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Mood Mapping

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Lesson Plan

Mood Mapping Strategy Outline

Students will use daily mood mapping to recognize emotional triggers, brainstorm coping strategies, and develop a personalized coping plan to build self-awareness and resilience.

Regular mood mapping helps students spot emotional patterns, practice self-regulation skills, and equips them with tailored coping strategies for Tier 2 behavioral support.

Audience

7th Grade Small Group

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive mood check-ins and collaborative strategy building.

Materials

Trigger vs. Coping Slides, Daily Mood Map Worksheet, and Strategy Brainstorming Session Guide

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Check-In & Mood Rating

2 minutes

  • Greet each student as they arrive and invite them to sit in a circle
  • Ask students to rate their current mood on the scale provided in the Daily Mood Map Worksheet
  • Encourage honesty and emphasize there are no right or wrong answers

Step 2

Guided Practice: Understanding Triggers vs. Coping

4 minutes

  • Project the first slides from Trigger vs. Coping Slides
  • Define triggers (events or thoughts causing strong emotions) and coping strategies (actions to manage feelings)
  • Prompt students to share examples of recent triggers
  • Highlight how identifying triggers builds self-awareness

Step 3

Guided Practice: Introduce Coping Strategies

4 minutes

  • Continue with slides showcasing common coping strategies (deep breathing, positive self-talk, movement breaks)
  • Model a quick deep-breathing exercise (inhale 4 counts, exhale 4 counts)
  • Invite students to share strategies they've used and discuss what worked

Step 4

Independent Practice: Strategy Brainstorming

3 minutes

  • Distribute the Strategy Brainstorming Session Guide
  • In small groups, list at least two coping strategies for one trigger noted on your worksheet
  • Circulate to support idea generation and ensure all students contribute

Step 5

Closure: Complete Mood Map & Wrap-Up

2 minutes

  • Ask students to finalize the coping plan section on their Daily Mood Map Worksheet
  • Collect worksheets for review and provide brief verbal feedback
  • Remind students to use their chosen strategies throughout the day and share reflections at the next check-in
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Slide Deck

Understanding Triggers & Coping Strategies

Today we’ll learn how to spot emotional triggers and choose healthy coping strategies to manage our feelings.

Introduce the purpose of today’s session: understanding what triggers strong emotions and how healthy coping strategies can help. Mention we’re working on Tier 2 supports to build self-regulation.

What is a Trigger?

A trigger is an event, thought, or situation that causes a strong emotional reaction.

Define “trigger.” Ask: “Can someone share an example of an event that made them feel upset or overwhelmed recently?” Display a lightning-bolt icon next to the definition.

Examples of Triggers

  • Upcoming test or quiz
  • Conflict with friends
  • Feeling left out
  • Sudden loud noises

Show icons next to each bullet (e.g., exam icon, chat bubble, etc.). Prompt students to add one more example and jot it on a sticky note.

What are Coping Strategies?

Coping strategies are actions or thoughts we use to manage our emotions and feel more in control.

Explain that coping strategies are tools we use to manage and soothe our emotions. Emphasize these are skills we can practice.

Examples of Coping Strategies

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Positive self-talk
  • Taking a short walk
  • Listening to calming music

Demonstrate a quick deep-breathing exercise (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4). Ask if students have tried any of these before.

Quick Breathing Exercise

Let’s practice a simple breathing technique:

  1. Inhale slowly for 4 counts
  2. Hold your breath for 4 counts
  3. Exhale slowly for 4 counts

Repeat 3 times.

Guide students through the breathing exercise. Show an animated graphic of a balloon inflating and deflating.

Your Turn: Identify a Trigger

Think of a trigger you’ve experienced recently. Write it down or share it with the group.

Give students 1 minute to think and write a trigger from their week. Encourage volunteers to share. Have board or chart paper ready.

Brainstorm: Coping Strategies

For the trigger you shared, list at least two coping strategies that could help you. Be creative!

Hand out the Strategy Brainstorming Session Guide. Circulate to support idea generation.

Recap & Next Steps

Remember: Identify triggers, choose coping strategies, and practice them daily. See you at the next check-in!

Reinforce that practice makes these strategies stronger. Remind students of tomorrow’s check-in and to use today’s strategies.

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Worksheet

Daily Mood Map

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________



  1. Mood Rating

Rate your mood right now on a scale of 1–5 (1 = Very Sad, 5 = Very Happy):
My rating: _____

  1. Today’s Triggers
    List two events or thoughts that affected your mood today.
  • Trigger 1: ___________________________________________

  • Trigger 2: ___________________________________________


  1. Coping Strategies I Used Today
    What did you try to manage your feelings?
  • Strategy 1: ___________________________________________

  • Strategy 2: ___________________________________________


  1. Strategy Plan
    Choose one strategy (new or one you’ve used) to focus on tomorrow.
    Strategy: ______________________________________________

    When will I use this? ____________________________________



  2. Reflection (for Next Check-In)
    Did your chosen strategy help? Why or why not?






Materials Needed: Mood Mapping Strategy Outline • Trigger vs. Coping Slides • Strategy Brainstorming Session Guide

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Discussion

Strategy Brainstorming Session Guide

Group Guidelines

  • Listen respectfully and give everyone a chance to speak
  • Speak honestly about what has helped you in the past
  • Build on each other’s ideas—there are no bad suggestions
  • Keep comments focused on strategies, not personal critiques

Discussion Prompts

  1. Share Your Trigger

  2. Brainstorm Coping Strategies

    • As a group, list at least two strategies that could help for a selected trigger.
    • Write each idea on the chart paper or whiteboard.

  3. Evaluate Pros & Cons

    • For each strategy listed, discuss:
      • How might this help manage your feelings?
      • What might make it hard to use?

  4. Select a Strategy Plan

    • Choose one strategy the group thinks will work best.
    • Answer on the board:
      • Strategy: _________________________
      • When/where will you use it? _________________________

Follow-Up Questions

  • Why did you pick this particular strategy?


  • How will you remind yourself to use it when the trigger happens?


  • Who can support you if you find it hard to remember?


Next Steps

  • Commit: Each student writes the chosen strategy and plan on their own Daily Mood Map Worksheet.
  • Check-In Reminder: We’ll revisit this plan at our next session—note how it went!
  • Practice: Try using the strategy at least once before the next check-in.

Materials: Trigger vs. Coping Slides • Daily Mood Map Worksheet

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