Worksheet Week 1: Executive Functioning and Emotional Regulation

Part 1: Understanding Executive Functioning and Emotional Regulation

1. What is executive functioning?
   Write a brief explanation of what you understand about executive functioning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why is emotional regulation important?
   Describe why you think being able to regulate your emotions is important for your mental health.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Emotion Identification

3. Emotion Flashcards Activity
   List three emotions you identified using the flashcards.

   • Emotion 1:
     
     
   • Emotion 2:
     
     
   • Emotion 3:
     
     

4. How do you feel today?
   Use the space below to write about how you feel today. You can use words or draw a small picture.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Art Expression

5. Draw Your Feelings
   Use the space below to draw how you are feeling today.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Discuss Your Drawing
   Write a few sentences about your drawing and the emotions you depicted.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 4: Cool-Down Reflection

7. Breathing Exercise Reflection
   How did the breathing exercise make you feel? Write about any changes you noticed in your emotions or thoughts.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 5: Progress Tracking

8. Weekly Reflection
   Reflect on this week's session. What did you learn about your emotions and how to manage them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. Emotion Patterns
   Have you noticed any patterns in your emotions this week? Describe them here.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

10. Coping Strategies
    What coping strategies did you find helpful this week? How did they help you?
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Take a moment to reflect on today's session and think about one thing you learned about yourself. Write it down here:

Emotion Identification Activity

Objective

Help the student identify and express different emotions using visual aids and interactive discussion.

Materials Needed

• Emotion Flashcards
• Whiteboard and Markers

Instructions

1. Introduction (1 minute)

   • Briefly explain the purpose of the activity: "Today, we're going to explore different emotions and how we can recognize them in ourselves and others."

2. Flashcard Activity (2 minutes)

   • Show the student a set of emotion flashcards one by one.
   • Ask the student to name the emotion depicted on each card.
   • Encourage the student to share a time when they felt each emotion.

3. Discussion (2 minutes)

   • Ask the student to pick one emotion they identified with the most today.
   • Discuss why they chose this emotion and how it affects their thoughts and actions.
   • Use the whiteboard to jot down key points from the discussion.

4. Reflection (1 minute)

   • Ask the student to reflect on how recognizing these emotions can help them in their daily life.
   • Encourage them to think about how they can use this awareness to improve their emotional regulation.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to notice these emotions throughout the week and consider how they respond to them.
• Suggest keeping a small journal to jot down emotions they experience each day and any patterns they notice.

Emotion Charades

Objective

Engage the student in a fun and interactive way to identify and express emotions through acting, enhancing their understanding and recognition of different emotional states.

Materials Needed

• Emotion Flashcards
• Timer

Instructions

1. Introduction (1 minute)

   • Explain the game: "We're going to play Emotion Charades! You'll act out different emotions, and I'll try to guess what they are. Then we'll switch roles."

2. Game Setup (1 minute)

   • Shuffle the emotion flashcards and place them face down.
   • Decide who will act first.

3. Playing the Game (5 minutes)

   • The actor picks a card and acts out the emotion without using words.
   • The guesser tries to identify the emotion being acted out.
   • Switch roles after each round.
   • Use the timer to keep each round to about 30 seconds.

4. Discussion (2 minutes)

   • After playing, discuss which emotions were easy or difficult to act out and why.
   • Talk about how acting out emotions can help in understanding and expressing them in real life.

5. Reflection (1 minute)

   • Ask the student to reflect on how this activity might help them recognize and regulate emotions in their daily life.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to think about how they can use acting or role-playing to practice emotional regulation in different situations.
• Suggest trying this game with family or friends to further develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Discussion on Emotional Awareness

Objective

Engage the student in a conversation about the importance of emotional awareness and its connection to executive functioning. Encourage sharing of personal experiences and thoughts to deepen understanding.

Discussion Guidelines

• Create a safe and supportive environment for open discussion.
• Encourage the student to express their thoughts freely.
• Use follow-up questions to deepen the conversation.

Discussion Prompts

1. Understanding Emotions

   • What do you think it means to be emotionally aware?
   • Why do you think it's important to understand your emotions?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Connection to Executive Functioning

   • How do you think being aware of your emotions can help you with tasks like planning or focusing?
   • Can you think of a time when your emotions affected your ability to complete a task?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Personal Experiences

   • Share a time when you felt a strong emotion. How did you handle it?
   • What strategies do you use to manage your emotions?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Improvement and Coping Strategies

   • What are some ways you think you can improve your emotional awareness?
   • How can art or creative activities help you express and manage your emotions?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to notice their emotions throughout the week and reflect on how they manage them.
• Suggest keeping a small journal to write about their emotions and any patterns they observe.
• Discuss how they can use art as a tool for emotional expression and regulation.

Emotion Art Project

Objective

Create an art piece that represents your emotions, providing a creative outlet for expression and reflection on your feelings.

Materials Needed

• Art Supplies (Colored Pencils, Markers, Paints, Paper)
• Emotion Flashcards (for inspiration)

Instructions

1. Introduction to the Project (1 minute)

   • Explain the purpose of the project: "Today, you'll create an art piece that represents your emotions. This is a chance to express how you feel through art."

2. Brainstorming (2 minutes)

   • Use the emotion flashcards to think about different emotions you have experienced recently.
   • Choose one or more emotions that you want to express in your art.

3. Creating the Art (5 minutes)

   • Use the art supplies to create a piece that visually represents the chosen emotions.
   • Encourage creativity and personal expression. There are no right or wrong ways to depict emotions.

4. Discussion and Reflection (2 minutes)

   • Discuss the art piece with the student. Ask them to explain the emotions they chose and how they represented them.
   • Reflect on how creating the art made them feel and if it helped in understanding or processing their emotions.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to continue using art as a tool for emotional expression and regulation.
• Suggest keeping an art journal to document their emotional journey and any patterns they notice over time.
• Discuss how they can use this project as a coping mechanism in the future when dealing with strong emotions.

Breathing Exercise Cool Down

Objective

Help the student practice emotional regulation and relaxation through a simple breathing exercise, providing a calming end to the session.

Instructions

1. Introduction (30 seconds)

   • Explain the purpose of the breathing exercise: "We're going to end today's session with a breathing exercise to help us relax and calm our minds."

2. Breathing Exercise (1 minute)

   • Guide the student through the following steps:
     • Sit comfortably with your back straight and your hands resting on your lap.
     • Close your eyes gently and take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to four.
     • Hold your breath for a count of four.
     • Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six.
     • Repeat this cycle for about five breaths.

3. Reflection (30 seconds)

   • After the exercise, ask the student to open their eyes and take a moment to notice how they feel.
   • Encourage them to reflect on any changes in their emotions or thoughts.
   • Discuss how this exercise can be used in daily life to manage stress or strong emotions.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to practice this breathing exercise at home whenever they feel stressed or overwhelmed.
• Suggest incorporating this exercise into their daily routine, perhaps in the morning or before bed, to promote relaxation and emotional regulation.

Worksheet Week 2: Expanding Emotional Vocabulary and Understanding Intensity

Part 1: Expanding Emotional Vocabulary

1. New Emotions
   List three new emotions you learned about this week.

   • Emotion 1:
     
     
   • Emotion 2:
     
     
   • Emotion 3:
     
     

2. Emotion Definitions
   Write a brief definition for each of the new emotions you listed.

   • Emotion 1 Definition:
     
     
     
   • Emotion 2 Definition:
     
     
     
   • Emotion 3 Definition:
     
     
     

Part 2: Understanding Emotion Intensity

3. Emotion Intensity Scale
   Choose one emotion and describe how it can be experienced at different intensities (mild, moderate, intense).

   • Mild:
     
     
     
   • Moderate:
     
     
     
   • Intense:
     
     
     

4. Personal Experience with Intensity
   Reflect on a time when you experienced an emotion at a high intensity. How did it affect you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Art Expression

5. Draw Emotion Intensity
   Use the space below to draw an emotion at different intensities.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Discuss Your Drawing
   Write a few sentences about your drawing and the emotions you depicted.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 4: Cool-Down Reflection

7. Visualization Exercise Reflection
   How did the visualization exercise make you feel? Write about any changes you noticed in your emotions or thoughts.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 5: Progress Tracking

8. Weekly Reflection
   Reflect on this week's session. What did you learn about emotions and their intensities?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. Emotion Patterns
   Have you noticed any patterns in your emotions this week? Describe them here.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

10. Coping Strategies
    What coping strategies did you find helpful this week? How did they help you?
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Take a moment to reflect on today's session and think about one thing you learned about yourself. Write it down here:

Emotion Intensity Activity

Objective

Help the student understand the concept of emotion intensity and how emotions can vary in strength.

Materials Needed

• Emotion Flashcards
• Emotion Wheel
• Whiteboard and Markers

Instructions

1. Introduction (1 minute)

   • Explain the purpose of the activity: "Today, we're going to explore how emotions can vary in intensity, from mild to intense."

2. Emotion Wheel Introduction (1 minute)

   • Show the student the emotion wheel and explain how it displays different emotions and their intensities.
   • Discuss how emotions can range from mild to intense.

3. Flashcard Activity (3 minutes)

   • Use emotion flashcards to identify different emotions.
   • Ask the student to place each emotion on a scale from mild to intense using the emotion wheel as a guide.
   • Discuss why they placed each emotion at a particular intensity.

4. Discussion (3 minutes)

   • Ask the student to choose one emotion and describe how it feels at different intensities (mild, moderate, intense).
   • Discuss how recognizing the intensity of emotions can help in managing them.
   • Use the whiteboard to jot down key points from the discussion.

5. Reflection (2 minutes)

   • Encourage the student to reflect on how understanding emotion intensity can help them in their daily life.
   • Discuss how they can use this awareness to improve their emotional regulation.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to notice the intensity of their emotions throughout the week and consider how they respond to them.
• Suggest keeping a small journal to jot down emotions they experience each day and any patterns they notice.

Emotion Intensity Charades

Objective

Engage the student in a fun and interactive way to identify and express emotions at different intensities through acting, enhancing their understanding of emotional strength and variability.

Materials Needed

• Emotion Flashcards
• Timer

Instructions

1. Introduction (1 minute)

   • Explain the game: "We're going to play Emotion Intensity Charades! You'll act out different emotions at varying intensities, and I'll try to guess what they are. Then we'll switch roles."

2. Game Setup (1 minute)

   • Shuffle the emotion flashcards and place them face down.
   • Decide who will act first.

3. Playing the Game (5 minutes)

   • The actor picks a card and acts out the emotion at a specified intensity (mild, moderate, intense) without using words.
   • The guesser tries to identify the emotion and its intensity.
   • Switch roles after each round.
   • Use the timer to keep each round to about 30 seconds.

4. Discussion (2 minutes)

   • After playing, discuss which emotions and intensities were easy or difficult to act out and why.
   • Talk about how understanding emotion intensity can help in real-life emotional regulation.

5. Reflection (1 minute)

   • Ask the student to reflect on how this activity might help them recognize and regulate emotions at different intensities in their daily life.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to think about how they can use acting or role-playing to practice emotional regulation at different intensities in various situations.
• Suggest trying this game with family or friends to further develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Discussion on Emotion Intensity

Objective

Engage the student in a conversation about the intensity of emotions and how it impacts behavior and decision-making. Encourage sharing of personal experiences and thoughts to deepen understanding.

Discussion Guidelines

• Create a safe and supportive environment for open discussion.
• Encourage the student to express their thoughts freely.
• Use follow-up questions to deepen the conversation.

Discussion Prompts

1. Understanding Emotion Intensity

   • What does it mean for an emotion to have different intensities?
   • How do you think the intensity of an emotion can affect your actions or decisions?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Personal Experiences

   • Share a time when you felt an emotion very intensely. How did it affect your behavior?
   • How do you usually manage emotions when they feel very strong?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Managing Intense Emotions

   • What strategies do you think can help in managing emotions when they are intense?
   • How can understanding the intensity of emotions help you in your daily life?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Role of Art and Creativity

   • How can art or creative activities help you express and manage emotions at different intensities?
   • Can you think of a creative way to express an intense emotion?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to notice the intensity of their emotions throughout the week and reflect on how they manage them.
• Suggest keeping a small journal to write about their emotions and any patterns they observe.
• Discuss how they can use art as a tool for emotional expression and regulation, especially for intense emotions.

Emotion Intensity Art Project

Objective

Create an art piece that represents emotions at different intensities, providing a creative outlet for expression and reflection on the varying strengths of feelings.

Materials Needed

• Art Supplies (Colored Pencils, Markers, Paints, Paper)
• Emotion Flashcards (for inspiration)
• Emotion Wheel (to understand intensity)

Instructions

1. Introduction to the Project (1 minute)

   • Explain the purpose of the project: "Today, you'll create an art piece that represents emotions at different intensities. This is a chance to express how emotions can vary in strength through art."

2. Brainstorming (2 minutes)

   • Use the emotion flashcards and emotion wheel to think about different emotions and their intensities.
   • Choose one or more emotions and decide how you want to represent their varying intensities in your art.

3. Creating the Art (5 minutes)

   • Use the art supplies to create a piece that visually represents the chosen emotions and their intensities.
   • Encourage creativity and personal expression. There are no right or wrong ways to depict emotions.

4. Discussion and Reflection (2 minutes)

   • Discuss the art piece with the student. Ask them to explain the emotions and intensities they chose and how they represented them.
   • Reflect on how creating the art made them feel and if it helped in understanding or processing their emotions.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to continue using art as a tool for emotional expression and regulation, especially for understanding emotion intensity.
• Suggest keeping an art journal to document their emotional journey and any patterns they notice over time.
• Discuss how they can use this project as a coping mechanism in the future when dealing with strong or varying emotions.

Visualization Exercise Cool Down

Objective

Help the student practice emotional regulation and relaxation through a simple visualization exercise, providing a calming end to the session.

Instructions

1. Introduction (30 seconds)

   • Explain the purpose of the visualization exercise: "We're going to end today's session with a visualization exercise to help us relax and calm our minds."

2. Visualization Exercise (1 minute)

   • Guide the student through the following steps:
     • Sit comfortably with your back straight and your hands resting on your lap.
     • Close your eyes gently and take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to four.
     • Imagine a peaceful place, such as a beach or a forest, where you feel calm and safe.
     • Visualize the details of this place: the colors, sounds, and sensations.
     • Spend a minute immersing yourself in this peaceful scene.

3. Reflection (30 seconds)

   • After the exercise, ask the student to open their eyes and take a moment to notice how they feel.
   • Encourage them to reflect on any changes in their emotions or thoughts.
   • Discuss how this exercise can be used in daily life to manage stress or strong emotions.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage the student to practice this visualization exercise at home whenever they feel stressed or overwhelmed.
• Suggest incorporating this exercise into their daily routine, perhaps in the morning or before bed, to promote relaxation and emotional regulation.