Lesson Plan
Feelings Matter: Understanding Emotions
Students will learn to identify feelings, recognize empathy, and understand how actions impact emotions through interactive activities and group discussion.
Developing emotional intelligence at an early age helps children communicate feelings, build healthy relationships, and manage social interactions.
Audience
First Grade
Time
3 sessions, 25 minutes each
Approach
Interactive sessions with visual aids and hands-on activities.
Materials
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the materials provided: Feelings Worksheet, Empathy Activity Cards, and Emotions Slide Deck.
- Familiarize yourself with the session outlines to ensure smooth transitions between activities.
- Arrange classroom seating to facilitate group interactions and discussions.
Step 1
Session 1: Feeling Identification
25 minutes
- Introduce the concept of feelings using the Emotions Slide Deck.
- Read a short story or show images depicting different emotions.
- Engage students in a discussion about times they felt happy, sad, or excited.
- Have students complete the Feelings Worksheet by drawing or coloring faces that represent different emotions.
Step 2
Session 2: Understanding Empathy
25 minutes
- Begin with a brief review of session 1, asking students to recall different feelings.
- Introduce empathy, explaining how we can care about others’ feelings.
- Use role-play scenarios to help students understand how to respond empathetically.
- Guide students through an activity using the Empathy Activity Cards.
Step 3
Session 3: Impact of Actions on Others
25 minutes
- Review previous sessions, reinforcing the ideas of feelings and empathy.
- Discuss real-life examples of how actions can affect the feelings of others.
- Facilitate a group activity where students share stories and suggest kind actions to improve feelings.
- Summarize the lesson and reflect on how small actions can make a big difference in someone’s day.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Emotions!
Today we'll explore different feelings. How do you feel today?
Introduce the topic of emotions. Explain that feelings are like colors, and everyone feels different feelings at different times.
Happy
A happy face shows joy and smiles.
Show a big smiley face. Ask the children to share times when they felt happy.
Sad
A sad face can show tears. It's okay to feel sad sometimes.
Display an image of a sad face. Encourage students to talk about a time they felt sad and what made them feel better.
Angry
An angry face might have a frown or furrowed eyebrows. Let's think about ways to feel better.
Present an image for angry emotions. Ask students how they can calm down when they're angry.
Excited
When you're excited, you might jump, clap, or talk fast!
Introduce excitement with a vibrant, energetic image. Ask questions to understand what makes them feel excited.
All Emotions Matter
Every feeling is important. Let's be kind to our friends and help them when they feel different emotions.
Wrap up by reinforcing that every emotion is important and it's good to share how you feel with friends and family.
Worksheet
Feelings Worksheet
Welcome, First Graders! Today we are going to learn about different feelings. Read each prompt and complete the activity. Use the space provided to draw or write your ideas.
1. Show Your Happy Face
Think of a time when you felt very happy. Draw a picture of yourself smiling and include anything that made you happy.
2. What Makes You Sad?
Sometimes, we feel a little sad. Draw a picture or write a few words about something that makes you feel sad, and think of one thing that can make you feel better.
3. Let's Share Our Emotions
Circle the feeling that you feel most today: Happy, Sad, Angry, or Excited. Draw a small picture next to your choice.
4. Draw Empathy!
Draw a picture of a friend who might be feeling a different emotion than you. Next to your drawing, write or draw one kind action you can do to help your friend feel better.
Remember: It's okay to feel all these emotions. Our feelings help us understand ourselves and each other!
Activity
Empathy Activity Cards
Welcome to our Empathy Activity! These cards will help us practice finding kind ways to help a friend who might be feeling a certain way.
How to Use the Cards:
- Pick a card from the deck.
- Read the scenario on the card carefully.
- Discuss in your group how you can help the friend in the scenario feel better. Think of kind words, actions, or even a fun idea to cheer them up!
- Share your ideas with the class.
Scenario Cards
Card 1:
Scenario: Jamie feels sad because they lost their favorite toy.
Discussion Questions:
- What feelings might Jamie be having?
- How can you show empathy to Jamie?
- What is one kind action you could take?
Card 2:
Scenario: Alex feels left out during recess because the other kids are playing a game without him.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you think Alex feels?
- What could you do to help Alex feel included?
- Can you think of a kind word to share with Alex?
Card 3:
Scenario: Taylor is scared during a thunderstorm and feels unsafe at home.
Discussion Questions:
- What kind of feelings might Taylor have?
- How can you help Taylor feel more secure?
- What comforting action might you suggest?
Card 4:
Scenario: Jordan feels worried because they have a big test coming up and are unsure if they will do well.
Discussion Questions:
- What feelings might Jordan be experiencing?
- What could you say or do to help Jordan feel better about the test?
- How can you show Jordan that you care?
Card 5:
Scenario: Sam is upset because a friend accidentally broke their favorite crayon.
Discussion Questions:
- What feelings might Sam be feeling?
- How can you help Sam feel understood?
- What is one kind thing you could do to cheer up Sam?
Remember, our goal is to practice empathy by understanding our friend's feelings and thinking of kind actions to help them feel better. Enjoy role-playing, exploring different scenarios, and sharing your ideas!