Lesson Plan
Emotionally Smart Leader
Students will be able to analyze a complex social scenario and propose a course of action that demonstrates emotional self-management and empathy.
Understanding and managing emotions is critical for healthy relationships and effective communication. This lesson helps students develop these life skills, enabling them to navigate social challenges with greater wisdom and kindness.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through scenario analysis, discussion, a story, and role-playing.
Materials
Smart Leader Slide Deck, Complex Social Scenario Cards, "The Text Message Mix-Up" Story, and Family Discussion: Handling Disagreements Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Emotionally Smart Leader Lesson Plan and all linked materials to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print and cut out the Complex Social Scenario Cards (one set per small group).
- Make copies of "The Text Message Mix-Up" Story (one per student).
- Make copies of the Family Discussion: Handling Disagreements Worksheet (one per student).
Step 1
Warm-Up: Complex Social Scenario Analysis
10 minutes
- Display the first slide of the Smart Leader Slide Deck.
- Distribute the Complex Social Scenario Cards to small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Instruct students to read their scenario and discuss the questions on the card within their group.
- Circulate to facilitate discussion and listen for initial understandings of emotional responses.
Step 2
Discussion: Emotional Management in Groups
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Use slides 2-3 of the Smart Leader Slide Deck to guide a whole-class discussion.
- Ask groups to share key takeaways or challenging aspects of their scenarios.
- Introduce the concepts of emotional intelligence and empathy, linking them to the scenarios discussed.
Step 3
Story: The Misunderstanding
10 minutes
- Distribute "The Text Message Mix-Up" Story to each student.
- Have students read the story independently or in pairs.
- After reading, use slides 4-5 of the Smart Leader Slide Deck to prompt a short discussion on the characters' emotions and perspectives.
Step 4
Role-Playing Conflict Resolution
10 minutes
- Introduce the idea of role-playing a resolution to the conflict presented in "The Text Message Mix-Up" Story.
- Divide students into pairs or small groups.
- Assign roles (e.g., Alex, Maya, and a mediator if in groups of three).
- Instruct students to act out a conversation where they use empathy and emotional self-management to resolve the text message mix-up.
- Encourage creative solutions and emphasize understanding each other's feelings.
Step 5
Debrief and Reflection
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a final debrief.
- Use slide 6 of the Smart Leader Slide Deck to guide the discussion.
- Ask students: 'What did you learn about managing your emotions in tough social situations?' and 'How can showing empathy help resolve conflicts?'
- Distribute the Family Discussion: Handling Disagreements Worksheet as homework, encouraging students to discuss these concepts with their families.
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Slide Deck
Welcome, Emotionally Smart Leaders!
Today, we're going to talk about being a leader not just in big ways, but in your friendships and daily interactions. It's about being smart with your emotions!
Welcome students and introduce the day's theme. Explain that they'll be exploring how to be 'emotionally smart' leaders in their everyday lives.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
It's about:
- Knowing your own feelings
- Understanding what others are feeling
- Using this understanding to make good choices
Why is this important for leaders? For friends?
Introduce the concept of emotional intelligence – understanding your own feelings and the feelings of others. Explain that this is key to being a good leader and friend. Facilitate a brief discussion.
Navigating Social Scenarios
You'll work in groups to solve some social puzzles!
Think about:
- What emotions are involved?
- How can you show empathy?
- What's the best way to respond?
Transition to the activity. Explain that they will be working in groups to analyze social scenarios and think about how emotional intelligence can help. Provide clear instructions.
Story Time: The Text Message Mix-Up
Let's read a story about a common mix-up between friends. As you read, think about:
- How do Alex and Maya feel?
- What misunderstandings happen?
- How could they solve this?
Introduce the story. Explain that it's a common misunderstanding and they should pay attention to the characters' feelings and perspectives. Briefly discuss after reading.
Role-Play: Resolving the Mix-Up
Now, let's act it out!
Work with a partner to:
- Role-play Alex and Maya
- Find an empathetic way to clear up the misunderstanding
- Practice emotional self-management
Guide students into role-playing. Emphasize using the skills they've discussed: emotional management and empathy. Encourage them to find a constructive resolution.
Becoming an Emotionally Smart Leader
What did you learn today?
- How can understanding emotions help you?
- How can empathy change a situation?
- How can you be an Emotionally Smart Leader in your own life?
Homework: Family Discussion: Handling Disagreements Worksheet
Facilitate a final debrief. Reinforce the key concepts and connect them to real-life application. Introduce the homework worksheet.
Discussion
Complex Social Scenario Cards
Instructions: In your small groups, read the scenario assigned to your group. Discuss the questions below and be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.
Scenario 1: The Group Project Goof-Up
Your teacher assigned a big group project, and you're working with two classmates, Leo and Chloe. Leo is usually really organized, but he completely forgot to do his part, which was a major section of the presentation, and now the deadline is tomorrow! Chloe is furious and wants to tell the teacher, but you're worried about Leo getting into big trouble. Leo looks really upset and embarrassed.
Discussion Questions:
- What emotions might Leo, Chloe, and you be feeling?
- How can you show empathy towards Leo? Towards Chloe?
- What's one thing you could say or do to help resolve this situation while demonstrating emotional intelligence?
Scenario 2: The Lunchtime Exclusion
You see a new student, Maya, sitting alone at a lunch table. You and your friends usually sit together, and today your friend, Sam, says,
Reading
The Text Message Mix-Up Story
Alex was excited. It was Friday afternoon, and he’d just gotten a text from his friend, Maya: “Party at my place tonight! 🎉 Be there!” Alex quickly typed back, “Awesome! See ya!” He spent the rest of the school day buzzing with anticipation.
Later that evening, Alex arrived at Maya’s house, only to find it completely dark. He checked his phone. No one else was there. Confused, he texted Maya, “Hey, where is everyone? Did I get the time wrong?”
A few minutes later, Maya replied, “What are you talking about, Alex? There’s no party tonight! I sent that text to my older sister, Mia, about her friend’s graduation party. My phone must have accidentally sent it to you instead!”
Alex felt a mix of embarrassment and disappointment. He thought, Oh no, this is so awkward. I got all excited for nothing! He could imagine Maya thinking he was silly for showing up to a non-existent party. He quickly typed, “Oh, wow, my bad! So sorry! I thought it was for me.”
Maya’s next text read, “It’s okay! I can see how that would happen. My phone has been acting weird. I’m actually really sorry you got confused and came all the way over here for nothing.”
Alex felt a wave of relief. Maya wasn't mad or laughing at him. She understood. “No worries,” he replied. “Glad we cleared it up!” He still felt a little silly, but he also felt better knowing Maya understood it was an honest mistake. They made plans to hang out the next day instead.
Reflection Questions (for later discussion):
- How do you think Alex felt when he first arrived at Maya's dark house?
- How do you think Maya felt when she realized her text went to Alex by mistake?
- What did Maya do that helped clear up the misunderstanding and make Alex feel better?
- How did both Alex and Maya show emotional intelligence in this situation?
Worksheet
Family Discussion: Handling Disagreements Worksheet
Instructions: Talk with your family about the questions below. Write down their thoughts and your own reflections. Be ready to share some of your discussions with the class!
Question 1: What are some common disagreements that happen in our family or with friends?
Question 2: How do people in our family usually react when there's a disagreement? (Think about emotions like frustration, sadness, anger, confusion, etc.)
Question 3: What are some helpful ways our family or friends try to solve disagreements? (For example, talking calmly, taking a break, listening to each other's feelings.)
Question 4: How can showing empathy (understanding how someone else feels) help when you're disagreeing with someone?
Question 5: What is one new strategy you learned today or from your family discussion that you can use to handle disagreements more effectively?