Lesson Plan
Mood-Behavior Link Outline
Students will notice and name their moods, see how those moods can change what they do, and practice choosing positive ways to respond.
When students learn to connect their feelings and actions, they can calm down more easily and solve problems better.
Audience
5th Grade Group
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, mapping, movement, logging, and reflection.
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Hang up or project Emotion Mapping Slides at student eye level
- Print copies of the Mood vs. Behavior Log Worksheet
- Print or display the Feelings Reflection Prompt
- Review the Mood Check Circles Discussion Script
- Clear a small open area for a quick movement break
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain today’s goal: noticing feelings and how they show up in actions
- Define mood (what you feel inside) vs. behavior (what you show outside) with simple examples (e.g., feeling happy and smiling)
- Quick mood check: thumbs up/down to share current feelings
Step 2
Emotion Mapping Activity
8 minutes
- Show Emotion Mapping Slides
- Review simple emotion words: happy, sad, angry, excited
- In pairs, choose one mood you felt this week and point out its intensity on the chart
- Share what caused that feeling
Step 3
Movement Break
5 minutes
- Lead a brief movement: act out different feelings (tiptoe for scared, stomp for angry, stretch for happy)
- Notice how your body moves with each emotion
Step 4
Mood Check Circles Discussion
10 minutes
- Sit in a circle and use the Mood Check Circles Discussion Script
- Pass a talking object; share a time when a feeling changed what you did
- Practice listening quietly while others speak
Step 5
Mood vs. Behavior Logging
7 minutes
- Hand out the Mood vs. Behavior Log Worksheet
- Complete one entry: mood, trigger, behavior, and a different strategy to try next time
- Teacher circulates to support students
Step 6
Reflection and Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Read through the Feelings Reflection Prompt
- Invite one or two volunteers to share how they might respond differently when they notice a strong feeling
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage practicing new strategies
Slide Deck
Understanding Our Moods
Welcome, everyone! Today we’ll learn how our moods (feelings inside) can change what we do (our behavior). We’ll use big icons and simple words to help us map our feelings.
Today’s Goals
• Name different moods
• See how moods affect what we do
• Practice choosing a new response
Read each objective and point to each icon as you speak. Keep language simple: “name,” “see,” and “practice.”
Mood vs. Behavior
Mood = how you feel inside
Behavior = how you show it on the outside
Explain with a quick example: “If you feel mad inside (mood), you might stomp or yell (behavior).” Ask for a show of hands for other ideas.
4 Simple Moods
😊 Happy 😢 Sad 😠 Angry 😨 Scared
Show each icon extra-large. Point and ask students to name each feeling aloud.
Mood Intensity
Low • A little sad • A little mad
Medium • Sad • Mad
High • Very sad • Very mad
Use a number line or simple chart graphic. Give examples: “A little angry, medium angry, very angry.”
Example Mapping
Situation: Pencil broke
Mood: Angry (High)
Behavior: Slammed my desk
Walk through an easy example: “My pencil broke (situation). I felt angry (high). I slammed my desk (behavior).”
Pair Mapping Activity
- Pick a time you felt one of our 4 moods.
- Say if it was low, medium, or high.
- Say what happened and what you did.
- Be ready to share one with the class.
Give clear, numbered steps. Encourage students to whisper their answers to a partner if shy.
Next Steps
Use your mood map to help you choose a calm, positive response next time.
Prepare students to transition into the discussion circle. Remind them of respectful listening and taking turns.
Discussion
Mood Check Circles Discussion Script
Goal
Help everyone share a time when they felt strong feelings and see how those feelings changed what they did. Practice listening and being kind.
Setup
- Sit in a circle so we can all see each other.
- Use a “talking piece” (toy or stick). Only the person with it talks.
- Remember our mood map from the Emotion Mapping Slides.
Rules
- One person speaks at a time.
- Keep what’s said here private.
- Be kind—no teasing.
- Listen with your eyes and ears (make eye contact, nod).
Prompts & Starters
-
Mood Moment
Prompt: “Tell us about a time you felt a strong mood this week. What was it and what happened?”
Starters:
• “I felt _____ when _____.”
• “It started because _____.”
-
What I Did
Prompt: “How did you show that feeling? What did you do or say? Did it help?”
Starters:
• “I showed my feeling by _____.”
• “Next time I could _____.”
-
Try a New Strategy
Prompt: “What is one thing you could do next time instead of your first reaction?”
Starters:
• “I could take three deep breaths and then _____.”
• “I could ask a friend or teacher for help by saying _____.”
Wrap-Up
- Pass the talking piece once more. Finish the sentence: “One thing I’ll try this week is _____.”
- Thank everyone for sharing!
Use this script in the “Mood Check Circles Discussion” step of the Mood-Behavior Link Outline. It will help us practice sharing, listening, and choosing better responses.
Worksheet
Mood vs. Behavior Log Worksheet
Today in class, fill in one entry to notice how your mood moves into action:
| Date | Mood (Category + Intensity) | Situation / Trigger | Behavior (What I did) | Alternative Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Reflection
-
How did my mood affect what I did?
-
What is one thing I could try next time?
Keep this sheet at your desk today and discuss your ideas before you go.
Cool Down
Feelings Reflection Prompt
Think about today’s lesson. You can draw or write your answers below.
-
How do I feel right now?
Draw your face showing this feeling:
-
What was one new thing I learned today about feelings and actions?
-
Which calming idea will I try next time I notice my mood? (draw or write)
-
Who can remind me to use my calming idea?
Keep this sheet handy and look back at it when you need a calm moment!