Lesson Plan
Problem Solving with Emotional and Thinking Brain
Learn to balance emotions and logic in decision-making.
This lesson helps students make well-rounded decisions by integrating emotions and logic.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and guided activity.
Materials
Problem Solving Questions, and Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
- Review the problem-solving questions to ensure familiarity.
- Prepare the whiteboard with a simple problem scenario for discussion.
Step 1
Introduction to Emotional and Thinking Brain
3 minutes
- Briefly explain the concept of the emotional brain (feelings) and thinking brain (logic).
- Discuss how both parts can influence decision-making.
Step 2
Guided Activity: Problem Solving Questions
7 minutes
- Present a simple problem scenario on the whiteboard.
- Ask students to identify emotional and logical responses to the problem.
- Use prepared questions to guide students in balancing both responses.
Step 3
Reflection and Discussion
5 minutes
- Encourage students to share their thoughts on the activity.
- Discuss how balancing emotions and logic can lead to better decision-making.
- Highlight the importance of considering both perspectives in real-life situations.
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Worksheet
Problem Solving with Emotional and Thinking Brain
Instructions:
Read each scenario carefully. For each scenario, identify both the emotional and logical responses. Then, answer the questions to help balance these responses and make a well-rounded decision.
Scenario 1:
You have a big test tomorrow, but your friend is upset and wants to talk to you tonight.
Emotional Response: How do you feel about your friend's situation? What emotions are you experiencing?
Logical Response: What are the practical considerations regarding your test preparation?
Balancing Question: How can you support your friend while also preparing for your test?
Scenario 2:
You want to join the school soccer team, but you are worried about not having enough time for homework.
Emotional Response: What feelings do you have about joining the team? What are your fears or excitements?
Logical Response: What are the time commitments for both soccer and homework?
Balancing Question: How can you manage your time to participate in soccer and complete your homework?
Scenario 3:
You notice a classmate being bullied during lunch, and you feel compelled to help.
Emotional Response: What emotions are you experiencing when you see the bullying?
Logical Response: What are the possible consequences of intervening or not intervening?
Balancing Question: What is a safe and effective way to help your classmate?
Scenario 4:
You are angry because your sibling borrowed your favorite game without asking and broke it.
Emotional Response: What emotions are you experiencing due to your sibling's actions?
Logical Response: What are the possible ways to address the situation with your sibling?
Balancing Question: How can you express your feelings and find a solution to the problem?
Scenario 5:
You feel scared about giving a presentation in front of the class next week.
Emotional Response: What fears or worries do you have about the presentation?
Logical Response: What steps can you take to prepare and reduce your anxiety?
Balancing Question: How can you build confidence and ensure you are ready for the presentation?
Scenario 6:
You are worried because you forgot to do your homework and the teacher is strict about deadlines.
Emotional Response: What emotions are you experiencing about forgetting your homework?
Logical Response: What are the possible consequences and solutions for this situation?
Balancing Question: How can you address the issue with your teacher and prevent it from happening again?
Scenario 7:
You feel annoyed because your friend keeps interrupting you while you're trying to focus on a project.
Emotional Response: What emotions are you experiencing due to the interruptions?
Logical Response: What are some ways to communicate your need for focus to your friend?
Balancing Question: How can you maintain your friendship while ensuring you have the space to work?
Reflection:
Think about a recent decision you made. How did your emotional and logical responses influence your decision? How could you have balanced them better?