Lesson Plan
Emotional Thermometer: Self-Regulation Skills
Students will be able to identify and categorize their emotional states using an 'emotional thermometer,' develop and apply self-regulation strategies, and practice expressing their feelings constructively.
Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for healthy development, positive relationships, and overall well-being. This lesson provides students with a practical tool and strategies to navigate their feelings.
Audience
6th-8th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive learning and practical application.
Materials
Emotional Thermometer Slide Deck, Emotional Thermometer Worksheet, Emotional Scenarios Activity, Whiteboard or projector, and Markers or pens
Prep
Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Emotional Thermometer Lesson Plan to ensure familiarity with objectives and activities.
- Prepare the Emotional Thermometer Slide Deck for presentation.
- Print copies of the Emotional Thermometer Worksheet for each student.
- Print or prepare the Emotional Scenarios Activity cards/prompts.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "How do you know how you're feeling?" or "What does it mean to 'take your temperature' emotionally?"
- Introduce the concept of an 'emotional thermometer' using Emotional Thermometer Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
- Explain that just like a physical thermometer measures body temperature, an emotional thermometer helps us understand the intensity of our feelings.
Step 2
Understanding the Emotional Thermometer
15 minutes
- Display and explain the Emotional Thermometer scale using Emotional Thermometer Slide Deck (Slide 3-5).
- Discuss different emotions at each level (e.g., 'cool' for calm, 'warm' for frustrated, 'hot' for angry).
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "Can anyone share an example of a time they felt 'warm' or 'hot' and what that felt like?"
- Distribute the Emotional Thermometer Worksheet and guide students through the first section, identifying feelings at different levels.
Step 3
Self-Regulation Strategies
10 minutes
- Introduce self-regulation strategies for each level of the thermometer using Emotional Thermometer Slide Deck (Slide 6-8).
- Discuss breathing exercises, taking a break, talking to a trusted adult, or journaling.
- Have students brainstorm additional healthy coping mechanisms.
- Instruct students to complete the second section of the Emotional Thermometer Worksheet, matching strategies to emotional levels.
Step 4
Practice & Application: Emotional Scenarios
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups for the Emotional Scenarios Activity.
- Provide each group with a scenario and instruct them to:
- Identify the emotional temperature of the person in the scenario.
- Discuss how that person might be feeling.
- Brainstorm and apply appropriate self-regulation strategies.
- Circulate and provide support as needed.
Step 5
Share & Reflect
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have groups briefly share one scenario and their chosen strategies.
- Conclude by emphasizing the importance of regularly checking one's emotional temperature and using strategies to maintain emotional balance (refer to Emotional Thermometer Slide Deck Slide 9).
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Slide Deck
What's Your Emotional Temperature?
Understanding and managing your feelings is a superpower!
Welcome students, introduce the concept of emotions, and pose the question on the slide. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding and managing our feelings.
Our Inner Thermometer
Just like a regular thermometer measures heat, our emotional thermometer helps us understand how 'hot' or 'cool' our feelings are.
Ask students what a regular thermometer does. Bridge that idea to an 'emotional thermometer' that helps us measure how intensely we're feeling an emotion.
The Cool Zone (1-2)
✅ Calm, happy, relaxed
✅ Peaceful, focused
✅ Ready to learn and engage!
Introduce the 'Cool Zone' (1-2). Discuss emotions like calm, happy, relaxed, peaceful. Emphasize that this is often where we feel our best and can think clearly.
The Warm Zone (3-4)
⚠️ Annoyed, worried, frustrated
⚠️ A little anxious or stressed
⚠️ Starting to feel a bit uncomfortable.
Introduce the 'Warm Zone' (3-4). Discuss emotions like frustrated, worried, annoyed, anxious. Explain that these feelings are signals that we might need to pay attention and apply some strategies.
The Hot Zone (5)
🛑 Angry, overwhelmed, panicked
🛑 Very scared or highly stressed
🛑 It's tough to think straight!
Introduce the 'Hot Zone' (5). Discuss intense emotions like angry, overwhelmed, scared, panicked. Highlight that when we're in the 'Hot Zone,' it's hard to think clearly and we need immediate strategies.
Cooling Down from Warm
When you're feeling 'Warm' (3-4):
- Take 3 deep breaths.
- Count slowly to 10.
- Positive self-talk: "I can handle this."
- Take a short break or walk away for a moment.
Introduce strategies for the 'Warm Zone.' Discuss deep breaths, counting, positive self-talk, taking a short break. Ask students for their ideas.
Strategies for the Hot Zone
When you're feeling 'Hot' (5):
- Find a trusted adult to talk to.
- Go to a designated 'calm-down' space.
- Splash cold water on your face.
- Engage in physical activity (e.g., jumping jacks) to release energy.
Introduce more intense strategies for the 'Hot Zone.' Emphasize safety and seeking help. Discuss talking to a trusted adult, using a calm-down corner, or physical activity to release energy.
Keeping Your Cool
General strategies for emotional well-being:
- Journaling your thoughts.
- Listening to calming music.
- Talking to a friend or family member.
- Engaging in a favorite hobby.
Discuss general strategies that can be used at any level to maintain emotional balance. Journaling, listening to music, talking to friends, engaging in hobbies.
Be Your Own Emotional Pilot!
You have the power to understand and guide your emotions. Keep checking your emotional temperature and use your strategies!
Conclude by reiterating the main takeaway: regularly checking our emotional temperature and using strategies helps us stay in control and respond thoughtfully.
Worksheet
Emotional Thermometer Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: ______________
Part 1: What's Your Temperature?
Think about different emotions you experience. Write down 2-3 emotions that fit each temperature level on the thermometer.
The Cool Zone (1-2) - Calm, Happy, Relaxed
What emotions do you feel when you are in the Cool Zone?
The Warm Zone (3-4) - Annoyed, Worried, Frustrated
What emotions do you feel when you are in the Warm Zone?
The Hot Zone (5) - Angry, Overwhelmed, Panicked
What emotions do you feel when you are in the Hot Zone?
Part 2: My Cool-Down Kit
For each zone, list 2-3 strategies you can use to help yourself return to a calmer state or stay regulated. These are your personal coping tools!
If I'm feeling 'Warm' (3-4), I can try...
If I'm feeling 'Hot' (5), I can try...
To stay in the 'Cool Zone' (1-2) or prevent getting 'Hot', I can...
Activity
Emotional Scenarios Activity
Instructions: Work in your small group. Read each scenario below. For each scenario:
- Identify the Emotional Temperature: Where would you place the main character on the Emotional Thermometer (1-5)?
- Describe the Emotions: What specific emotions do you think the character is feeling?
- Brainstorm Strategies: What self-regulation strategies could the character use to cool down or cope with their feelings? Be specific!
Scenario 1: The Broken Project
Maya spent hours building an intricate model for her science fair project. The night before it's due, her younger sibling accidentally knocks it over, and it breaks into many pieces. Maya feels a knot in her stomach, her hands are shaking, and she wants to scream at her sibling.
- Emotional Temperature:
- Emotions:
- Strategies:
Scenario 2: Group Work Blues
Liam is working on a group presentation, but two of his teammates aren't pulling their weight. They are constantly distracted, and the deadline is approaching fast. Liam feels his jaw clench, he's starting to get short-tempered, and he's worried the whole group will get a bad grade because of them.
- Emotional Temperature:
- Emotions:
- Strategies:
Scenario 3: The Pop Quiz Surprise
Ms. Davis announces a pop quiz in math, a subject Sarah finds challenging. Sarah's heart starts to race, her palms get sweaty, and she feels her mind go blank even before seeing the questions. She feels like she might cry.
- Emotional Temperature:
- Emotions:
- Strategies:
Scenario 4: Exciting News!
After weeks of practice, David's soccer coach announces the team roster, and David made the starting lineup! He's jumping up and down, grinning from ear to ear, and feels like he could run a marathon. He immediately wants to tell everyone he knows.
- Emotional Temperature:
- Emotions:
- Strategies (to maintain the positive feeling or share appropriately):