Emotional Lifeline

Kylie Taniguchi

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

One-on-One Emotional Check-In

Guide the 5th grade student to articulate current feelings, recognize personal triggers, and map trusted adults, culminating in a personalized emotional safety plan within a focused 20-minute discussion.

When a student is in crisis, naming emotions and knowing who to turn to can feel overwhelming. This targeted session builds emotional awareness, identifies coping triggers, and strengthens connections to trusted adults, promoting safety and support.

Audience

5th Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Structured one-on-one discussion with visual tools.

Materials

Your Emotional Lifeline, - Guided Question Prompts, - My Feelings Map, and - Trusted Adult Contact Chart

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Review the Your Emotional Lifeline slide deck to familiarize yourself with key prompts and visuals.
Read through the Guided Question Prompts to anticipate student responses and possible follow-ups.
Print or assemble enough copies of the My Feelings Map and Trusted Adult Contact Chart for the session.
Arrange a private, comfortable space free from interruptions.
Gather pens or pencils and ensure tissues or a water bottle are on hand if needed.

Step 1

Warm-Up and Rapport Building

3 minutes

Greet the student warmly; remind them this is a safe, confidential space.
Explain the session’s purpose: to talk about emotions and supports.
Encourage honesty and reassure there’s no judgment.

Step 2

Articulating Current Feelings

5 minutes

Introduce the My Feelings Map.
Ask the student to choose 2–3 emotions they’re experiencing right now.
Prompt them to describe when they feel each emotion and rate intensity on the map.

Step 3

Identifying Triggers

4 minutes

Discuss situations, people, or events that tend to trigger these feelings.
Use guided prompts from the Guided Question Prompts:
• "What happened before you felt this way?"
• "How does your body react when you feel it?"
Note common themes or warning signs.

Step 4

Exploring Support Network

4 minutes

Present the Trusted Adult Contact Chart.
Ask the student to list adults they feel safe talking with (family, teachers, counselors).
For each adult, have the student write how and when they could reach out.

Step 5

Safety and Next-Steps Planning

3 minutes

Co-create 1–2 simple coping strategies or calming techniques the student can try when upset (e.g., deep breathing, drawing).
Identify which trusted adult they’ll contact first if they feel overwhelmed.
Agree on a check-in time or follow-up plan.

Step 6

Debrief and Closing

1 minute

Summarize the student’s feelings, triggers, and support contacts.
Reinforce that they’re not alone and that help is available anytime.
Thank them for sharing and confirm the next check-in.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Your Emotional Lifeline

Welcome to our one-on-one check-in.

Today, we’ll talk about your feelings, what triggers them, and who you can reach out to for support.

Welcome the student warmly and introduce the purpose of this session. Emphasize safety and confidentiality. Explain that this slide deck will help guide our conversation.

Articulating Your Feelings

Use your My Feelings Map to:
• Choose 2–3 emotions you feel right now
• Describe when each emotion comes up
• Rate how strong each feeling is

Introduce the My Feelings Map. Guide the student to choose 2–3 emotions they’re experiencing right now, describe when they feel each, and rate the intensity.

Recognizing Your Triggers

Think about situations or events that lead to these feelings:
• What happened before I felt this way?
• How does my body react when I feel it?
• Are there warning signs I notice?

Refer to the Guided Question Prompts. Ask open-ended questions about what happened before the emotion, physical reactions, and any warning signs.

Mapping Your Support Network

Complete your Trusted Adult Contact Chart:
• List 3–4 adults you trust
• How can you reach out to each?
• When could you contact them?

Bring out the Trusted Adult Contact Chart. Help the student list 3–4 trusted adults and plan how and when to reach out to each.

Coping Strategies & Next Steps

Identify 1–2 techniques you can try when upset:
• Deep breathing exercises
• Drawing or journaling
• Listening to calming music
• Counting slowly to 10

Decide which you’ll use first.

Co-create simple coping strategies. Offer examples and let the student choose 1–2 that feel doable. Confirm which they’ll try first when upset.

You’re Not Alone

If you feel overwhelmed:
• Try your chosen coping strategy
• Reach out to your first trusted adult
• Remember our next check-in is scheduled soon

You’re not alone—help is here.

Reinforce that support is always available. Confirm the next check-in time and encourage the student to use their plan if feelings get overwhelming.

Script

Guided Question Prompts

Use the questions below to explore what triggers your student’s emotions. Read or paraphrase as needed, and follow each with gentle pauses and supportive language.

“What happened just before you started feeling [emotion]?”
• Follow-up: “Can you tell me more about that moment?”

• Follow-up: “Who was there with you and what were they doing?”
“How does your body react when you feel [emotion]?”
• Follow-up: “Where do you notice it first—your chest, stomach, hands?”

• Follow-up: “What small warning sign shows up for you?”
“What thoughts go through your mind when you feel [emotion]?”
• Follow-up: “What were you telling yourself at that time?”
“Have you felt this way before in a similar situation?”
• Follow-up: “What happened then? What helped you feel better or made it worse?”
“What signal or cue might help you notice this feeling early next time?”
• Follow-up: “How might noticing it sooner help you stay calm?”

Teacher Tip: After each question, pause to give the student time to think. Use affirming language like “Thank you for sharing” and “I’m here to listen” to reinforce safety and trust.

Journal

My Feelings Map

Use this chart to notice and track your emotions. Fill out each section for up to three emotions you’re experiencing right now.

Emotion 1: ___________________________

When/Where do you feel this emotion?

Intensity (1 = low, 5 = high): ______

What situations or triggers bring on this feeling?

Additional notes or thoughts:

Emotion 2: ___________________________

When/Where do you feel this emotion?

Intensity (1 = low, 5 = high): ______

What situations or triggers bring on this feeling?

Additional notes or thoughts:

Emotion 3: ___________________________

When/Where do you feel this emotion?

Intensity (1 = low, 5 = high): ______

What situations or triggers bring on this feeling?

Additional notes or thoughts:

Reflection

After completing your map, what patterns or connections do you notice across these emotions?

How might noticing these patterns early help you manage your feelings?

Activity

Trusted Adult Contact Chart

Use this chart to identify the adults you trust, how you can reach them, and when you might contact them if you’re feeling upset or overwhelmed.

Trusted Adult	Relationship	How to Contact	Best Time to Reach Out	Notes / Reminders
___________________________	___________	___________	___________	___________
___________________________	___________	___________	___________	___________
___________________________	___________	___________	___________	___________
___________________________	___________	___________	___________	___________

Reflection:

Which trusted adult will you reach out to first if you feel overwhelmed?
___________________________
What might make it easier for you to remember to reach out next time?
___________________________