lenny

Feelings Forecast: Weathering Our Emotional Climate

user image

Lesson Plan

Feelings Forecast

Students will recognize basic feelings, connect them to different 'weather patterns' (e.g., 'sunny' for happy, 'stormy' for angry), and learn simple strategies to manage their emotional 'forecasts.'

Understanding and managing emotions is a crucial life skill that helps children navigate social situations, build resilience, and foster positive relationships.

Audience

Pre-K to 2nd Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Visual aids, storytelling, and interactive games to make emotional regulation accessible and engaging.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Feelings Forecast Slide Deck, Markers or Chalk, Weathering Our Emotions Activity Cards, My Weather Report Worksheet, Crayons or Colored Pencils, and Weathering Our Emotional Climate Discussion Prompts

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's the Weather Like Inside?

5 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students: "What's the weather like outside today?"
    2. Transition to: "Just like the weather outside, our feelings can change throughout the day. Sometimes we feel sunny, sometimes a little cloudy. What do you think I mean by that?"
    3. Briefly discuss different weather types and how they make us feel (e.g., sunny days make us feel happy, rainy days can feel calm or gloomy).

Step 2

Introducing Feelings Forecast

10 minutes

  1. Present the Feelings Forecast Slide Deck (Slides 1-5).
    2. Introduce the concept of
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Feelings Forecast: Weathering Our Emotional Climate

How do you feel today?

Greet students and introduce the topic of feelings using the weather metaphor. Ask students how they feel today.

Our Feelings are Like Weather!

Just like the weather outside, our feelings can change!
Some days are sunny, some are rainy, some are stormy...

Explain the metaphor: just as weather changes, so do our feelings. Engage students by asking for examples of how different weather makes them feel.

Feeling Sunny? That's HAPPY!

When you feel bright and warm inside.
A big smile, bouncy steps, and lots of giggles!

Introduce 'sunny' as happy. Ask students when they feel sunny and happy, and what it looks like.

Feeling Cloudy? That's SAD.

When you feel a little gray and heavy.
Maybe a frown, quiet voice, or tears.

Introduce 'cloudy' as sad. Ask students when they feel cloudy and sad, and what it looks like.

Feeling Stormy? That's ANGRY!

When you feel hot and a rumble inside.
A furrowed brow, stomping feet, or a loud voice.

Introduce 'stormy' as angry. Ask students when they feel stormy and angry, and what it looks like.

Feeling Breezy? That's CALM.

When you feel light and peaceful.
A soft smile, slow breaths, and a relaxed body.

Introduce 'breezy' as calm. Ask students when they feel breezy and calm, and what it looks like.

Feeling Showery? That's SURPRISED!

When something unexpected happens, like a quick little sprinkle.
Eyes wide open, mouth open in an 'O' shape, a quick gasp!

Introduce 'showery' as surprised. Ask students when they feel showery and surprised, and what it looks like.

What Can We Do When the Weather Changes?

All feelings are okay! What do you do when the weather changes outside?
We can learn to prepare for our feelings too!

Transition to discussing what we can do when our feelings change. Emphasize that all feelings are okay.

When it's Stormy, Grab an Umbrella!

When you feel angry or upset, what helps you feel better?
Take a deep breath
Count to five
Talk to a grown-up
Draw a picture

Introduce the idea of 'umbrellas' for stormy feelings. Brainstorm calm-down strategies.

Your Feelings Forecast for Today!

Remember, your feelings can change just like the weather.
What's your feelings forecast right now?
It's okay to feel whatever you feel!

Review the different feelings-weather connections. Encourage students to share how they feel using weather words.

lenny

Activity

Weathering Our Emotions Activity Cards

Instructions for the Teacher:

  1. Preparation: Print and cut out the cards below. For durability, you may wish to laminate them.
  2. Introduction: Remind students of the connection between feelings and weather, as discussed in the lesson.
  3. Round 1: Feeling Match-Up (Whole Group or Small Group)
    • Hold up a weather card (e.g., a
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

My Weather Report

Name: _________________________

What's the weather like in your heart today?

Draw a picture in the box below to show how you are feeling inside, like the weather outside! Are you sunny, cloudy, stormy, or breezy?













I feel _________________ today.

This is why I feel this way:







Something I can do if my feelings change is:







lenny
lenny

Discussion

Weathering Our Emotional Climate Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts to facilitate a class discussion after the main lesson and activity. Encourage students to share openly and respectfully.

Opening Questions:

  1. Who can tell us what we learned about feelings and weather today?


  2. Can anyone share a time they felt
lenny
lenny