Lesson Plan
Empowerment Journey: Building Emotional Intelligence
Self-control, empathy, resilience, etc.
This 8-week lesson series is designed to empower students on a threat assessment safety plan by enhancing their emotional intelligence. Each session focuses on key areas such as self-control, empathy, resilience, anger management, decision-making, and self-reflection. Through a blend of game-based learning, restorative practices, trauma-informed teaching, and active learning, students will engage in meaningful activities that promote personal growth and emotional regulation. This series is crucial for helping students develop the skills needed to navigate challenges, make informed choices, and build positive relationships.
Audience
Student on a Threat Assessment Plan
Time
30 mins twice a week for 8 weeks
Approach
Game-Based Learning, Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning
Materials
Video: 5 Minute Meditation: Control, Video: Brené Brown on Empathy, Video: Building Your Character: Resilience, Video: Anger Management Techniques, Video: Teen Substance Use & Abuse, Video: A Reason to Stop Worrying What Others Think, Worksheet: Self-Control Strategies, Worksheet: Empathy Reflection, Worksheet: Resilience Building, Worksheet: Anger Management Plan, Worksheet: Decision-Making Scenarios, Worksheet: Self-Reflection Journal, Reading: Understanding Emotions, Reading: Empathy in Action, Reading: Resilience Stories, Reading: Anger Management Techniques, Reading: Making Good Choices, Reading: Self-Reflection Techniques, Discussion: Self-Control Challenges, Discussion: Empathy in Daily Life, Discussion: Overcoming Challenges, Discussion: Managing Anger, Discussion: Making Choices, and Discussion: Reflecting on Actions
Step 1
Introduction
5 mins
Begin each session with a brief overview of the day's topic. Use a calming activity such as a breathing exercise to set a positive tone.
Step 2
Video Viewing
5 mins
Watch the selected video for the session. Encourage students to take notes on key points and personal reflections.
Step 3
Reading & Discussion
10 mins
Provide the reading material related to the session's topic. Facilitate a discussion using the prepared questions to deepen understanding and encourage sharing.
Step 4
Worksheet Activity
5 mins
Distribute the worksheet for the session. Guide students through the activity, ensuring they understand the concepts and can apply them to their own experiences.
Step 5
Interactive Game/Activity
5 mins
Engage students in a game or activity that reinforces the session's topic. Use this time to practice skills in a supportive and fun environment.
Step 6
Closure
5 mins
Conclude with a reflection on what was learned. Encourage students to share one takeaway and how they plan to apply it in their lives.
Worksheet
Self-Control Strategies
This worksheet helps students identify and practice strategies for self-control in various situations.
List three situations where you find it difficult to maintain self-control.
Think about times when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Describe a strategy you can use to stay calm in each situation.
Consider deep breathing, counting to ten, or taking a break.
Worksheet
Empathy Reflection
This worksheet encourages students to reflect on their understanding and practice of empathy.
Describe a time when you showed empathy to someone.
Think about how you felt and how the other person responded.
How can you improve your empathy skills in the future?
Consider listening more actively or putting yourself in others' shoes.
Worksheet
Resilience Building
This worksheet guides students in identifying personal strengths and strategies to build resilience.
List three personal strengths that help you overcome challenges.
Think about qualities like determination, patience, or creativity.
Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
Reflect on the steps you took and what you learned from the experience.
Worksheet
Anger Management Plan
This worksheet helps students develop a plan to manage anger effectively.
Identify three triggers that make you feel angry.
Consider situations or people that often upset you.
List two techniques you can use to calm down when angry.
Think about deep breathing, counting, or taking a walk.
Worksheet
Decision-Making Scenarios
This worksheet presents scenarios to help students practice making good choices.
Scenario: You see a friend being bullied. What do you do?
Consider the consequences of different actions.
Scenario: You forgot to study for a test. What are your options?
Think about the pros and cons of each choice.
Worksheet
Self-Reflection Journal
This journal encourages students to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and actions regularly.
What is one thing you did well today?
Reflect on a positive action or decision you made.
What is one thing you want to improve tomorrow?
Consider a behavior or habit you want to change.
Reading
Understanding Emotions
This reading explains the nature of emotions and how they can be managed effectively.
Emotions are complex reactions that involve both the mind and body. They can vary in intensity and are neither good nor bad. Understanding your emotions can help you respond to them in a healthy way. Here are some strategies to manage emotions: identify what you're feeling, express your emotions appropriately, and find healthy coping mechanisms.
Reading
Empathy in Action
This reading explores the importance of empathy and how it can be practiced in daily life.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It involves listening, being present, and showing compassion. Practicing empathy can strengthen relationships and create a supportive community. Here are some ways to practice empathy: listen actively, validate others' feelings, and offer help when needed.
Reading
Resilience Stories
This reading shares stories of individuals who have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It involves determination, concentration, and learning from experiences. Here are some stories of resilience: [Story 1: Overcoming a personal setback], [Story 2: Achieving success despite obstacles]. These stories show that resilience can lead to personal growth and achievement.
Reading
Anger Management Techniques
This reading provides techniques for managing anger and maintaining emotional balance.
Anger is a natural emotion, but it can become problematic if not managed properly. Here are some techniques to manage anger: practice deep breathing, engage in physical activity, and use positive self-talk. It's important to recognize your triggers and develop a plan to address them before anger escalates.
Reading
Making Good Choices
This reading discusses the importance of making informed decisions and the impact of choices on our lives.
Every day, we make choices that affect our lives and the lives of others. Making good choices involves considering the consequences, evaluating options, and making decisions based on values and goals. Here are some tips for making good choices: gather information, weigh the pros and cons, and seek advice from trusted individuals.
Reading
Self-Reflection Techniques
This reading offers techniques for self-reflection and personal growth.
Self-reflection is the process of examining your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Here are some techniques for self-reflection: keep a journal, meditate, and seek feedback from others. Regular self-reflection can help you understand yourself better and make positive changes in your life.
Discussion
Self-Control Challenges
This discussion focuses on identifying and overcoming challenges related to self-control.
What are some common situations where you struggle with self-control?
Encourage students to think about everyday scenarios and share their experiences.
How can you improve your self-control in these situations?
Discuss strategies like setting goals, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support.
Discussion
Empathy in Daily Life
This discussion explores how empathy can be practiced in everyday interactions.
How do you show empathy to others in your daily life?
Encourage students to share examples and discuss the impact of empathy on relationships.
What are some barriers to practicing empathy, and how can they be overcome?
Discuss challenges like misunderstandings and biases, and explore solutions.
Discussion
Overcoming Challenges
This discussion focuses on resilience and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
What is a challenge you have faced, and how did you overcome it?
Encourage students to share personal stories and reflect on the lessons learned.
What strategies can help you build resilience in the face of future challenges?
Discuss techniques like positive thinking, seeking support, and setting goals.
Discussion
Managing Anger
This discussion addresses anger management and techniques for maintaining emotional balance.
What are some common triggers for anger, and how do you usually respond?
Encourage students to identify their triggers and discuss their typical reactions.
What techniques can help you manage anger more effectively?
Discuss strategies like deep breathing, taking a break, and using positive self-talk.
Discussion
Making Choices
This discussion explores decision-making and the impact of choices on our lives.
What is a difficult decision you have made, and what was the outcome?
Encourage students to share their experiences and reflect on the decision-making process.
How can you make better choices in the future?
Discuss strategies like gathering information, seeking advice, and considering consequences.
Discussion
Reflecting on Actions
This discussion focuses on self-reflection and personal growth through examining past actions.
What is one action you took recently that you are proud of?
Encourage students to reflect on positive actions and the impact they had.
What is one action you wish you had handled differently, and why?
Discuss the importance of learning from mistakes and making positive changes.