Lifting the Clouds

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Lesson Plan

Lifting the Blue Clouds Plan

Students will learn to recognize signs of depressed mood and develop personal coping strategies through self-reflection and guided discussion. Actionable goals: identify emotional triggers, articulate feelings, and create a 1–2 step action plan to use when feeling low.

This lesson empowers students to understand and manage depressed mood, building emotional awareness and resilience. Personalized, one-on-one support reduces stigma and equips students with practical tools for mental well-being.

Audience

7th Grade Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection, discussion, and strategy-building activities.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Greeting & Check-In

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student warmly and build rapport.
  • Ask, “On a scale of 1–5, how are you feeling today?”
  • Listen actively and validate any response to create a safe space.

Step 2

Define & Identify Depressed Mood

5 minutes

  • Display the Emotion Wheel Handout.
  • Explain the concept of depressed mood vs. everyday sadness.
  • Invite the student to point out words or sections that resonate with them.

Step 3

Reflect on Personal Emotions

5 minutes

  • Provide the Reflection Journal Template.
  • Prompt the student to write or draw a recent time they felt low.
  • Ask guiding questions: What triggered these feelings? What physical sensations did you notice?

Step 4

Introduce Coping Strategies

7 minutes

  • Present the Coping Strategies Worksheet.
  • Review 3–4 practical strategies (deep breathing, journaling, talking to someone).
  • Have the student identify which strategies feel most doable for them.

Step 5

Develop Action Plan

5 minutes

  • Ask the student to select 1–2 coping strategies from the worksheet.
  • Together, fill out a mini action plan: when and where they’ll practice, and who they might involve.
  • Encourage realistic, measurable goals (e.g., “I will journal for 5 minutes after school”).

Step 6

Check-for-Understanding & Closing

3 minutes

  • Ask the student to summarize key signs of depressed mood and their chosen coping strategies.
  • Confirm they know where to find these resources and whom to contact if needed.
  • Praise their effort, reinforce their plan, and end on a positive note.

Step 7

Differentiation & Accommodations

Throughout session

  • Offer visual supports (Emotion Wheel) and clarify any unfamiliar terms for ELL or reading challenges.
  • Allow drawing or verbal responses for journal reflections if writing is hard.
  • Provide breaks if the student becomes overwhelmed.
  • Use simplified language and check comprehension at each step.
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Slide Deck

Lifting the Blue Clouds

Recognizing & coping with depressed mood

• 30-minute one-on-one session
• 7th Grade Tier 3 Intervention

Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain: “Today we’ll explore what depressed mood is and build tools to help you feel better.” Highlight session length and confidential one-on-one space.

Check-In

How are you feeling today?
(1 = very low 5 = very good)

• Share one word or draw how you feel

Use the 1–5 scale to check in. Validate their response: “Thank you for sharing. It’s okay to feel that way.” Encourage brief explanation or drawing.

What Is Depressed Mood?

• More than everyday sadness
• Persistent low mood or irritability
• Loss of interest, energy, or pleasure

Use the Emotion Wheel to find words that fit how you feel.

Show the Emotion Wheel Handout. Explain the difference between everyday sadness and depressed mood. Invite student to point out words on the wheel.

Reflect on Your Feelings

Think of a recent time you felt down:

• What triggered these feelings?
• What did you notice in your body?

Write or draw your thoughts in the journal.

Hand out the Reflection Journal Template. Prompt student with questions and allow drawing or writing.

Coping Strategies

Strategies to try:
• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Talking to someone you trust
• Going for a walk or stretch

Which of these feel most doable for you?

Present the Coping Strategies Worksheet. Briefly demonstrate each strategy. Ask student to pick those that feel doable.

Your Action Plan & Closing

Choose 1–2 strategies and plan:

• When and where will you practice?
• Who can support you?

Remember:
• Review your plan regularly
• Reach out if you need help

Guide the student to fill out their mini action plan. Confirm they can summarize signs of depressed mood and strategies. Praise their effort and reinforce next steps.

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Worksheet

Emotion Wheel Handout

Below is a list of primary emotions and some related feelings. Read each group and circle any words that describe how you feel right now.

Joy: Content, Interested, Proud, Optimistic, Happy, Excited, Amused, Peaceful


Sadness: Hurt, Depressed, Disappointed, Lonely, Grief, Miserable, Hopeless, Guilty


Fear: Scared, Anxious, Nervous, Worried, Insecure, Terrified, Afraid, Shaky


Anger: Annoyed, Frustrated, Hostile, Irritated, Mad, Resentful, Outraged, Furious


Disgust: Revolted, Disapproving, Disappointed, Aversion, Nauseated, Distaste, Loathing


Surprise: Shocked, Astonished, Amazed, Startled, Stunned, Confused

Take a moment to circle the words above that match how you feel today.



Draw Your Current Feeling

Use the space below to sketch or doodle what your depressed or low mood feels like in your body or mind.











lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Coping Strategies Worksheet

Below are some strategies to help manage feelings of depressed mood. Read each, circle the ones you’d like to try, and use the space to personalize them.

1. Deep Breathing

  • Find a comfortable position.
  • Inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, then exhale for 6 counts.
  • Repeat until you feel calmer.



2. Journaling

  • Write down what you’re feeling right now.
  • Ask yourself “Why do I feel this way?” and note any triggers.
  • End with 1–2 things you’re grateful for.



3. Talking to Someone

  • Identify a trusted friend, family member, or adult.
  • Share how you feel using simple words.
  • Ask them to listen and offer support or suggestions.



4. Physical Activity

  • Take a short walk, stretch, or do light exercise.
  • Notice how your body feels before and after.
  • Breathe deeply as you move.



Pick 1–2 Strategies to Try









Personalize Your Plan

When will you do it? (day/time): _____________________________


Where will you do it?: _____________________________


Who can remind or support you?: _____________________________


How often will you practice?: _____________________________


Reflection After Trying

What happened when I tried this strategy?:





How did I feel afterward?:





What will I do next time?:





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lenny

Journal

Reflection Journal Template

Use this space to explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences when you notice a low or depressed mood. You can write or draw your responses.

1. Describe the Moment

Think of a recent time you felt low or sad. What happened?






2. Identify Triggers

What do you think triggered these feelings?

  • People or events: ____________________________
  • Thoughts or memories: ____________________________






3. Notice Physical Sensations

What did you feel in your body? (e.g., tight chest, tired, heavy limbs)






4. Explore Your Thoughts

What was going through your mind at that time?






5. Coping Strategies Used

Which strategy or strategies did you try?

How did it feel to use them?






6. Reflect & Plan Next Steps

Looking back, what might help you next time?

  • New strategy to try: ____________________________
  • Who can you reach out to?: ____________________________
  • When and where will you practice your plan?
    • Day/time: ____________
    • Place: ____________








lenny
lenny