Emotion Word Flashcards

Description: A set of flashcards each featuring a common emotion word and a simple illustration to help students quickly identify and share how they feel.

Print on cardstock and cut along the borders. Optionally laminate for durability.

Cards

Use during the mood check warm-up and scenario analysis:

• Mood Check: Display several cards; ask each student to pick one that matches how they feel and share why.
• Scenario Labeling: Have groups select the card that best fits the emotion in their Scenario Card discussion.

Scenario Cards

Description: A set of scenario cards describing real-life teen situations that may trigger different emotions. Print each card on cardstock and cut along the borders.

Scenario 1: Technology Glitch
You’ve prepared a slideshow for tomorrow’s class but right before presenting, your laptop freezes and you can’t show your work.

Scenario 2: Social Media Comment
You post a selfie, then see a mean comment from someone you thought was your friend.

Scenario 3: Canceled Plans
Your close friend tells you they can’t hang out after school because they made other plans.

Scenario 4: Unexpected Praise
During class, your teacher praises your answer in front of everyone, and you weren’t expecting it.

Scenario 5: Tryout Nerves
It’s the first day of basketball tryouts and the gym is crowded with experienced players.

Scenario 6: Competition Win
You win first place in the art contest; classmates gather around to congratulate you.

Scenario 7: Embarrassing Moment
You trip in the hallway and a bunch of students laugh as you pick up your books.

Scenario 8: Lost Homework
You arrive at class and realize you left your homework assignment on your desk at home.

Scenario 9: Confusing Instructions
Your teacher gives detailed instructions for a project, but you’re not sure how to start.

Scenario 10: Sibling Argument
You and your sibling argue loudly over who gets to use the family car this weekend.

Use during Activity 1: Identify & Analyze Emotions:

• Distribute one card per pair or triad
• Read the scenario, select an emotion using Emotion Word Flashcards, and discuss possible triggers
• Share your group’s findings with the circle

Coping Strategy List

Description: A concise list of evidence-based coping strategies. In Activity 2: Practice Coping Strategies, choose one strategy that fits your scenario, plan a short role-play demonstrating it, and note what felt helpful.

1. Deep Breathing
Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose (count to 4), hold (count to 2), and exhale through your mouth (count to 6). Repeat 3–5 times to calm your nervous system.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Tense a muscle group (e.g., shoulders) for 5 seconds, then release and notice the relaxation. Move systematically from head to toes.

3. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste to bring attention to the present moment.

4. Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative thoughts with encouraging statements (e.g., “I can handle this,” “I’ve prepared for this”). Say them out loud or in your head.

5. Visualization
Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful place or a positive outcome. Engage all your senses as you picture the scene for 1–2 minutes.

6. Mindful Observation
Choose an object (e.g., a leaf or your pen) and study it closely for one minute, noticing shape, color, texture, and any details you’ve never seen before.

7. Physical Movement
Stand up and stretch, take a quick walk, or do jumping jacks for 30 seconds to release built-up tension and boost mood.

8. Journaling
Write down what you’re feeling for 2–3 minutes without worrying about spelling or grammar. Let thoughts flow freely to gain clarity.

9. Counting or Time-Out
Count slowly from 1 to 10 (or higher if needed) before reacting. You can also step away or signal “time-out” to pause the situation briefly.

10. Seeking Support
Talk with a trusted friend, teacher, or counselor. Explain what’s happening and ask for advice or simply for them to listen.

Emotion Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on a recent emotional experience and plan a healthy coping strategy. Be as honest and detailed as you can.

Name: ____________________________ Date: _____________

1. Describe a recent situation in which you felt a strong emotion.

2. Which emotion did you feel?

3. What triggered this emotion?

4. Rate the intensity of this emotion on a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high): _____

5. Which coping strategy will you try next time?
(Refer to the Coping Strategy List)

6. Why do you think this strategy will help you in this situation?

7. What specific steps will you take to use this strategy when you notice this emotion again?

8. How do you think you will feel after using this strategy?

9. If this strategy doesn’t work as expected, what is one alternative you could try?

10. Personal goal:
By next week, I will practice this strategy at least ___ times when I notice this emotion.

Keep this sheet in your personal journal and revisit it when you need a reminder of your plan. Good luck!

Group Discussion Prompts

Use these open-ended questions during the Reflection & Share segment to encourage deeper thinking, connection, and mutual support.

1. What was the most surprising thing you learned about your own emotions today?
2. How did choosing and role-playing a coping strategy feel? What went well and what felt challenging?
3. Can you think of a real-life moment when you might use this strategy? Describe the situation.
4. How might someone else in this group respond differently to the same scenario? What can you learn from their approach?
5. When you notice your intensity level rising (e.g., moving from a 5 to an 7), which part of your plan will you use first and why?
6. How does sharing your experience with peers help you better understand and manage your emotions?
7. What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to a friend who struggled with the same emotion you chose?
8. Looking ahead, what’s one small step you can take this week to practice noticing your emotion and applying your chosen coping strategy?

Encourage students to build on each other’s ideas and to validate different perspectives. Remember: there are no wrong answers—just opportunities to learn and grow together!