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Happy Classroom

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Lesson Plan

Happy Vibes Session Plan

Guide second graders to explore feelings of safety, happiness, and inclusion through music, movement, and discussion, fostering a positive group climate.

This session builds social-emotional skills, strengthens peer connections, and helps students feel seen, safe, and supported in the classroom community.

Audience

2nd Grade Group

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Multisensory exploration using music, movement, and discussion.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-up

2 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle.
  • Introduce today’s focus: feeling safe, happy, and included.
  • Briefly explain activities coming up.

Step 2

Mood Music Movement

5 minutes

  • Play upbeat, age-appropriate music via the music player.
  • Guide students through simple movements (e.g., swaying, clapping).
  • Encourage students to notice how their bodies feel when moving to the music.

Step 3

Safe & Happy Chart Discussion

8 minutes

Step 4

Peaceful Breathing Cool-down

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Peaceful Breathing Guide.
  • Lead students through three calming breaths: inhale gently for a count of three, exhale slowly for a count of three.
  • Invite them to notice any changes in their bodies.

Step 5

Closing Reflection

5 minutes

  • Ask each student to share one action they can take to help someone else feel safe or happy.
  • Highlight positive contributions and thank everyone for participating.
  • Remind students they can use these strategies anytime they need a happy classroom boost.
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Slide Deck

Safe & Happy Chart

Today we’re going to build a chart of ideas for feeling safe and happy at school. When you have an idea, raise your hand and I’ll write it down here.

Welcome students to our chart activity and explain what we’ll do. Script: “Today we’re making a special poster called the Safe & Happy Chart. We’ll think together about what helps us feel safe and happy at school, then I’ll write down your ideas!”

Feeling Safe

What helps you feel safe at school?
• A caring friend nearby
• A cozy, organized classroom
• A teacher you can ask for help

Raise your hand to share your own ideas!

Display safety icon on screen or draw one. Ask students to think-pair-share if you have time, then call on volunteers. Script: “Let’s start with safety. What makes you feel safe when you’re at school?”

Feeling Happy

What makes you feel happy at school?
• Playing fun games with friends
• Learning something new
• Helping someone who needs it

Who has another idea to add?

Show a happy face icon. Invite every student to share at least one idea. Script: “Now let’s think about happiness – what makes you feel happy during the school day?”

Building Our Chart

Let’s draw two columns:

SafeHappy

As you share, we’ll write your ideas under the right column.

On chart paper, draw two columns labeled “Safe” and “Happy.” Then transfer students’ ideas to it. Script: “Watch me draw two columns. We’ll add new ideas under each heading as we continue sharing.”

Great Job!

Thank you for sharing!

Our classroom chart reminds us every day how to stay safe and happy together.

Praise each contribution and remind students they can use the chart anytime. Script: “Great job, everyone! Our chart will help us remember how to feel safe and happy here.”

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Activity

Mood Music Movement Activity Guide

Objective: Help students explore emotions—especially safety and happiness—through guided movement to different music tracks.

Materials Needed:

  • Music player with two preselected, age-appropriate tracks (one upbeat, one calm)
  • Open, obstacle-free space for movement

Duration: 5 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Introduction (30 seconds)
    • Gather students in the open space and explain: “We’re going to move our bodies to music and notice how each song makes us feel. Let’s see how our movements can help us feel safe, happy, or calm.”
  2. Upbeat Movement (1 minute 30 seconds)
    • Play the upbeat track. Encourage students to move freely—jump, clap, sway—wherever their bodies want to go.
    • Prompt: “How does your body feel when the music is fast and fun? Do you feel excited, happy, safe?”
  3. Freeze & Share (30 seconds)
    • Pause the music and ask each student to share one word describing how the upbeat music made them feel.
    • Record key emotion words on chart paper for later reference.
  4. Calm Movement (1 minute 30 seconds)
    • Play the calm track. Guide students to move slowly—stretching, flowing arms, gentle steps.
    • Prompt: “Notice how your body moves slowly. Do you feel calm, safe, relaxed?”
  5. Final Freeze & Reflection (30 seconds)
    • Stop the music again. Invite one or two volunteers to describe how the calm music felt in their bodies and minds.
    • Ask: “Which music helped you feel more relaxed or safe? Why?”

Tips for Success:

  • Choose music with clear, contrasting tempos.
  • Encourage students to listen quietly before moving.
  • Praise all movement styles—there’s no right or wrong way to explore an emotion.



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Discussion

Circle of Joy Discussion Guide

1. Purpose & Group Norms

  • Purpose: Share ideas and strategies for making everyone feel included, happy, and safe in our classroom.
  • Norms:
    • Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
    • Use kind words and listen with “listening ears.”
    • Respect others’ ideas—everyone’s feelings matter!

2. Opening Question

Q1. Think of a time at school when you felt really joyful and included. What was happening?
Write or draw one moment, then share with the group.







3. Who Made It Special?

Q2. Who helped you feel that joy and inclusion?
• How did they do it?
• What words or actions did they use?







4. Spreading Joy

Q3. What can we do today to help our friends feel included and joyful?
• Think of one small act of kindness you can do.







5. Follow-Up Prompts

  • Can you give an example of when someone used that kind action?
  • How did it make you feel then? How do you think it makes others feel?
  • Which ideas match words we added to our Safe & Happy Chart?

6. Closing Reflection & Action

Turn & Tell: Pair up and share one promise: “Today I will _______________ to make someone smile.”







Next Steps: Keep your promise this week. Notice how small acts create a big Circle of Joy for everyone!

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Cool Down

Peaceful Breathing Guide

Objective: Calm our minds and bodies through simple, mindful breathing.

Duration: 5 minutes

Materials: None (optional: a soft carpet or cushion)

1. Get Comfortable (1 minute)

• Have students sit in a circle or at their desks with feet flat on the floor and hands resting gently on their laps or bellies.
• Ask them to close their eyes or soften their gaze toward the floor.

2. Belly Breaths (2 minutes)

• Demonstrate: Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly.
• Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of three, feeling your belly rise like a balloon.
• Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of three, feeling your belly fall.
• Repeat for 5–6 breaths, guiding students by counting together.

3. Rainbow Breathing (1 minute)

• Ask students to imagine a bright rainbow filling the sky as they inhale.
• As they exhale, imagine the rainbow’s colors softly glowing around them, keeping them calm and safe.

4. Notice & Reflect (1 minute)

• Invite students to open their eyes or lift their gaze.
• Prompt: “What did you notice in your body or mind as you breathed?”
• Allow 2–3 volunteers to share one word (e.g., calm, warm, relaxed).

Teacher Tip: Use a soft chime or gentle bell to signal the start and end of the breathing practice. Encourage students to use this breathing anytime they need a moment of calm.

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