Lesson Plan
Session 1: Understanding Emotions
Students will learn to identify and articulate their emotions, enhancing self-awareness and empathy.
Understanding emotions is fundamental for self-regulation, empathy, and healthier interpersonal interactions, especially beneficial for supportive group settings.
Audience
7th Grade Small Groups
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion, interactive activities, and group reflections.
Prep
Session 1 Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Session 1: Understanding Emotions lesson plan content to ensure familiarity with the key concepts and objectives.
- Prepare the Emotion Identification Cards for interactive use during the session.
- Print or load a digital copy of the Group Reflection Worksheet for each group.
- Set up the classroom space to support small group discussions and interactive activities.
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Open with a brief discussion on what emotions are and the importance of understanding them.
- Ask students to share one emotion they have experienced recently and why it mattered.
Step 2
Emotion Identification Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Emotion Identification Cards among small groups.
- Instruct groups to discuss, categorize, and relate the emotions on the cards to personal experiences.
- Facilitate open dialogue and validate each student's contributions to the discussion.
Step 3
Group Reflection
10 minutes
- Provide groups with the Group Reflection Worksheet.
- Pose discussion questions such as: How did identifying these emotions make you feel? What did you learn about yourself and others?
- Gather insights from each group and recap common themes with the whole class.
Slide Deck
Session 1: Understanding Emotions
Welcome! Today, we'll explore what emotions are and why they matter.
Introduce the session by welcoming students and explaining that today we will explore the concept of emotions. Emphasize why understanding our emotions is an important skill for personal and academic growth. Ask a few students to share an emotion they felt recently as a warm-up.
What are Emotions?
Emotions are feelings that influence our behavior and interactions.
• Happiness
• Sadness
• Anger
• Surprise
• Fear
Let's explore what each means in our experiences.
Discuss various types of emotions with the students. Point out that emotions can influence our behavior and interactions. Use questions to guide the discussion, e.g., 'What does happiness feel like?' or 'How does sadness affect us?' Encourage participation.
Emotion Identification Activity
• Work in small groups.
• Use the Emotion Identification Cards provided.
• Discuss and categorize the emotions.
• Share personal experiences if comfortable.
Transition into the activity by explaining how the Emotion Identification Cards will be used. Make sure students understand the instructions on discussing and categorizing emotions and connecting them to personal experiences. Walk around and support groups as needed.
Group Reflection
Reflect:
• How did identifying these emotions make you feel?
• What did you learn about yourself and others?
Share your insights with the group.
Guide the students through a group reflection session. Ask them questions about how identifying emotions made them feel and what they learned about themselves and their classmates. Summarize the key points discussed, and reinforce the idea that understanding emotions is a lifelong skill.
Activity
Emotion Identification Cards
These cards are designed to help students pinpoint and discuss various emotions. Each card features an emotion along with a brief definition and a relatable example to help students better understand the emotion. Use these cards to stimulate discussion in small groups and to encourage sharing of personal experiences.
How to Use the Cards
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Distribute the Cards: Hand out a set of emotion cards to each small group of students.
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Identification and Definition: Ask each group to examine the cards, discussing what each emotion means using the definition provided. Encourage them to think of times when they've experienced these emotions.
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Relate to Personal Experience: Have students share a personal example or moment when they felt the emotion on the card. This personal connection helps deepen their understanding and empathy for others' experiences.
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Group Discussion: Guide a full group discussion on why recognizing these emotions is important and how understanding them can help in managing personal feelings and relationships.
Example Card
- Emotion: Happiness
- Definition: A feeling of joy or pleasure that often accompanies positive experiences.
- Example: Feeling happy when you receive good news or when you spend time with your friends.
Worksheet
Group Reflection Worksheet
Reflection on Emotions
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What emotion did you find most interesting to discuss today? Why?
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Describe a personal experience when you felt this emotion. How did it impact your day or your actions?
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What did you learn about yourself or others by discussing different emotions with your group?
Group Discussion Reflection
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How did your group help create a safe space for sharing? What did you appreciate about your group's discussion?
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In what ways can understanding your emotions help you in other areas of your life (e.g., at school, with family, with friends)?
Final Thoughts
- Write any additional thoughts or feelings about today's session. What will you remember most about our discussion on emotions?
Lesson Plan
Session 2: Empathy in Action
Students will develop empathy by actively engaging in role-play and discussions that encourage them to understand and share the feelings of others.
Cultivating empathy helps students build stronger relationships, enhances conflict resolution skills, and contributes to a supportive classroom environment.
Audience
7th Grade Small Groups
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive role-play and group discussion.
Prep
Session 2 Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the lesson plan objectives and materials for Session 2: Empathy in Action.
- Prepare the Session 2 Role-Play Cards and ensure all necessary props are available for role-play activities.
- Print or display the Session 2 Empathy Reflection Worksheet for group reflections.
- Set up the classroom to allow small group role-play activities and discussions.
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Begin with an open discussion on empathy: what it means and why it is important.
- Ask students to share a time when someone showed empathy towards them or when they felt empathy for someone.
Step 2
Role-Play Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Session 2 Role-Play Cards among small groups.
- Instruct groups to act out the scenarios on the cards, encouraging students to express and understand different emotions.
- Rotate roles within groups to ensure all students experience both expressing and receiving empathy.
- Circulate the room to facilitate discussions and provide guidance as necessary.
Step 3
Group Reflection
10 minutes
- Provide groups with the Session 2 Empathy Reflection Worksheet.
- Guide the groups in reflecting on the role-play: What did they learn about expressing and receiving empathy?
- Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the whole class and summarize the key takeaways.
Slide Deck
Session 2: Empathy in Action
Welcome! Today, we'll learn about empathy and why it matters.
Start by welcoming students to the session and introduce the concept of empathy. Explain that today's session is about understanding feelings and putting ourselves in someone else's shoes.
Understanding Empathy
Empathy means understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.
- It helps us connect with others.
- It supports conflict resolution and builds trust.
Discuss what empathy is and give examples. Ask guiding questions such as 'What does it mean to empathize with someone?' Encourage students to share experiences where empathy played a role.
Role-Play Activity
• Work in small groups using the Role-Play Cards.
• Express different emotions and practice empathy.
• Rotate roles to experience both sides of empathy.
Transition to the role-play portion. Explain that students will act out scenarios from the Role-Play Cards. Ensure they understand their roles to either express or receive empathy.
Group Reflection
Reflect on your role-play experience:
• How did expressing or receiving empathy make you feel?
• What did you learn about understanding others?
Guide the students through the group reflection activity. Ask them to discuss their experiences during the role-play. Highlight key questions such as what they learned about expressing or receiving empathy.
Activity
Session 2 Role-Play Cards
These cards contain realistic scenarios that invite you to practice empathy and understand different perspectives. Each card presents a situation where you will either express empathy or receive it. Use these cards in small groups so that every student has the opportunity to take on both roles.
How to Use These Cards
- Distribute the Cards: Hand out one card per group or let groups choose a card at random.
- Read the Scenario: Carefully read the situation described on the card. Make sure every group member understands the context of the scenario.
- Role Allocation: Decide who will take on the role of the person experiencing the situation and who will practice empathy. Rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to experience both sides.
- Role-Play the Scene: Act out the scenario. The student in the role of expressing empathy should try to understand the feelings presented in the situation and respond appropriately. The other student should share their feelings as described in the scenario.
- Group Reflection: After the role-play, discuss what each student experienced. Questions to consider: What did you learn about expressing or receiving empathy? Did you notice any moments when understanding was especially challenging or rewarding?
Example Role-Play Scenario
Imagine a student who is feeling left out during a group project. One card might instruct the student playing the role of a peer to:
- Notice signs that someone feels excluded (e.g., quiet behavior, avoiding eye contact).
- Approach that student and ask if they would like to join the discussion or help share ideas.
- Encourage a conversation about how to make everyone feel included.
Use these cards to foster a deeper understanding of empathy, building skills that help create a supportive and caring classroom environment.
Return to Session 2: Empathy in Action
Worksheet
Session 2 Empathy Reflection Worksheet
Reflection on Role-Play Experience
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Briefly describe the role-play scenario your group acted out. What was the situation, and which roles did you and your peers take on?
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How did it feel to either express or receive empathy during the role-play? Provide specific examples from your experience.
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What challenges did you encounter while trying to understand or communicate empathy in the scenario?
Group Discussion and Insights
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After the role-play, what did your group discuss about the importance of empathy? What insights did you gain?
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How can the skills you practiced today be applied to real-life situations at school or with friends? Be specific in your examples.
Final Reflection
- Reflect on the overall experience: What is one key takeaway from today's session on empathy, and how might it influence your interactions in the future?
Lesson Plan
Session 3: Managing Emotions
Students will learn practical strategies to manage and regulate their emotions in challenging situations.
Effective emotion management promotes self-control, resilience, and positive interpersonal interactions, crucial for academic and personal growth.
Audience
7th Grade Small Groups
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and hands-on activities.
Prep
Session 3 Preparation
15 minutes
- Review key emotion management techniques and the content of Session 3: Managing Emotions.
- Prepare copies of the Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout for each student or group.
- Set up the classroom to facilitate group discussions and interactive activities.
- Familiarize yourself with the slides in Session 3 Slides: Managing Emotions.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
5 minutes
- Begin by discussing common emotions and challenges in managing them.
- Ask students to share situations where they felt overwhelmed by emotions and discuss how they reacted.
Step 2
Exploring Emotion Management Strategies
15 minutes
- Present various strategies for managing emotions (e.g., deep breathing, positive self-talk, pausing before responding).
- Refer to the Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout for examples and step-by-step guidance.
- Engage the group in a role-play or scenario-based activity where they practice these strategies.
Step 3
Group Reflection and Sharing
10 minutes
- Facilitate a discussion where students share which strategies felt most useful and why.
- Encourage students to reflect on how applying these techniques might change their response in future challenging situations.
- Summarize key takeaways and answer any student questions.
Slide Deck
Session 3: Managing Emotions
Welcome! Today we focus on understanding and managing our emotions.
Begin by welcoming the students to the session. Introduce the topic of managing emotions and explain why it's important to have strategies for regulating feelings. Invite students to share situations where they felt overwhelmed and discuss initial thoughts on managing these emotions.
Emotion Management Strategies
Consider these techniques:
• Deep Breathing
• Positive Self-Talk
• Pausing before responding
Refer to the Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout for details.
Discuss various emotion management strategies with the students, such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and pausing before reacting. Make sure to link these strategies to the handout and encourage students to think about which methods they might already use or would like to try.
Activity: Practice Strategies
• Work in small groups.
• Role-play a scenario where you need to manage strong emotions.
• Practice using one of the strategies discussed.
Introduce an interactive activity where students will practice applying one or more of the discussed strategies through a guided role-play or scenario-based exercise. Explain the activity instructions clearly and support students while they practice.
Group Reflection
Reflect on the activity:
• Which strategy felt most natural?
• How might these techniques help you in daily challenges?
Share and discuss your insights.
Facilitate a group reflection with the students, encouraging them to share their experiences during the activity. Ask guiding questions, for example: Which strategy worked best? How did you feel when using these techniques? Capture key insights from the discussion.
Worksheet
Emotion Regulation Strategies Handout
In this handout, you will find a list of strategies for managing your emotions. These techniques can help you calm down when you feel upset or stressed, and improve your ability to handle challenging situations. Read through each strategy carefully and think about how you might use it in your everyday life.
1. Deep Breathing
- How to Do It: Sit or stand comfortably. Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, then exhale through your mouth for a count of 4.
- Why It Helps: Deep breathing can reduce stress and help you relax by slowing down your heart rate.
2. Positive Self-Talk
- How to Do It: Replace negative or stressful thoughts with positive affirmations. For example, say to yourself, "I can handle this," or "I am strong and capable."
- Why It Helps: Positive self-talk can build confidence and provide emotional balance during challenging times.
3. Pausing Before Responding
- How to Do It: When something upsets you, take a moment to stop and think before you react. Count to 10 or take a few deep breaths to give yourself time to calm down.
- Why It Helps: This pause helps you avoid impulsive reactions and gives you time to choose a constructive response.
4. Visualization
- How to Do It: Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful, happy place or a situation where you felt calm and confident. Try to engage all your senses in the visualization.
- Why It Helps: Visualization can distract you from stress and create a sense of calm by mentally transporting you to a safe space.
5. Physical Activity
- How to Do It: Engage in activities like walking, stretching, or any form of exercise that you enjoy.
- Why It Helps: Physical movement can help reduce tension and boost your mood by releasing endorphins.
How to Use This Handout
- Step 1: Read and understand each strategy.
- Step 2: Practice the strategies during times when you feel calm so you are familiar with them when you need to manage strong emotions.
- Step 3: Reflect on which strategies resonate with you the most and why.
Reflection Section
- Which of these strategies do you think will help you the most when you are upset? Why?
- Describe a situation where one of these strategies could have helped you manage your emotions better.
- Write down any ideas or additional strategies that you believe could help you in managing your emotions.
Remember, managing your emotions is a skill that takes practice. Use these strategies regularly to build your emotional resilience and improve your overall well-being.
Lesson Plan
Session 4: Building Healthy Relationships
Students will explore effective communication, trust, and respect to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Understanding healthy relationship dynamics supports personal well-being and creates a positive, collaborative learning environment.
Audience
7th Grade Small Groups
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, role-play, and reflective activities.
Prep
Session 4 Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the session objectives and ensure familiarity with key relationship-building concepts.
- Prepare the Session 4 Slides: Building Healthy Relationships for visual guidance.
- Print or load the Relationship Building Activity Guide for group activities.
- Arrange the classroom to support small group discussions and role-playing activities.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
5 minutes
- Start with a classroom discussion on what makes a relationship healthy, focusing on communication, trust, and respect.
- Ask students to share examples of positive interactions they have experienced in friendships or group work.
Step 2
Role-Play and Group Activity
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and distribute the Relationship Building Activity Guide.
- Instruct each group to role-play scenarios that require effective communication and conflict resolution to build trust and respect.
- Encourage groups to discuss strategies they used and how these can be applied in real-life situations.
Step 3
Group Reflection
10 minutes
- Reconvene as a whole class and invite each group to share insights from their role-play experience.
- Facilitate a reflection on the importance of clear communication and mutual respect in forming healthy relationships.
- Summarize key takeaways and answer any questions to reinforce learning.
Slide Deck
Session 4: Building Healthy Relationships
Welcome! Today we explore what makes relationships healthy and strong.
Begin by welcoming students and introducing the session on building healthy relationships. Explain that today's session will focus on discovering what makes a relationship healthy through effective communication, trust, and respect.
Key Components
Healthy relationships are built on:
• Effective Communication
• Trust
• Respect
Think about how these components play a role in your friendships and group projects.
Discuss the key components of healthy relationships: effective communication, trust, and respect. Ask students what these words mean to them and share examples from their own lives.
Role-Play Activity
• Work in small groups using the Relationship Building Activity Guide.
• Role-play scenarios to practice communication, trust, and respect.
• Discuss strategies used after completion.
Explain the upcoming role-play activity. In small groups, students will use the Relationship Building Activity Guide to role-play scenarios that require them to practice communication and conflict resolution.
Group Reflection
Reflect:
• What strategies helped build trust and respect?
• How did effective communication make a difference?
Share your thoughts with the group.
Facilitate a group reflection at the end of the activity. Ask students to share what they learned and any insights about healthy relationships. Summarize their key points to reinforce the lesson objectives.
Activity
Relationship Building Activity Guide
This activity guide provides scenarios and prompts designed to help you practice building healthy relationships through effective communication, trust, and respect. Work in small groups to role-play the scenarios and discuss the strategies that lead to positive interactions.
How to Use This Guide
- Scenario Selection: Choose or be assigned one of the scenarios provided below.
- Role Allocation: Within your group, assign roles (e.g., person A and person B) and decide who will act out which role. Remember to rotate roles if time permits so everyone has a chance to practice different perspectives.
- Role-Play: Act out the scenario, focusing on using clear communication, demonstrating trust, and showing respect. Listen carefully to the other person's responses and adapt your approach if necessary.
- Group Discussion: After the role-play, discuss as a group the following questions:
- What strategies worked well to build trust and ensure effective communication?
- How did the role-play help you understand the importance of respect in relationships?
- What would you do differently next time to improve the interaction?
Scenarios
Scenario 1: Resolving a Misunderstanding
Imagine that two friends have had a misunderstanding due to a miscommunication. One friend felt hurt by what was said, while the other did not intend any harm. Role-play a conversation in which both friends discuss the misunderstanding and work towards a resolution. Focus on using "I" statements and listening actively.
Scenario 2: Collaborating on a Group Project
In a group project, tensions can arise due to differing opinions on how to approach the task. Role-play a situation where one team member voices a concern about the workload distribution. Practice ways to express feelings, negotiate solutions, and agree on a plan that respects everyone’s contributions.
Scenario 3: Including a New Student
A new student has joined your class and feels a bit left out. Role-play how you would welcome the new student, initiate a conversation, and invite them to join your activity. Focus on body language, positive language, and building trust through inclusive behavior.
Reflect on these scenarios using the discussion prompts. After role-playing, share insights with your group about how effective communication, trust, and respect can build a stronger, more supportive relationship. Enjoy the activity and learn from each other’s experiences!
Lesson Plan
Session 5: Conflict Resolution
Students will learn effective conflict resolution techniques to handle disagreements constructively and maintain positive relationships.
Conflict is a natural part of interactions. Learning to resolve conflicts constructively helps maintain a safe and supportive environment, essential for personal and academic growth.
Audience
7th Grade Small Groups
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, role-play, and reflective analysis.
Prep
Session 5 Preparation
15 minutes
- Review key conflict resolution strategies and the content for Session 5: Conflict Resolution.
- Prepare the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards and any necessary props for the role-play activities.
- Ensure the Session 5 Slides: Conflict Resolution are ready for presentation.
- Arrange the classroom to facilitate small group role-play and discussion.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
5 minutes
- Begin with an open discussion on what conflict is and why it is important to address disagreements constructively.
- Ask students to share instances when a conflict arose and how it was handled.
Step 2
Role-Play Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards among small groups.
- Instruct groups to role-play the scenarios on the cards focusing on using conflict resolution strategies like active listening, 'I' statements, and collaborative problem solving.
- Rotate roles so every student has the opportunity to practice both conflict resolution and experiencing conflict.
Step 3
Group Reflection
10 minutes
- Facilitate a discussion where students reflect on their role-play experiences.
- Ask guiding questions: What worked? What was challenging? How did using conflict resolution strategies change the outcome?
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage students to apply these skills in real-life situations.
Slide Deck
Session 5: Conflict Resolution
Welcome! Today we'll learn how to handle conflicts constructively and maintain positive relationships.
Begin by welcoming the students to the session and introducing the topic of conflict resolution. Explain the importance of resolving conflicts constructively and maintaining positive relationships. Encourage students to recall instances where conflicts were resolved successfully.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Key Strategies:
• Active Listening
• Using "I" Statements
• Collaborative Problem Solving
These techniques help us resolve conflicts without escalating them.
Introduce key conflict resolution strategies such as active listening, using "I" statements, and collaborative problem-solving. Provide examples and ask questions to encourage discussion. Connect these strategies to real-life conflict situations.
Role-Play Activity
• Work in small groups using the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards.
• Act out the scenarios focusing on applying the strategies discussed.
• Rotate roles to experience both sides of the conflict.
Explain the role-play activity. Instruct students to use the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards to act out a scenario. Emphasize rotating roles, so each student practices both resolving and experiencing conflict.
Group Reflection
Reflect:
• What strategy helped the most?
• What challenges did you face?
• How can these techniques be used in real-life situations?
Share and discuss your insights.
Facilitate a group reflection. Ask students to share their experiences during the role-play, discuss what strategies worked well, and reflect on how these techniques can be applied in real-life conflicts. Summarize key takeaways from the activity.
Activity
Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards
These cards are designed to help you practice conflict resolution techniques through real-life scenarios. Each card includes a situation that challenges you to use strategies like active listening, 'I' statements, and collaborative problem-solving. Work in small groups to act out these scenarios, and ensure every student gets the opportunity to both lead and participate in the resolution process.
How to Use These Cards
- Distribute the Cards: Hand out one card to each small group or allow groups to select a card at random.
- Read the Scenario: Carefully read the situation described on the card. Make sure all group members understand the context and the emotions involved.
- Assign Roles: Decide who will play the roles in the scenario. Rotate roles if time permits to ensure every student gets a chance to both express and resolve conflict.
- Role-Play: Act out the scenario, applying conflict resolution strategies such as active listening, using "I" statements, and collaboratively finding a solution.
- Group Reflection: After the role-play, discuss as a group what strategies worked, what challenges arose, and how the conflict resolution process can be improved in future situations.
Example Scenario
Imagine two classmates are arguing over sharing materials during a group project. One student feels that they are always left with less work, while the other feels overwhelmed by taking on extra responsibilities. Role-play a conversation where both students express their feelings using "I" statements (e.g., "I felt unheard when..."), actively listen to each other, and collaborate on a solution that balances responsibilities.
Use these cards to build your conflict resolution skills and understand how effective communication can turn disagreements into opportunities for growth.
Return to Session 5: Conflict Resolution