Lesson Plan
Emotion Regulation Check-Up Lesson Plan
Students will complete a brief self-assessment and reflection on their emotional regulation skills to identify strengths and areas for growth, enabling targeted SEL support.
This check-up gives teachers quick insights into each student’s self-control strategies and self-awareness, shaping future small-group or whole-class SEL lessons. Students also practice recognizing and articulating their emotions.
Audience
4th Grade Tier 2 Small-Group Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided self-assessment and reflective discussion
Materials
- Self-Regulation Assessment Checklist, - Emotion Reflection Worksheet, - Calm-Down Strategy Cards, - Calm-Down Area Poster, and - Classroom Timer or Device
Prep
Material Preparation
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Self-Regulation Assessment Checklist and Emotion Reflection Worksheet for each student
- Cut apart and shuffle Calm-Down Strategy Cards
- Hang the Calm-Down Area Poster in a quiet corner of the room
- Review session flow and familiarize yourself with each resource
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and briefly define emotional regulation
- Pass around the Calm-Down Strategy Cards; have each student name one strategy they recognize
- Transition by explaining that today they’ll reflect on how well they currently use these strategies
Step 2
Assessment
15 minutes
- Distribute the Self-Regulation Assessment Checklist
- Students rate statements (e.g., “I can calm down when I’m upset”) from 1 (never) to 5 (always)
- Circulate to clarify instructions and ensure honest responses
- Collect completed checklists for review
Step 3
Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out the Emotion Reflection Worksheet
- Ask students to choose one scenario from their checklist where they rated themselves low
- They write about what they felt, what they did, and one thing they could try next time
- Invite a few volunteers to share one insight (optional)
Step 4
Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Introduce the calm-down area and explain its purpose using the Calm-Down Area Poster
- Lead a quick guided breathing or stretching exercise
- Let each student draw one Calm-Down Strategy Card and practice that strategy briefly
- Praise effort and remind them they can use these tools any time
Worksheet
Self-Regulation Checklist
Instructions: For each statement, circle the number that best describes you: 1 (Never), 2 (Rarely), 3 (Sometimes), 4 (Often), 5 (Always).
| Statement | 1 (Never) | 2 (Rarely) | 3 (Sometimes) | 4 (Often) | 5 (Always) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. I can calm down when I feel upset. | |||||
| 2. I pause and take a deep breath when I’m angry. | |||||
| 3. I use strategies like counting or talking to calm myself. | |||||
| 4. I think before I act when I’m frustrated. | |||||
| 5. I can focus on my work even when I’m feeling upset. | |||||
| 6. I let others know how I’m feeling in a calm way. | |||||
| 7. I ask for help when I feel overwhelmed. | |||||
| 8. I can stay in control during difficult situations. | |||||
| 9. I follow classroom rules (e.g., raise my hand, stay in my seat) without reminders. | |||||
| 10. I keep my hands and feet to myself when working or playing with others. | |||||
| 11. I wait patiently and take turns when I need to speak or use materials. | |||||
| 12. I complete my work or tasks before asking for a break or help. |
Worksheet
Emotion Reflection Worksheet
Instructions: Think about the statement you rated lowest on your Self-Regulation Checklist. Answer the questions below to reflect on that experience.
- Which statement did you rate lowest? Write the statement and the number you circled.
- What emotion did you feel in that situation? Describe how you felt.
- What did you do when you felt that way? Explain the actions you took.
- What is one thing you could try next time to help you handle this feeling better?
- (Optional) How do you think this new strategy will help you in the future?
Activity
Calm-Down Strategy Cards
Cut these cards apart and keep them handy. When you’re feeling upset or frustrated, pick a card and practice the strategy you see.
1. Deep Breathing
Take five slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2, and exhale through your mouth for 6.
2. Count to Ten
Slowly count from 1 to 10 in your head. Focus on each number as you breathe slowly.
3. Arm & Leg Stretch
Reach your arms high above your head, then touch your toes. Roll your shoulders and stretch your legs gently.
4. Fist Squeeze
Squeeze your fists tightly for 5 seconds, then release and shake out your hands.
5. Happy Place Visualization
Close your eyes and imagine a place that makes you feel calm—like a beach or a cozy room. Notice the colors, sounds, and feelings.
6. Body Wiggle
Stand up and wiggle your arms, legs, or hips for a few seconds to shake off tension.
7. Humming or Calm Music
Hum your favorite tune softly or listen to a short clip of calming music.
8. Doodle or Draw
Use paper and pencil to draw shapes, swirls, or a picture that feels relaxing.
9. Friendly Support
Ask a classmate or teacher for a gentle hug, high-five, or a quiet chat.
10. Positive Self-Talk
Say a positive phrase to yourself like “I can handle this,” “I am calm,” or “I am strong.”
Activity
Calm-Down Area Poster
Welcome to your special Calm-Down Area! This is a quiet spot where you can take a break, practice strategies, and get back to feeling your best.
When to Use It
• If you’re feeling upset, angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed
• When you need a moment to collect your thoughts
How It Works
- Notice Your Feeling
• Pause and think: How do I feel right now? - Choose a Strategy
• Take a card from the Calm-Down Strategy Cards pile
• Or use another calm-down tool you like (stress ball, coloring sheet, headphones) - Practice for 3–5 Minutes
• Find a comfy spot in this corner
• Do the strategy quietly and focus on your breathing - Check In and Return
• Take three deep breaths
• If you feel calmer, quietly return to your group or desk
• If you still need more time, let the teacher know or continue for another minute
Area Guidelines
• Use calm voices and gentle movements
• Respect others’ space and privacy
• Keep tools in good condition—return everything when you leave
Remember: Everyone needs a break sometimes. Use this space as many times as you need to practice your self-control and feel ready to learn again!
Slide Deck
Emotion Regulation Check-Up
Tier 2 Small-Group Session • 4th Grade • 30 Minutes
Let’s discover how we calm down, reflect on our feelings, and learn strategies to stay in control.
Welcome everyone! Today we’re doing an Emotion Regulation Check-Up. Explain that we’ll look at how well we calm ourselves when we feel strong emotions and practice tools to help us stay in control.
Objectives & Agenda
Objective:
- Complete a self-assessment of your emotional regulation skills
- Reflect on one situation where you felt upset
- Practice a calm-down strategy
Agenda:
- Warm-Up (5 min)
- Self-Assessment (15 min)
- Reflection (5 min)
- Cool-Down (5 min)
Read the objective aloud and walk students through the agenda. Emphasize that their honest answers help us plan future lessons.
Warm-Up
• What is emotional regulation? (How we calm ourselves when we’re upset)
• Pass around a Calm-Down Strategy Card
• Each student names one strategy they know
• Today we’ll see how well we use these strategies
Define emotional regulation in kid-friendly terms (“how we calm our feelings”) and pass out the Calm-Down Strategy Cards. Ask each student to name one strategy they recognize.
Self-Regulation Assessment
- Take your Self-Regulation Checklist
- Read each statement (e.g., “I can calm down when I feel upset.”)
- Circle a number 1 (Never) to 5 (Always)
- Be honest—there are no right or wrong answers
- Return your checklist when finished
Distribute the Self-Regulation Checklist. Remind students to circle 1 (Never) to 5 (Always) honestly. Circulate to answer questions and encourage candid responses.
Reflection
- Choose the statement you rated lowest
- Describe the feeling you had
- Write what you did in that moment
- Brainstorm one new strategy to try next time
- (Optional) How might that help you in the future?
Hand out the Emotion Reflection Worksheet. Instruct students to pick the statement they rated lowest and answer the prompts. Encourage brief sharing if time allows.
Cool-Down
• Introduce the Calm-Down Area and its purpose
• Lead 2 slow, deep breaths together
• Do a quick arm & leg stretch
• Each student picks one Calm-Down Strategy Card and practices it
• Remind students they can use these tools anytime
Show the Calm-Down Area Poster. Lead the group in two deep breaths and a quick stretch. Then have each student draw one Strategy Card and practice it for 30 seconds.
Next Steps & Wrap-Up
• Great work today!
• I will review your checklists to see where to focus our next lessons
• Remember to visit the Calm-Down Area and use your favorite strategies
• Keep practicing—self-control takes time and effort!
Thank students for their participation. Explain that you’ll review their checklists and plan next steps. Encourage them to use their favorite strategies whenever needed.