Emotion Explorers

Rachel Sullivan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Emotion Explorers

Teaching emotional regulation strategies

In this lesson, students will learn about emotional regulation through engaging activities and games. They will explore different emotions and practice strategies to manage them effectively. This lesson is important as it helps young learners develop essential social-emotional skills, enabling them to navigate their feelings and interactions in the classroom.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Emotion Cards, Emotion Regulation Worksheet, Markers, and Crayons

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and introduce the topic of emotions.
Ask students to share how they feel today using one word.
Explain that today they will learn how to manage their emotions through fun activities.

Step 2

Emotion Matching Game

10 minutes

Distribute Emotion Cards to each student.
Explain the rules: Students will match their card with a partner who has the same emotion.
Once matched, pairs will discuss what makes them feel that emotion and how they can manage it.
Encourage students to use facial expressions and body language to express their emotions.

Step 3

Emotion Regulation Strategies

5 minutes

Introduce simple strategies like deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a stress ball.
Demonstrate each strategy and have students practice them together.
Discuss when they might use these strategies in the classroom.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

5 minutes

Hand out the Emotion Regulation Worksheet.
Instruct students to draw a picture of themselves using one of the strategies they learned.
Encourage creativity and provide support as needed.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

Gather students back in a circle.
Ask a few students to share their drawings and explain their chosen strategy.
Reinforce the importance of using these strategies to manage emotions in the classroom.

Worksheet

Emotion Regulation Worksheet

This worksheet helps students visualize and reinforce the emotional regulation strategies they learned during the lesson. Students will draw themselves using a strategy to manage their emotions.

Draw a picture of yourself using a strategy to manage your emotions.

Reading

Parent Letter

A letter to inform parents about the 'Emotion Explorers' lesson, its objectives, and how they can support their child's learning at home.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to share that our class will be participating in a special lesson called "Emotion Explorers" designed to help our young learners understand and manage their emotions. This lesson is part of our ongoing effort to support the social-emotional development of our students.

During the lesson, students will engage in fun activities and games that explore different emotions and practice strategies to manage them effectively. They will learn simple techniques such as deep breathing, counting to ten, and using a stress ball to help regulate their emotions.

We encourage you to ask your child about what they learned and to practice these strategies at home. By reinforcing these skills, you can help your child navigate their feelings and interactions both in and out of the classroom.

Thank you for your continued support in your child's education.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]