Lesson Plan
Healing Circle Blueprint
Guide 5th graders to recognize and name their feelings, introduce the concept of trauma, and build a safe space through discussion and reflection.
Building emotional vocabulary and understanding trauma’s impact fosters trust and prepares students for deeper social-emotional learning. This Tier 1 session supports whole-class well-being.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Emoji Check-In
5 minutes
Step 2
Overview: Feelings and Trauma Introduction
10 minutes
Step 3
Main Discussion: What Is Trauma? Talk
20 minutes
Step 4
Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection
5 minutes
Step 5
Closing Circle
5 minutes

Slide Deck
How Can We Heal?
What Are Feelings?
More Feelings Words
What Is Trauma?
How Trauma Can Feel
Check for Understanding
Let’s Review

Warm Up


Discussion


Cool Down

