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Mind-Shape Detective

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Kelly Emmett

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Mind-Shape Detective

Students will identify and categorize Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions using the CBT Triangle and apply these skills to real-life scenarios to boost self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Understanding the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions helps students manage emotions, make positive choices, and build resilience. This foundational CBT skill fosters a supportive classroom climate and lifelong coping strategies.

Audience

3rd and 4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on detective game, guided practice, and group reflection.

Materials

  • CBT Triangle Anchor Chart, - Mind-Shape Detective Worksheet, - Thought Detective Cards, - Feeling Detective Cards, - Action Detective Cards, - Timer or Clock, and - Chart Paper and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Mind-Shape Detective Worksheet for each student.
  • Print and cut out sets of Thought Detective Cards, Feeling Detective Cards, and Action Detective Cards.
  • Display CBT Triangle Anchor Chart on the board or chart paper.
  • Ensure timer or clock is visible.
  • Review the definitions of Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions in the CBT model.

Step 1

Warm-Up Introduction

5 minutes

  • Greet students and ask each to share one feeling word they know.
  • Introduce the CBT Triangle using the CBT Triangle Anchor Chart.
  • Explain: Thoughts are what we think, Feelings are how we feel, Actions are what we do.
  • Provide a simple example (e.g., “I think I’ll trip → I feel nervous → I avoid trying”).

Step 2

CBT Triangle Detective Activity

15 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4.
  • Give each group a shuffled set of Thought Detective Cards, Feeling Detective Cards, and Action Detective Cards.
  • One student draws a thought card and reads it aloud.
  • Group discusses which feeling and action cards best match that thought.
  • Place the three cards in the matching sections of the CBT Triangle Anchor Chart.
  • Rotate roles until each student practices drawing and matching cards.
  • Circulate to prompt deeper connections (e.g., “Why does that thought lead to that feeling?”).

Step 3

Worksheet Practice

5 minutes

  • Distribute Mind-Shape Detective Worksheet.
  • Students complete 1–2 scenarios by identifying the Thought, Feeling, and Action.
  • Teacher circulates to support and confirm accurate categorization.

Step 4

Cool-Down Reflection

5 minutes

  • Reconvene as a whole class.
  • Invite volunteers to share one insight from the activity or worksheet.
  • Ask: “How can noticing our thoughts help us manage our feelings and actions?”
  • Encourage students to use their detective skills whenever they notice strong emotions.
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