Lesson Plan
Emotion Explorers
Emotional Self-Regulation
In this lesson, students will explore emotional self-regulation through engaging activities and discussions. They will learn to identify and manage their emotions using practical strategies. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle their emotions effectively, promoting better social interactions and personal well-being.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
25 mins
Approach
Game-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Blended Learning, Experiential Learning
Materials
Video: Managing Feelings & Emotions For Elementary-Middle School, Worksheet: Emotion Regulation Strategies, Discussion: Understanding Our Emotions, and Activity: Emotion Charades
Step 1
Introduction
5 mins
- Script for Teacher:
- "Good morning, class! Today, we're going to talk about something very important—our emotions. Emotions are feelings we have in response to different situations. Can anyone give me an example of an emotion? Yes, happiness, sadness, anger, and surprise are all emotions we might feel."
- "Now, let's talk about self-regulation. This is a big word that means being able to manage our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations. It's like being the boss of your own feelings."
- "Understanding and managing our emotions is important because it helps us make better decisions, improve our relationships, and feel better overall. When we can control our emotions, we can focus better in school, get along with our friends, and have a more positive outlook on life."
- "Throughout today's lesson, we'll learn some strategies to help us manage our emotions better. Let's get started!"
Step 2
Video Viewing
5 mins
- Show the video Managing Feelings & Emotions For Elementary-Middle School.
- Ask students to pay attention to the steps for managing emotions.
Step 3
Discussion
5 mins
- Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences related to emotional regulation.
Step 4
Worksheet Activity
5 mins
- Distribute the "Emotion Regulation Strategies" worksheet.
- Guide students to complete the worksheet, focusing on identifying emotions and coping strategies.
Step 5
Emotion Charades
5 mins
- Organize a game of Emotion Charades where students act out different emotions.
- Provide detailed regulation strategies for each emotion:
- Happiness: Encourage sharing the joy with others, expressing gratitude, or engaging in a fun activity.
- Sadness: Suggest talking to a friend, writing in a journal, or doing something comforting like reading a book.
- Anger: Recommend taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or going for a walk to cool down.
- Surprise: Advise taking a moment to process the surprise, sharing the experience with someone, or reflecting on the positive aspects.
- Encourage classmates to guess the emotion and discuss appropriate regulation strategies.
Step 6
Closure
2 mins
- Recap the key points learned about emotional self-regulation.
- Encourage students to practice these strategies in their daily lives.
Discussion
Understanding Our Emotions
This discussion will help students articulate their understanding of emotions and how they can manage them effectively.
What are some emotions you experience daily?
Encourage students to think about different situations and how they feel during those times.
How can we identify when we are feeling a strong emotion?
Discuss physical and mental signs of strong emotions.
What are some strategies you use to calm down when you're upset?
Share examples of deep breathing, counting, or talking to someone.
Worksheet
Emotion Regulation Strategies
This worksheet helps students identify their emotions and explore strategies to manage them effectively.
List three emotions you felt this week and what caused them.
Think about different situations at school or home.
Choose one emotion and describe a strategy you used or could use to manage it.
Consider strategies like deep breathing, talking to a friend, or taking a break.
Reading
Emotion Regulation Summary
This summary sheet provides a quick reference to the key concepts and strategies for emotional self-regulation discussed in the lesson.
Key Concepts
- Emotions: Feelings we experience in response to different situations, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and surprise.
- Self-Regulation: The ability to manage our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in various situations.
Importance of Managing Emotions
- Helps in making better decisions.
- Improves relationships with others.
- Enhances overall well-being and focus.
Strategies for Managing Emotions
- Happiness: Share joy, express gratitude, engage in fun activities.
- Sadness: Talk to a friend, write in a journal, do something comforting.
- Anger: Take deep breaths, count to ten, go for a walk.
- Surprise: Process the surprise, share the experience, reflect on positives.
Practice
- Use these strategies in daily life to improve emotional regulation.
Reading
Parent Resources for Emotional Self-Regulation
This resource list provides parents with tools and information to support their children's emotional self-regulation at home.
Online Resources
- Child Mind Institute: Offers articles and resources on emotional regulation and mental health for children. Visit Website
- PBS Parents: Provides tips and activities for teaching kids about emotions. Visit Website
Books
- "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: A guide to nurturing a child's developing mind.
- "Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" by John Gottman: Offers strategies for teaching children to understand and regulate their emotions.
Apps
- Headspace for Kids: Offers mindfulness exercises tailored for children.
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame: An app that helps children learn problem-solving and emotional regulation skills.
Activities
- Family Emotion Charades: Play a game of charades focusing on different emotions and discuss regulation strategies.
- Emotion Journaling: Encourage children to keep a journal of their emotions and reflect on their experiences.