Emotional Regulation Skills

Valerie Davenport

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Emotional Regulation Skills

Develop emotional regulation skills

This lesson is designed to help 5th graders with autism develop emotional regulation skills. Through structured activities, visual supports, and discussions, students will learn to identify their emotions and explore strategies to manage them effectively. This lesson is important as it empowers students with autism to better understand and control their emotional responses, enhancing their social interactions and overall well-being.

Audience

5th graders with autism

Time

30 mins

Approach

Inquiry-Based Learning

Materials

Visual Aids, Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout, Video: Anxiety Explained - SEL Sketches, Discussion Questions, and Role-Playing Scenarios

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction about emotions and the importance of regulating them.
Use visual aids to illustrate different emotions and discuss how they can affect us.
Ask students if they have ever felt overwhelmed by their emotions and what they did to manage them.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the video Anxiety Explained - SEL Sketches.
Encourage students to think about how the video relates to their own experiences with emotions.

Step 3

Discussion

7 mins

Use the discussion questions to guide a conversation about the video and emotional regulation.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and strategies they use to manage emotions.

Step 4

Role-Playing Exercise

8 mins

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a scenario involving emotional regulation.
Have students act out the scenario and discuss how the characters might feel and what strategies they can use to regulate their emotions.
Encourage creativity and empathy in their responses.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed.
Distribute the Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout and encourage students to use these strategies when they feel overwhelmed.

Discussion

Discussion on Emotional Regulation

This discussion will help students articulate their understanding of emotional regulation and explore strategies to manage their emotions effectively.

What did you learn about managing emotions from the video?

Encourage students to mention strategies from the video and relate them to their own experiences.

What are some ways we can calm down when we feel overwhelmed?

Guide students to think about strategies like deep breathing, counting to ten, or using a stress ball.

Why is it important to talk about our emotions?

Discuss the benefits of sharing emotions, such as feeling understood and finding solutions.

Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios

These printable cards provide scenarios for students to act out, helping them explore and practice emotional regulation strategies.

You are feeling anxious about a group project. How do you feel and what can you do to manage your anxiety?

You are upset because you didn't get the grade you wanted. How do you feel and what can you do to calm down?

You are nervous about a presentation. How do you feel and what strategies can you use to feel more confident?

You are angry because someone interrupted you. How do you feel and what can you do to manage your anger?

You are overwhelmed by a noisy environment. How do you feel and what can you do to feel more comfortable?

Reading

Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout

This handout provides students with practical strategies to help them regulate their emotions effectively.

Emotion Regulation Strategies

Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Counting to Ten: Pause and count to ten before reacting to a situation.
Use a Stress Ball: Squeeze a stress ball to release tension.
Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself of positive affirmations.
Take a Break: Step away from the situation to gather your thoughts.
Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or adult.
Visualize a Calm Place: Imagine a peaceful scene to help relax your mind.