Lesson Plan
Feelings Matter: Expressing Safely
Help 1st graders recognize their emotions and express them safely while introducing positive coping strategies in a 30-minute session.
This lesson is essential for early emotional development, providing students with a safe vocabulary for explaining feelings and reducing the risk of self-harm.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive activity and discussion.
Materials
Prep
Pre-Class Setup
10 minutes
- Review the Emotion Cards for discussion prompts
- Prepare the Feelings Chart for the interactive activity
- Familiarize yourself with the signs of self-harm and positive coping strategies to gently address concerns as they arise
Step 1
Introduction and Emotion Identification
10 minutes
- Introduce the lesson by discussing what feelings are and why they matter
- Use the Emotion Cards to display various emotions and ask students to name times they felt similar emotions
- Emphasize that all feelings are valid and it's important to share them safely
Step 2
Interactive Activity: Feelings Chart
15 minutes
- Display the Feelings Chart and explain how to track feelings throughout the day
- Guide the students through a simple activity where they place stickers or draw marks on the chart representing their current feeling
- Encourage sharing of ideas on how to manage strong emotions, reinforcing safe, positive strategies
Step 3
Wrap-up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Recap the lesson by reviewing the key points discussed
- Invite a few students to share what they learned about their feelings and safe ways of expressing them
- Conclude by reinforcing that speaking up about emotions can help everyone feel better and safer
Slide Deck
Feelings Matter: Expressing Safely
Welcome 1st Graders!
Today we're going to learn about our feelings and how to express them in a safe and kind way.
Introduce the lesson with energy and clarity. Explain that today we will learn about our feelings and how to share them safely. Use the slide as an overview of today's activities.
Understanding Our Feelings
Let's talk about feelings!
- What are feelings?
- Why do we have different feelings?
- Remember: All feelings are valid.
Discuss what feelings are. Ask students to share what they think feelings mean, and reference the Emotion Cards to introduce diverse emotions. Emphasize that all feelings are okay.
Using Emotion Cards
Let's look at these cards:
Can you tell me a time when you felt one of these emotions?
Show the Emotion Cards. Ask students for examples of times when they felt happy, sad, or surprised. Encourage sharing and validate their experiences while maintaining the focus on safe expression.
Interactive Activity: Feelings Chart
Activity Time!
- Observe our Feelings Chart: Feelings Chart
- Put a sticker or draw a mark to show your feeling.
- Let's share ideas on how to feel even better!
Explain the interactive activity using the Feelings Chart. Walk through the process of placing a sticker or drawing a mark on the chart to represent how they feel currently. Remind students that talking about feelings helps everyone feel better.
Wrap-up and Reflection
Let's Review:
- We learned about different feelings.
- We used Emotion Cards and a Feelings Chart.
- Talking about our emotions is important and safe.
Thank you for sharing!
Summarize the key points of the lesson. Address any remaining questions and reinforce that describing feelings is a healthy way to handle emotions. End with an encouraging note for ongoing expression.
Activity
Emotion Cards Activity
Welcome to the Emotion Cards activity! This interactive task is designed to help you explore a variety of emotions through fun, colorful cards. You will use these cards to better understand your feelings and share your thoughts with the class.
How to Use the Emotion Cards
- Observation: Look at each card carefully. Notice the different facial expressions and colors.
- Identification: Name the emotion you see on each card. For example, this card shows a happy face, and another might show a sad face.
- Personal Connection: Think of a time when you felt the same way as the emotion on the card. If you'd like, share a brief story about it with a friend or the class.
- Discussion: Discuss as a group why it’s okay to feel different emotions and how talking about them can help everyone feel better.
Activity Guidelines
- Feel free to touch the cards and look at them closely.
- Remember, all emotions are valid—whether you're feeling happy, sad, or surprised.
- Share your thoughts if you're comfortable. There's no pressure to speak if you're shy.
- Listen carefully to your classmates when they share their feelings.
Teacher Prompts
- "Can you show me which card feels like you are feeling right now?"
- "What does this emotion remind you of?"
- "How can we help someone feel better when they're experiencing this emotion?"
Let's explore and express our emotions safely together!
Activity
Feelings Chart Activity
Welcome to the Feelings Chart Activity! This tool is designed to help you track and express your emotions in a fun and engaging way. In this activity, you will use stickers or draw marks on the chart to show how you feel throughout the day.
How to Use the Feelings Chart
- Observation: Look at the chart and see the different spaces set aside for various emotions.
- Expression: Choose a sticker or draw a mark on the chart in the space that best represents your current feeling.
- Reflection: Think about why you feel this way. If you feel comfortable, you can share your thought with a friend or the class.
- Discussion: Talk as a group about different ways to manage strong feelings and celebrate positive ones!
Activity Guidelines
- Personal Space: Each student has their own area on the chart where they can place a sticker or make a mark. Respect others' choices.
- Safe Expression: Remember, it's okay to show your feelings. There are no wrong emotions!
- Group Sharing: If someone wants to explain their mark or sticker, listen carefully and show kindness without judgment.
Teacher Prompts
- "What emotion do you feel right now, and why?"
- "Can you share a time when you felt this way and what helped you feel better?"
- "What are some ideas we can use to manage big feelings safely?"
Take your time and enjoy expressing yourself on the Feelings Chart. Your emotions are important, and sharing them helps everyone understand that all feelings are a natural part of life.