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Emotional Regulation Skills

Hollie Overholt

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Emotional Regulation Skills

Teach emotional regulation coping skills

This counseling session is designed to help a 5th-grade student learn and practice emotional regulation skills. By focusing on coping strategies such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization, the student will gain tools to manage emotions effectively. These skills are crucial for personal development and can enhance the student's ability to handle stress and emotional challenges.

Audience

5th Grade Student

Time

30 mins

Approach

Teach emotional regulation coping skills

Materials

Coping Skills Worksheet, Deep Breathing Exercise Guide, Positive Self-Talk Prompts, and Visualization Script

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin by discussing what emotions are and why it's important to manage them.
  • Explain that emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy way.
  • List benefits of emotional regulation, such as improved relationships, better decision-making, reduced stress, and increased resilience.
  • Encourage the student to share any emotions they find challenging to manage.

Step 2

Deep Breathing Exercise

10 mins

  • Introduce deep breathing as a way to calm the mind and body.
  • Guide the student through a deep breathing exercise: Inhale slowly through the nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through the mouth.
  • Repeat the exercise several times, encouraging the student to focus on the breath.

Step 3

Positive Self-Talk

5 mins

  • Explain how positive self-talk can change the way we feel about situations.
  • Provide examples of positive self-talk phrases (e.g., "I can handle this," "I am strong").
  • Ask the student to come up with their own positive phrases and practice saying them aloud.

Step 4

Visualization Exercise

5 mins

  • Introduce visualization as a technique to create a mental image of a peaceful place.
  • Read the visualization script, guiding the student to imagine themselves in a calm and happy place.
  • Encourage the student to engage all their senses in the visualization.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Discuss how the student felt after practicing each skill.
  • Encourage the student to use these skills in their daily life when they feel overwhelmed.
  • Reinforce the importance of practicing these skills regularly for better emotional regulation.
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Worksheet

Coping Skills Worksheet

A worksheet to help the student reflect on and practice emotional regulation skills.

Describe how you felt before and after the deep breathing exercise.

Think about any changes in your mood or stress levels.







Write down three positive self-talk phrases you can use when feeling upset.

Consider phrases that make you feel strong and capable.







What did you visualize during the exercise? Describe the place and sensations.

Think about the colors, sounds, and feelings you experienced.







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Reading

Deep Breathing Exercise Guide

A guide to help the student practice deep breathing for emotional regulation.

  1. Sit comfortably with your back straight.
  2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose.
  3. Hold your breath for a count of three.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
  5. Repeat this process for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath.
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Reading

Positive Self-Talk Prompts

A list of positive self-talk phrases to encourage emotional resilience.

  • I am capable and strong.
  • I can handle this situation.
  • I am in control of my emotions.
  • I choose to stay calm and positive.
  • I believe in myself and my abilities.
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Reading

Visualization Script

A script to guide the student through a calming visualization exercise.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath in... and out. Imagine yourself in a peaceful place, like a beach or a forest. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, hear the gentle sounds of nature around you. Picture yourself walking slowly, feeling calm and relaxed. Notice the colors, the smells, and the sensations. Stay in this place for a few moments, enjoying the peace and tranquility. When you're ready, slowly bring your awareness back to the room, and open your eyes.

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