Emotional GPS

Andrea Labb

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Emotional GPS Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify their emotional and physical signs of dysregulation and apply self-regulation strategies to engage with non-preferential tasks.

Learning to understand and manage emotions helps students navigate difficult feelings and tasks, leading to greater success in school and daily life. It provides them with practical tools to stay calm and focused.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided activity, and reflection.

Materials

Emotional GPS Slide Deck, Emotional GPS Warm-Up, Regulation Strategies Activity, and Emotional GPS Cool-Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Emotional GPS Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
- Prepare the classroom for small group discussion.
- Ensure the Emotional GPS Slide Deck is ready for display.
- Print copies of the Regulation Strategies Activity (one per student) and have pencils available.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up: Your Inner Weather Report

5 minutes

Begin with the Emotional GPS Warm-Up activity.
- Ask students to reflect on how they are feeling emotionally and physically.
- Facilitate a brief discussion, using prompts from the Emotional GPS Script to connect feelings to potential 'weather' within themselves.

Step 2

Understanding Dysregulation: Feeling Off Track

10 minutes

Present slides 1-3 from the Emotional GPS Slide Deck.
- Lead a discussion using the Emotional GPS Script to define dysregulation and explore common signs.
- Encourage students to share (if comfortable) physical and emotional cues they notice when feeling overwhelmed or

Step 3

Charting a New Course: Regulation Strategies

10 minutes

Present slides 4-6 from the Emotional GPS Slide Deck.
- Introduce various self-regulation strategies for non-preferential tasks.
- Distribute the Regulation Strategies Activity and guide students through identifying strategies they can use.
- Facilitate a brief group share-out of chosen strategies.

Step 4

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up: Your Emotional Compass

5 minutes

Conclude with the Emotional GPS Cool-Down activity.
- Ask students to summarize one key takeaway or one strategy they will try.
- Reinforce the idea that self-awareness and self-regulation are ongoing skills, using the Emotional GPS Script for closing remarks.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Welcome to Emotional GPS!

Navigating your feelings and tasks like a pro!

Welcome students and introduce the concept of an 'Emotional GPS' to help them navigate feelings and tasks.

What is Dysregulation?

When your inner 'GPS' feels a little lost:

Feeling overwhelmed or 'out of whack'
Your body or emotions signal something is off
It's a normal human experience!

Explain what dysregulation is in simple terms – when our feelings or bodies feel 'out of whack.' Ask students for examples of how they might feel physically or emotionally when things are 'off track.' (e.g., stomach ache, fidgeting, anger, frustration).

Your Warning Lights: Signs of Dysregulation

What are YOUR personal signals?

Physical: Tense muscles, fast heart, fidgeting, feeling tired, headache
Emotional: Frustration, anger, sadness, anxiety, irritability
Thoughts: 'I can't do this,' 'This is too hard,' 'I hate this task'

Focus on identifying personal signs. Encourage them to think about their unique 'tells.' Ask: 'What does your body do?' 'What thoughts pop up?' 'How do your emotions feel?'

Getting Back on Track: Regulation Strategies

When facing a 'blah' task:

Notice your warning lights.
Choose a strategy to get your 'GPS' working again.

Transition to solutions. Explain that once we know we're dysregulated, we can use strategies to get back on track. Emphasize that 'non-preferential tasks' are things we don't want to do, but often have to.

Your Toolkit: Strategies for Non-Preferential Tasks

Take a Brain Break: Stretch, walk, get water.
Deep Breaths: Slow, calming breaths.
Positive Self-Talk: 'I can do this,' 'Just try my best.'
Chunking: Break big tasks into small steps.
Timer Power: Work for 5-10 minutes, then a quick reward.
Visualize Success: Imagine finishing the task.

Introduce several strategies. Briefly explain each one. Ask students which ones they've tried or which sound interesting. Emphasize that different strategies work for different people.

You've Got This!

You have an amazing inner 'Emotional GPS'!

Notice your signals.
Use your strategies.
Navigate challenges like a pro!

Summarize the key takeaway and empower students. Encourage them to practice these skills. End on a positive, encouraging note.

Script

Emotional GPS: Teacher Script