Lesson Plan
Mood Matters Lesson Plan
Students explore how mental health impacts their mood, emotions, behaviors, social interactions, and academic success; they will identify personal feelings and practice coping strategies using visual tools and worksheets.
Understanding these connections helps students develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, improve relationships, and support academic engagement. Early psychoeducation builds a foundation for effective treatment and daily coping.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion with visual tools and practice activities.
Materials
- Whiteboard and Markers, - Comfortable Seating or Chair, - Timer or Stopwatch, - Emotions Wheel, - Mood Monitoring Sheet, - Calm Down Strategies Cards, - Emotion Thermometer Poster, and - Pencils or Colored Pencils
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review Emotions Wheel, Mood Monitoring Sheet, Calm Down Strategies Cards, and Emotion Thermometer Poster.
- Print and organize one copy of each printable material.
- Gather whiteboard, markers, comfortable seating, timer, and pencils or colored pencils.
- Familiarize yourself with coping strategies cards so you can model strategies with confidence.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Check-In
5 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and ask how they’re feeling today.
- Use the Emotion Thermometer Poster to gauge current mood.
- Briefly explain that today’s session will explore feelings, behaviors, and ways to feel better.
Step 2
Mental Health Introduction
5 minutes
- Define mental health in simple, positive terms (e.g., “mind wellness” like physical health).
- Ask the student what they think mental health means and listen actively.
- Use a relatable analogy (e.g., caring for your brain like caring for a plant).
Step 3
Mood & Emotions Exploration
5 minutes
- Introduce the Emotions Wheel and explain its sections.
- Discuss the difference between a mood (longer-lasting) and an emotion (momentary).
- Ask the student to identify one mood and one emotion they felt this week.
Step 4
Behavior & Social Impact Discussion
5 minutes
- Explain how moods and emotions can influence actions and interactions.
- Share examples (e.g., feeling anxious might make you avoid friends).
- Invite the student to share a time when their feelings affected what they did.
Step 5
Academic Success Connection
5 minutes
- Discuss how positive mental health supports focus, motivation, and learning.
- Give examples of how stress or sadness can make schoolwork harder.
- Ask the student to describe a class activity where they felt engaged and why.
Step 6
Coping Strategies & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Introduce Calm Down Strategies Cards and review a few techniques.
- Practice one strategy together (e.g., deep breathing or counting slowly).
- Complete one entry on the Mood Monitoring Sheet to set a plan.
- Summarize key points and set a goal for the next session (e.g., try one strategy daily).
Slide Deck
Mood Matters!
• A 30-minute individual session
• Exploring how mental health influences:
– Moods & emotions
– Behaviors & friendships
– School success
Welcome the student and introduce the session. Say: “Today we’re going to learn about mood, feelings, and how taking care of our mind helps us feel and do our best.” Show enthusiasm and outline that we’ll explore how mental health affects emotions, actions, friendships, and school.
Warm-Up & Check-In
• How are you feeling today?
• Use the Emotion Thermometer Poster
• Brief overview: today’s goals
(5 minutes) Greet the student warmly. Point to the Emotion Thermometer Poster. Ask: “On a scale from 1 to 5, how hot or cool is your mood right now?” Record their rating and validate their answer. Explain that this is our check-in tool.
What Is Mental Health?
• Mind wellness = taking care of thoughts & feelings
• Like caring for a plant: water, sunlight, care
• Student idea: What do you think it means?
(5 minutes) Define mental health in simple terms: “Taking care of our mind, like we take care of our body.” Ask the student what they think mental health means. Use the plant analogy: “A brain is like a plant—it needs water, sun, and care to grow strong.”
Mood vs. Emotion
• Emotions Wheel: See the Emotions Wheel
• Emotion = a quick feeling (e.g., surprise)
• Mood = longer feeling (e.g., happy all day)
• Student shares one of each
(5 minutes) Display the Emotions Wheel. Explain: “Emotions are quick feelings; moods last longer.” Point to examples on the wheel. Ask the student to pick one mood they’ve had this week and one quick emotion.
How Feelings Affect Actions
• Feelings influence behavior & friendships
• Example: feeling anxious → hiding from friends
• Student shares personal example
(5 minutes) Say: “Our feelings can change what we do.” Give an example: “If you feel nervous, you might not want to play with friends.” Ask the student to share a time their feelings changed their actions.
Mind & School Success
• Healthy mind → better focus & motivation
• Stress or sadness can slow learning
• Student example: when did you feel engaged?
(5 minutes) Explain: “When our mind feels good, school feels easier.” Show how worry or sadness can make it hard to focus on homework. Ask: “Tell me about a time in class when you felt really focused—and why.”
Coping Strategies & Wrap-Up
• Review Calm Down Strategies Cards
• Practice one strategy together
• Fill one entry on Mood Monitoring Sheet
• Set a plan for our next session
(5 minutes) Introduce: “Let’s learn some ways to feel better when we’re upset.” Show Calm Down Strategies Cards. Practice one (e.g., deep breathing). Help the student fill out one entry on the Mood Monitoring Sheet and set a simple goal: “Try this strategy every day.” Wrap up by summarizing key points.
Worksheet
Mood Monitoring Sheet
Use this sheet to track your mood each time you notice a change. Write or draw your answers in the spaces below.
Entry 1
Date: ___________________________
My Mood Today (circle or describe):
- Happy - Sad - Angry - Worried - Excited - Other: ___________
What was happening just before I noticed this mood? Describe the situation or trigger:
What did I do or feel in response? Describe your reaction:
Which coping strategy did I use? (See Calm Down Strategies Cards)
- Deep breathing
- Counting slowly
- Drawing or writing
- Asking for help
- Other: ____________________
<br/
Did it help? Yes No
Why or why not?
Entry 2
Date: ___________________________
My Mood Today (circle or describe):
- Happy - Sad - Angry - Worried - Excited - Other: ___________
What was happening just before I noticed this mood? Describe the situation or trigger:
What did I do or feel in response? Describe your reaction:
Which coping strategy did I use? (See Calm Down Strategies Cards)
- Deep breathing
- Counting slowly
- Drawing or writing
- Asking for help
- Other: ____________________
Did it help? Yes No
Why or why not?
Entry 3
Date: ___________________________
My Mood Today (circle or describe):
- Happy - Sad - Angry - Worried - Excited - Other: ___________
What was happening just before I noticed this mood? Describe the situation or trigger:
What did I do or feel in response? Describe your reaction:
Which coping strategy did I use? (See Calm Down Strategies Cards)
- Deep breathing
- Counting slowly
- Drawing or writing
- Asking for help
- Other: ____________________
Did it help? Yes No
Why or why not?
Feel free to add more entries on the back of this sheet!
Activity
Emotion Thermometer Poster
Use this poster to check in on your mood by choosing a level from 1 (very cool) to 5 (very hot).
| Level | Color | Feeling Descriptor | How You Might Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue | Very Calm / Cool | Relaxed, quiet, easy to concentrate |
| 2 | Teal | Calm / Content | Friendly, focused, low energy |
| 3 | Green | Neutral / Okay | Ready to learn, balanced |
| 4 | Yellow | Warm / Slightly Upset | Restless, a bit distracted |
| 5 | Red | Hot / Very Upset | Agitated, hard to focus or talk |
How to Use
- Ask the student: “On a scale from 1 to 5, how cool or hot does your mood feel right now?”
- Point to the color and descriptor that match their answer.
- Validate their choice and briefly discuss any need for support or a coping strategy.
Place this poster somewhere visible in the session area so the student can reference it during check-ins.
Activity
Calm Down Strategies Cards
Use these cards when you notice you’re feeling upset, anxious, or overwhelmed. Pick one strategy card to try and practice it until you feel calmer.
Deep Breathing
• Sit or stand comfortably.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.
• Hold for 2 seconds.
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.
• Repeat 4–6 times.
Counting Slowly
• Find a quiet spot.
• Close your eyes if it feels okay.
• Count out loud from 1 to 10 at a slow pace.
• Pay attention to each number and how your breath moves.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Tense one muscle group (e.g., shoulders) for 5 seconds.
• Notice how it feels.
• Release and feel the relaxation for 10 seconds.
• Move to the next group: arms, hands, face, belly, legs, feet.
Drawing or Writing
• Grab paper and a pencil or colored pencils.
• Draw simple shapes, patterns, or your mood.
• Or write about what you’re feeling.
• Take your time and focus on making marks.
Positive Self-Talk
• Think of a kind phrase (e.g., “I can do this,” “I am safe”).
• Say it out loud or in your head.
• Repeat 3–5 times slowly.
• Notice how your body and mind respond.
Ask for Help
• Choose a trusted adult or friend.
• Use words or a card to say, “I need help.”
• Share how you’re feeling in one or two sentences.
• Take their hand, hug, or sit quietly with them until you feel supported.
Print these cards on cardstock, cut along the lines, and keep them handy during sessions to practice when needed.
Activity
Emotions Wheel
Use this wheel to explore and name your feelings. Start by choosing a primary emotion in the center ring, then move outward to find more specific words that describe how you feel. You can point to, circle, or color any words that match your mood.
| Center (Primary Emotion) | Middle Ring (General) | Outer Ring (Specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Joy | Happy, Proud | Excited, Content, Calm |
| Sadness | Lonely, Disappointed | Blue, Tired, Disheartened |
| Anger | Frustrated, Annoyed | Mad, Jealous, Irritated |
| Fear | Worried, Nervous | Scared, Shy, Panicked |
| Love | Caring, Friendly | Affectionate, Trusting, Compassionate |
| Surprise | Curious, Amazed | Shocked, Confused, Awed |
How to Use the Emotions Wheel
- Look at the center ring to pick the emotion that feels closest to you today.
- Move to the middle ring to find a general feeling word.
- Go to the outer ring for the most specific description of your mood.
- Talk about a time you’ve felt that emotion and what helped you feel better.
Tip: You can color each section of your printed wheel: yellow for Joy, blue for Sadness, red for Anger, purple for Fear, pink for Love, and teal for Surprise. Keep this wheel handy to expand your emotional vocabulary!
Printable version: Emotions Wheel