Lesson Plan
Writing Emotions
Learn to articulate and process emotions through journaling techniques.
This lesson helps students manage emotions, enhancing emotional intelligence and mental well-being.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Guided journaling exercises and reflection.
Prep
Prepare Materials and Review Content
30 minutes
- Review the Writing Emotions lesson plan.
- Prepare the Expressive Writing Techniques slide deck.
- Print copies of the Emotion Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Familiarize yourself with the Emotion Writing Exercise activity.
- Plan the Emotion Writing Review cool-down session.
Step 1
Introduction to Journaling
10 minutes
- Discuss the purpose of journaling and its benefits for emotional health.
- Introduce the concept of expressive writing and how it can help process emotions.
Step 2
Expressive Writing Techniques
15 minutes
- Present the Expressive Writing Techniques slide deck.
- Explain different techniques for writing about emotions effectively.
Step 3
Emotion Writing Exercise
20 minutes
- Distribute the Emotion Reflection Worksheet.
- Guide students through the Emotion Writing Exercise, encouraging them to write freely about their emotions.
Step 4
Sharing and Reflection
10 minutes
- Invite students to share their experiences or insights from the writing exercise.
- Facilitate a discussion on how writing helped them understand or process their emotions.
Step 5
Cool-Down and Review
5 minutes
- Conduct the Emotion Writing Review to consolidate learning.
- Encourage students to continue journaling as a regular practice for emotional well-being.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Expressive Writing
Discover techniques to articulate your emotions through writing.
Introduce the session by explaining the importance of expressive writing in processing emotions. Highlight that this session will cover various techniques to help students articulate their feelings effectively.
Technique 1: Free Writing
Write continuously without worrying about grammar or structure. Let your thoughts flow freely.
Explain free writing as a technique where students write continuously for a set period without worrying about grammar or structure. Encourage them to let their thoughts flow freely onto the paper.
Technique 2: Writing Prompts
Use prompts to guide your writing. Example: 'Describe a time you felt proud.'
Introduce the concept of using prompts to guide writing. Provide examples of prompts like 'Describe a time you felt proud' or 'Write about a moment of change.'
Technique 3: Metaphors and Similes
Use metaphors and similes to express emotions. Example: 'My anger was a storm.'
Discuss the use of metaphors and similes to express emotions. Provide examples such as 'My anger was a storm brewing inside me.'
Technique 4: Letter Writing
Write letters to yourself or others to process emotions. These letters are not meant to be sent.
Explain the technique of writing letters to oneself or others as a way to process emotions. Encourage students to write a letter they don't intend to send.
Conclusion
Try these techniques in your journaling practice to better express and understand your emotions.
Conclude the session by encouraging students to try these techniques in their journaling practice. Remind them that the goal is to express and understand their emotions better.
Activity
Emotion Writing Exercise
Objective:
To practice expressive writing by articulating emotions through guided prompts and free writing.
Materials Needed:
- Emotion Reflection Worksheet
- Writing utensils
- Quiet space for reflection
Instructions:
-
Introduction (5 minutes):
- Explain the purpose of the exercise: to help students express and process their emotions through writing.
- Encourage students to be honest and open in their writing.
-
Guided Writing (10 minutes):
- Provide students with the following prompts to choose from:
- "Write about a time you felt truly happy. What made that moment special?"
- "Describe a situation where you felt challenged. How did you overcome it?"
- "Reflect on a moment of change in your life. How did it affect you emotionally?"
- Allow students to write freely, focusing on their emotions and thoughts.
- Provide students with the following prompts to choose from:
-
Free Writing (5 minutes):
- Encourage students to continue writing without prompts, letting their thoughts flow naturally.
- Remind them that grammar and structure are not important in this exercise.
-
Reflection (5 minutes):
- Ask students to review what they have written and reflect on any new insights or feelings that emerged.
- Encourage them to jot down any thoughts or realizations on their Emotion Reflection Worksheet.
Follow-Up Discussion:
- Invite students to share their experiences with the exercise, if they feel comfortable.
- Discuss how writing about emotions can help in understanding and processing them.
Extension Activity:
- Encourage students to continue journaling at home, using the techniques learned in class to explore their emotions further.
Note: Remind students that their writing is personal and they are not required to share it unless they wish to. The goal is to foster a safe and supportive environment for emotional expression.
Worksheet
Emotion Reflection Worksheet
Reflecting on Your Writing Experience
Take a moment to think about the writing exercise you just completed. Use this worksheet to jot down your thoughts and feelings. Remember, this is a personal reflection, and you are not required to share it unless you want to.
1. What emotions did you write about during the exercise?
2. How did writing about these emotions make you feel?
3. Did you discover any new insights or perspectives about your emotions?
4. How might you use journaling to help manage your emotions in the future?
5. Any additional thoughts or reflections?
Note: Keep this worksheet as a reminder of your ability to express and process your emotions through writing. Consider revisiting it whenever you feel the need to reflect on your emotional journey.
Cool Down
Emotion Writing Review
Objective:
To consolidate learning from the journaling session and encourage ongoing practice.
Time:
5 minutes
Instructions:
-
Reflective Discussion (3 minutes):
- Ask students to think about the journaling techniques they used today.
- Encourage them to share any thoughts or feelings about the process, focusing on how it helped them understand their emotions.
-
Encouragement for Continued Practice (2 minutes):
- Remind students of the benefits of regular journaling for emotional well-being.
- Suggest setting aside a few minutes each day or week for journaling.
- Encourage them to use the techniques learned today to explore their emotions further.
Closing:
- Thank students for their participation and openness.
- Reinforce the idea that journaling is a personal tool for emotional growth and understanding.
Note: This activity is designed to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Encourage them to continue exploring their feelings through writing outside of class.