Emotional Intelligence: Your Superpower

Stephanie Cordero

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Building Emotional Intelligence

Students will explore emotional intelligence, understand how emotions shape interactions, and learn techniques for self-awareness and regulation.

Developing emotional intelligence can improve interpersonal relationships, boost self-regulation, and enhance overall well-being, which are crucial life skills.

Audience

Middle School Students (8th Grade)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, video exploration, and reflective practice.

Materials

Building Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence Skills (Slide Deck), Practicing Emotional Awareness (Worksheet), and Emotional Intelligence Video

Prep

Preparation and Review

5 minutes

Review the Building Emotional Intelligence lesson plan for context.
Familiarize yourself with the Emotional Intelligence Video and additional materials.
Prepare discussion questions to prompt student reflection on personal experiences with emotions.

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

5 minutes

Introduce the concept of emotional intelligence and its relevance to everyday life.
Ask students to share brief examples of when they felt strong emotions and how they reacted.

Step 2

Video Viewing

6 minutes

Show the Emotional Intelligence Video to illustrate key aspects of EI.
Encourage students to note key points during the video.

Step 3

Interactive Activity

10 minutes

Utilize the slide deck Emotional Intelligence Skills (Slide Deck) to highlight techniques.
Distribute the worksheet Practicing Emotional Awareness (Worksheet) for students to complete a brief self-reflection exercise on their emotions and responses.

Step 4

Group Reflection & Sharing

4 minutes

Facilitate a group discussion on insights gained from the activities.
Ask students how they might apply these techniques in real life.

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Emotional Intelligence Skills

Explore key concepts: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills.

Introduce the slide deck and outline what will be covered. Emphasize the importance of understanding emotional intelligence as a foundation for both personal growth and healthy relationships.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others.

Discuss the definition of emotional intelligence. Provide examples of how it influences our thoughts and actions.

Self-Awareness & Self-Regulation

Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions.
Self-Regulation: Managing emotions effectively.

Focus on self-awareness and self-regulation. Explain how these skills allow us to understand our emotions and respond responsibly.

Empathy & Social Skills

Empathy: Understanding others' feelings.
Social Skills: Communicating and interacting in a positive way.

Highlight the importance of empathy and effective social skills. Encourage students to consider how these skills help in building relationships.

Improving Your Emotional Intelligence

Tips include:

Practice mindfulness
Reflect on your emotions
Engage in active listening
Communicate clearly

Discuss strategies for improving emotional intelligence. Provide practical tips that students can apply in day-to-day situations.

Reflection & Sharing

Think about:

A recent time when you managed your emotions well.
How could these skills help you in school and with friends?

Wrap up by inviting students to reflect on what they learned. Pose questions that encourage group discussion on how they might apply these skills in real life.

Worksheet

Practicing Emotional Awareness Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you identify and explore your emotions in different scenarios. Take your time to reflect on each scenario and think about how you might respond in real-life situations.

1. Scenario Analysis

nImagine you just had a disagreement with a friend and felt upset. Describe the situation and identify the emotions you experienced. Why do you think you felt that way?

2. Reflection on Reactions

nThink back to a time when you felt very happy or excited. What sparked those emotions? How did you express them?

3. Understanding Triggers

nList three things that tend to trigger strong emotions in you (both positive and negative). For each trigger, write down one way you can manage or respond to those emotions.

4. Strategies for Management

nBased on what you've learned, choose one strategy for managing a difficult emotion (such as deep breathing, talking it out, or taking a break). Describe a situation where you could use this strategy and how it might help.

5. Personal Growth

nReflect on how recognizing and understanding your emotions can be a superpower in building healthy relationships and managing stress in your life. Write a short paragraph about this idea.

Remember: There is no right or wrong answer. This is a space for you to explore and reflect on your own emotional experiences.