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Emotions Are Signals

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Lesson Plan

Understanding Emotional Signals

Help the student recognize and interpret their emotions as meaningful signals through guided reflection using a personal emotion diary. By the end, the student will identify a recent emotion, record its context, interpret its underlying message, and outline one coping strategy.

Understanding that emotions serve as signals fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence, helping the student respond adaptively rather than reactively. This builds foundational skills for emotional regulation and resilience.

Audience

8th Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

One-on-one guided reflection with an emotion tracking tool.

Materials

Prep

Review Student Profile

5 minutes

  • Review any previous emotion check-ins or notes on the student’s recent behavior patterns.
  • Print or prep the My Emotion Diary for today’s session.
  • Arrange a calm, private seating area free from distractions.
  • Have a pen or digital device ready for the student to record entries.

Step 1

Introduction & Objectives

2 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and confirm confidentiality of the conversation.
  • Explain that today they’ll learn how emotions act as signals about their needs or environment.
  • Show the My Emotion Diary and outline how it will be used.

Step 2

Record a Recent Emotion

5 minutes

  • Ask the student to recall a recent situation that triggered a strong emotion.
  • Guide them to fill out the diary: date, situation description, emotion label, and intensity (1–10).
  • Encourage honesty without judgment as they document their experience.

Step 3

Interpret Emotional Signal

8 minutes

  • Discuss the recorded entry: “What do you think this emotion is trying to tell you?”
  • Use prompts: "Did it signal a need? A boundary? A value?"
  • Have the student write their interpretation in the diary under 'Signal Meaning.'
  • Validate their insights and gently probe deeper if needed.

Step 4

Plan Response & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Ask the student to choose one coping or action strategy they can use next time (e.g., take a break, talk to someone, breathe).
  • Record this plan in the diary under 'Action Strategy.'
  • Set a goal for using the diary daily for at least one week.
  • Schedule a brief follow-up and offer positive reinforcement for their work today.
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Journal

My Emotion Diary

Date: _______________

1. Situation & Context
Describe what happened, where you were, who was there, and what led up to the emotion.











2. Emotion Label & Intensity

  • Emotion: _______________
  • Intensity (1–10): ____

3. Signal Meaning
What do you think this emotion is trying to tell you? (Need, boundary, value, etc.)






4. Body Sensations
How did your body feel when you experienced this emotion?






5. Action Strategy
What is one strategy you can use next time you notice this emotion?
(e.g., take a break, talk to someone, breathe deeply)






6. Weekly Goal
How many times will you use this diary this week?



Reflecting on your emotions helps you understand yourself better. Great job taking time to notice your feelings!

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