Lesson Plan
Feelings Quest Lesson Plan
Students will identify and label their emotions, learn healthy coping strategies, and practice empathy through collaborative activities, building self-awareness and a supportive classroom community.
Understanding and expressing emotions is vital for self-awareness and healthy relationships. This lesson equips 4th graders with tools to manage feelings, reducing conflicts and fostering empathy for a positive classroom climate.
Audience
4th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and reflective journaling.
Materials
- Chart Paper, - Markers, - Feelings Chart, - Coping Strategy Cards, - Empathy Scenario Cards, and - Emotion Journal Worksheet
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out all Coping Strategy Cards.
- Print and cut out all Empathy Scenario Cards.
- Make a class copy of the Feelings Chart on chart paper or projector.
- Print enough Emotion Journal Worksheet for each student.
- Gather chart paper and markers for whole-group discussion.
Step 1
Set the Stage
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain that today they will explore their feelings and learn how to cope and show empathy.
- Share the objective: identify emotions, practice healthy coping strategies, and support classmates.
- Establish norms: respect, active listening, and kindness.
Step 2
Explore Emotions
8 minutes
- Display the Feelings Chart for all to see.
- Ask volunteers to point out and name emotions they’ve felt recently.
- Share a brief teacher example: “When I feel ____, I notice ____ in my body.”
- Encourage students to think of one emotion they experience regularly.
Step 3
Practice Coping Strategies
7 minutes
- Distribute the Coping Strategy Cards randomly.
- In small groups, students read their card and discuss how that strategy could help when they feel the emotion from the chart.
- Invite volunteers to model a coping strategy (e.g., deep breathing, positive self-talk).
Step 4
Empathy Role-Play
7 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair an Empathy Scenario Card.
- Students read the scenario aloud, identify the feeling and brainstorm a supportive response.
- Pairs role-play one scenario, focusing on empathetic listening and validating feelings.
Step 5
Reflect and Journal
3 minutes
- Hand out the Emotion Journal Worksheet.
- Students choose one emotion, write a coping strategy they’ll try, and note one way to help a friend with that feeling.
- Collect journals or have students keep them for future reflection.
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Slide Deck
Feelings Quest
Exploring Emotions & Building Empathy
Welcome students and introduce the lesson title. Briefly explain that today we’ll go on a Feelings Quest to understand and manage our emotions together.
Lesson Objectives
• Identify and label our emotions
• Learn and practice healthy coping strategies
• Show empathy and support to classmates
Read aloud each objective. Emphasize how these skills help us feel safe and connected in class.
Classroom Norms
• Respect everyone’s feelings
• Listen actively
• Speak kindly
Establish a supportive environment. Invite students to repeat or act out each norm gesture (e.g., “thumbs up” for active listening).
Explore Emotions
- Look at the Feelings Chart.
- Name emotions you’ve experienced.
- Share how your body feels with that emotion.
Display the Feelings Chart (Feelings Chart). Point to different faces and ask volunteers to name an emotion they’ve felt recently.
Practice Coping Strategies
- Get a Coping Strategy Card.
- In small groups, discuss how it helps with a feeling from the chart.
- Volunteer to model one strategy.
Hand out the Coping Strategy Cards. Circulate as groups discuss how each strategy could help when they feel a chosen emotion.
Empathy Role-Play
- Read your Empathy Scenario Card.
- Identify the feeling in the scenario.
- Role-play a supportive response with your partner.
Pair students and distribute Empathy Scenario Cards. Model one role-play before students begin.
Reflect & Journal
- Choose one emotion to write about on your Emotion Journal Worksheet.
- List one coping strategy you’ll try.
- Note one way you can help a friend with that feeling.
Explain the journal prompt. Remind students they can keep their journals for future reflection.
Worksheet
Feelings Chart Handout
Below is a chart of common feelings. For each feeling:
- Look at the face icon.
- Read the emotion label.
- In the space provided, write how your body feels when you experience that emotion.
| Emotion | Face | Body Sensations |
|---|---|---|
| Happy | 😊 | |
| Sad | 😢 | |
| Angry | 😠 | |
| Scared | 😨 | |
| Surprised | 😲 | |
| Calm | 😌 |
Worksheet
Coping Strategy Cards
Cut out each card below and distribute one to each student. In small groups, students read their card, discuss how this strategy could help with an emotion from the Feelings Chart, and practice using it.
Deep Breathing
Take slow, deep breaths:
- Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4.
- Breathe out through your mouth for a count of 4.
- Repeat 5 times, noticing how your body relaxes.
Positive Self-Talk
Speak kindly to yourself when you’re upset:
• Choose a helpful phrase (e.g., “I can handle this,” “I am safe”).
• Say it quietly or in your head whenever you need confidence.
Counting to Ten
Use your mind to slow down:
• Slowly count from 1 to 10 in your head.
• Focus on each number and take one calm breath between numbers.
Stretching
Loosen tight muscles:
• Stand up and reach both arms overhead.
• Tilt gently to the left, then to the right.
• Roll your shoulders forward and back.
Drawing Your Feelings
Use art to express yourself:
• Grab paper and crayons or markers.
• Draw shapes, colors, or pictures that match how you feel.
Listening to Music
Let sounds calm you:
• Put on a favorite song or calm instrumental music.
• Close your eyes and notice how the beat and melody make you feel.
Taking a Walk
Move your body to clear your mind:
• Walk slowly around the room or outside.
• Notice three things you see, three things you hear, and three things you feel.
Talking to a Friend or Adult
Share and connect:
• Find someone you trust.
• Tell them how you feel and ask for their support or advice.
Worksheet
Empathy Scenario Cards
Cut out each card below and distribute one to each pair. Students will read their card, identify the emotion the person might have, and practice a supportive response by role-playing.
Scenario 1
During recess, you notice Alex sitting alone and not playing with anyone. Alex says they feel left out.
Scenario 2
Mia looks anxious before the school talent show and says her hands are shaking.
Scenario 3
Jay got a lower grade than expected on a math quiz and seems upset.
Scenario 4
Taylor accidentally spilled paint on their art project and is so frustrated that they want to quit.
Scenario 5
Jordan’s pet died over the weekend, and they seem sad when they talk about it.
Scenario 6
Sam is scared about going to the dentist tomorrow and is having trouble sleeping.
Scenario 7
Riley lost their favorite book at recess and feels disappointed.
Scenario 8
Casey’s best friend moved to a new school, and they look lonely at lunchtime.
Worksheet
Emotion Journal Worksheet
Use this worksheet to reflect on an emotion you’ve experienced and plan ways to cope and support others.
-
Which emotion will you write about? (Choose one from the Feelings Chart)
-
What happened when you felt this emotion?
-
How did your body feel? Describe any thoughts, physical sensations, or changes you noticed.
-
Which coping strategy will you try? (Pick one from the Coping Strategy Cards)
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Why do you think this strategy will help you when you feel this way?
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How could you help a friend who is feeling the same emotion? Describe what you might say or do.