Lesson Plan
Emotions Check-In Blueprint
Students will identify and label their current emotions using the Daily Emotions Tracker, then practice sharing and reflecting in a supportive group setting.
Recognizing and expressing emotions fosters self-awareness, empathy, and a positive classroom environment by opening communication and strengthening social-emotional skills.
Audience
6th Grade Class
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Guided self-assessment and group sharing
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Daily Emotions Tracker Worksheet for each student
- Review the slides in the Mood Meter Presentation
- Arrange seating in a circle configuration for the group discussion
Step 1
Warm-Up Check-In
3 minutes
- Greet students and set a supportive tone
- Display slide 1 of the Mood Meter Presentation showing the four emotion quadrants
- Ask students to silently point to or indicate the quadrant that best represents how they feel right now
Step 2
Individual Emotion Identification
7 minutes
- Distribute the Daily Emotions Tracker Worksheet to each student
- Instruct students to circle or write down the emotions they have experienced so far today
- Encourage use of specific feeling words (e.g., "frustrated," "excited," "anxious")
Step 3
Share & Compare Circle
7 minutes
- Invite students to sit in a circle for sharing
- Ask for 3–4 volunteers to share one emotion they identified and why
- Prompt classmates to respond with supportive statements (e.g., "I understand," "I felt that way too")
- Emphasize active listening and respect for each speaker
Step 4
Cool-Down Reflection
3 minutes
- Show the final calming slide from the Mood Meter Presentation
- Lead students through two deep-breathing exercises
- Ask students to think of one strategy they can use if they notice that emotion later in the day
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Slide Deck
How Are You Feeling Today?
Today we’ll identify our emotions, share them with each other, and practice strategies to help us feel our best.
Welcome students and introduce the purpose of today’s activity: to notice and name how we feel. Remind them this is a safe space. Mention we’ll use a Mood Meter chart and a worksheet.
The Mood Meter
Four emotion quadrants:
• Red (High energy, unpleasant)
• Yellow (High energy, pleasant)
• Green (Low energy, pleasant)
• Blue (Low energy, unpleasant)
Explain that the Mood Meter helps us see where our feelings fall across energy and pleasantness. Point to each quadrant as you describe it.
Feeling Words
Red: angry, frustrated, stressed
Yellow: excited, joyful, curious
Green: calm, content, relaxed
Blue: sad, tired, lonely
Review sample words. Encourage students to think beyond “happy” or “sad” and use words that really fit.
Check-In Directions
- Point to the quadrant that matches your feeling.
- On your worksheet, circle or write the word that fits.
- Use specific feeling words.
Distribute the Daily Emotions Tracker Worksheet. Ask students to point silently to their quadrant on the board first, then complete the worksheet.
Share & Compare Circle
• Share one emotion you identified and why
• Classmates respond with “I understand,” or “I felt that too.”
• Practice active listening and respect.
Invite 3–4 volunteers to share. Remind listeners to respond with supportive statements and show respect. Keep the circle moving so everyone’s voice is honored.
Cool-Down & Reflection
• Take two deep breaths together
• Think of one strategy to use if this feeling comes up again today
Lead two slow, deep breaths together. Ask students to think of one strategy (like taking a walk or talking to a friend) they can use if they notice the same feeling later today.
Worksheet
Daily Emotions Tracker Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________
1. Check the quadrant that matches how you feel right now:
[ ] Red (High energy, unpleasant) [ ] Yellow (High energy, pleasant)
[ ] Green (Low energy, pleasant) [ ] Blue (Low energy, unpleasant)
2. Choose a specific feeling word
Use the word bank below or write your own. Then circle or write the word that fits you best.
Word Bank:
- Red: angry, frustrated, stressed
- Yellow: excited, joyful, curious
- Green: calm, content, relaxed
- Blue: sad, tired, lonely
My emotion word is: __________________________
3. Why do you feel this way?
Explain what’s happening or what you’ve been thinking.
4. What strategy can you use to help yourself feel better if you notice this emotion again today?
Examples: take deep breaths, talk to a friend, go for a short walk.
5. End-of-Day Reflection (optional)
Later today, circle your emotion again and note if you used your strategy.
Emotion now: [ ] Red [ ] Yellow [ ] Green [ ] Blue
Strategy used: __________________________
Thank you for checking in with yourself! Remember, noticing how you feel is the first step to taking care of yourself.
Discussion
Share & Compare Circle Discussion Guide
Purpose: Provide students a safe space to share their identified emotions, practice empathy, and learn supportive responses.
Duration: 7 minutes
Setup: Arrange seats in a circle so everyone can see each other. If virtual, ensure all faces are visible on screen.
Discussion Guidelines
- One person speaks at a time; no interrupting.
- Use “I” statements to express your own feelings.
- Respect each other’s confidentiality: what’s shared here stays here.
- Show supportive body language (nodding, eye contact).
Discussion Prompts
- “Who would like to share one emotion you identified and explain why you chose it?”
- Follow-up questions:
- What happened today to make you feel this way?
- Where on the Mood Meter did you see your feeling?
- How intense was this feeling on a scale of 1–5?
- What word did you choose from the word bank, and why?
- Follow-up questions:
- “How can classmates show support when someone shares their feeling?”
- Follow-up questions:
- Can you share a supportive phrase you could say?
- What could you do if you notice a friend feeling the same emotion?
- How does it feel when someone validates your experience?
- Follow-up questions:
- “Can you think of a strategy from your worksheet that might help you or a friend if this emotion comes up again?”
- Follow-up questions:
- Have you tried this strategy before?
- How effective was it?
- What other ideas do you have to feel better?
- Follow-up questions:
Reflection
- Ask students to reflect silently: What did you learn from listening to others, and how might this help you when you notice emotions in yourself or classmates later today?
Materials: Daily Emotions Tracker Worksheet