choices?”





  • Praise each response and remind boys they can use these tools anytime:
    “Great job, everyone! Remember the calm-down corner and these choices can help you feel better.”

Tip for Teachers: Keep responses short and positive. Use visual supports (charts, flashcards) and tokens consistently to reinforce turn-taking and a safe-sharing environment.

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