Lesson Plan
Pumpkin Feelings Patch
Students will identify and express emotions using a pumpkin theme, practice empathy by recognizing peers’ feelings, and learn a simple coping strategy to manage challenging emotions.
Building emotion awareness and regulation skills in a fun, seasonal context supports positive peer interactions, reduces conflicts, and fosters students’ social–emotional growth.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive pumpkin-themed activities linking feelings to visuals and strategies.
Materials
- Pumpkin Emotion Cards, - Blank Pumpkin Templates, - Pumpkin Feelings Chart, - Coping Strategy Cards, - Chart Paper or Whiteboard and Markers, - Stickers or Other Small Manipulatives, and - Timer
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and cut out Pumpkin Emotion Cards.
- Print a set of Blank Pumpkin Templates for each student.
- Prepare and display the Pumpkin Feelings Chart on chart paper or a whiteboard.
- Review the Coping Strategy Cards and choose 4–5 age-appropriate strategies.
- Gather stickers or small manipulatives for the regulation activity.
- Set up a visible 30-minute timer and familiarize yourself with the lesson flow.
Step 1
Emotional Check-In Pumpkins
5 minutes
- Distribute one Blank Pumpkin Template per student.
- Ask students to draw a face on their pumpkin showing how they feel right now.
- Invite each student to place their pumpkin on the Pumpkin Feelings Chart and name their emotion aloud.
Step 2
Introduce Pumpkin Emotion Cards
5 minutes
- Hold up each Pumpkin Emotion Card one at a time.
- Ask students to identify the emotion shown and describe a time they’ve felt that way.
- Confirm emotion vocabulary (e.g., happy, sad, frustrated, excited).
Step 3
Emotion Matching Activity
8 minutes
- Shuffle the Pumpkin Emotion Cards and deal 2–3 cards to each pair of students.
- Read aloud short scenarios (e.g., “You lost your favorite pencil”); students select the card that matches the feeling.
- In pairs, students explain why they chose that card and switch cards for the next scenario.
Step 4
Empathy Patch Share
7 minutes
- Invite each pair to share one scenario and explain how their partner felt.
- Class practices an empathy response: “I understand you felt ___ because ___.”
- Encourage peers to offer supportive comments or suggestions.
Step 5
Coping Strategy Pumpkin Patch
5 minutes
- Introduce the Coping Strategy Cards. Describe each strategy briefly (e.g., deep breathing, counting to five).
- Students choose one strategy card and place a sticker under a pumpkin on the chart to “plant” their strategy in the patch.
- Lead the group in practicing one chosen strategy as a class (e.g., 5 deep breaths).
Slide Deck
Pumpkin Feelings Patch
Objective:
• Identify and express emotions using a pumpkin theme
• Practice empathy by recognizing peers’ feelings
• Learn a simple coping strategy to manage challenging emotions
Agenda:
- Emotional Check-In Pumpkins (5 min)
- Introduce Pumpkin Emotion Cards (5 min)
- Emotion Matching Activity (8 min)
- Empathy Patch Share (7 min)
- Coping Strategy Pumpkin Patch (5 min)
- Reflection & Closing (remaining time)
Welcome everyone! Today we're exploring our feelings using pumpkins. Introduce yourself and briefly explain that pumpkins will help us share and manage our emotions. Review the objective on screen and outline the agenda. Emphasize that it's a fun, safe space to share.
Emotional Check-In Pumpkins
• Give each student a Blank Pumpkin Template.
• Ask them to draw a face showing how they feel right now.
• Have students place their pumpkin on the Pumpkin Feelings Chart and name their emotion.
Distribute the blank pumpkin templates now. Encourage students to think quietly as they draw. Walk around to prompt students: “What color are you drawing? How does this face show your feeling?” After drawing, invite volunteers to place pumpkins on the chart and say their feeling aloud.
Introduce Pumpkin Emotion Cards
• Show each Pumpkin Emotion Card one by one.
• Ask students to identify the emotion shown.
• Invite students to share a time they felt that way.
Hold up each card clearly. Point at the pumpkin emotion and ask, “What emotion is this?” Prompt with examples: “When I’m happy, I might smile like this pumpkin.” Validate responses and reinforce vocabulary.
Emotion Matching Activity
• Shuffle the Pumpkin Emotion Cards and deal 2–3 per pair.
• Read aloud scenarios (e.g., “You lost your favorite pencil”).
• Pairs choose the matching card and explain why.
• Switch cards for the next scenario.
Shuffle the emotion cards in advance. Pair students and give each pair 2–3 cards. Read scenarios slowly and clearly. After each scenario, prompt: “Which pumpkin shows that feeling?” Circulate to listen to explanations, then cue the next scenario.
Empathy Patch Share
• Each pair shares one scenario and explains how their partner felt.
• Class practices an empathy response:
“I understand you felt ___ because ___.”
• Peers offer supportive comments or suggestions.
Invite each pair to come forward or speak up. Model the empathy response: “I understand you felt __ because __.” Encourage students to finish the sentence when it’s not fully stated. Praise supportive language.
Coping Strategy Pumpkin Patch
• Introduce the Coping Strategy Cards.
• Describe each strategy (e.g., deep breathing, counting to five).
• Students choose one card and “plant” it by placing a sticker under a pumpkin.
• Practice one strategy together as a group.
Display the coping strategy cards. Briefly demonstrate one (e.g., deep breathing). Ask students to select their favorite strategy card and place a sticker under a pumpkin on the chart. Lead all students in the chosen strategy practice.
Reflection & Closing
• Ask: “How do you feel now?”
• Invite volunteers to share.
• Review:
– We can name our feelings.
– We can show empathy to others.
– We have strategies to help when we feel strong emotions.
• Thank students for sharing and participating!
Invite students to reflect: “How do you feel now compared to the start?” Ask a few to share. Reinforce key points: naming emotions, showing empathy, and using strategies. Praise effort and encourage using these pumpkins and strategies anytime.
Worksheet
Pumpkin Feelings Worksheet
Part 1: Match the Pumpkins with Emotions
Below are five pumpkins showing different feelings. Write the correct emotion next to each pumpkin. (You can look at the Pumpkin Emotion Cards to help you.)
- Pumpkin 1: ________
- Pumpkin 2: ________
- Pumpkin 3: ________
- Pumpkin 4: ________
- Pumpkin 5: ________
Part 2: Draw Your Feeling Pumpkin
Draw a pumpkin that shows how you feel right now. Make a face to match your feeling.
What word describes your pumpkin’s feeling?
Part 3: My Coping Strategy
Choose one strategy from the Coping Strategy Cards. Draw or write how you will help your pumpkin feel calm when it has strong feelings.
Name of the coping strategy: __________________________
Answer Key
Pumpkin Feelings Worksheet – Answer Key
Part 1: Match the Pumpkins with Emotions
Below is the list of correct matches for each pumpkin face.
(Use the Pumpkin Emotion Cards to verify visuals.)
- Pumpkin 1: Happy
- Pumpkin 2: Sad
- Pumpkin 3: Frustrated
- Pumpkin 4: Excited
- Pumpkin 5: Surprised
Teacher Note:
• Accept age-appropriate synonyms (e.g., joyful for happy; upset for sad; mad for frustrated).
• If a student chooses a close emotion that fits the expression, award full credit.
Part 2: Draw Your Feeling Pumpkin
Sample Response:
- The student draws a pumpkin with a big, upturned smile and wide eyes.
- The word they write: happy
Teacher Note:
• Look for alignment between the facial features and the emotion word.
• If the student draws a frown or teardrop but labels it “angry,” discuss with them and reteach the difference between anger and sadness.
Part 3: My Coping Strategy
Sample Response:
- Name of the coping strategy: Deep Breathing
- Drawing/Description: The student sketches a pumpkin taking slow breaths, with arrows indicating breath in and out, or writes: “I will sit tall, breathe in for four counts, then breathe out for four counts.”
Teacher Note:
• Accept any strategy from the Coping Strategy Cards (e.g., counting to five, stretching, asking for help).
• Ensure the student’s drawing or description clearly shows how they use the strategy to feel calm.
Journal
Pumpkin Feelings Journal
Use this journal to reflect on your pumpkin feelings journey. Answer each prompt thoughtfully—draw, write, or both!
1. My Feelings Then & Now
How did you feel at the start of today’s lesson? How do you feel now?
Start of lesson: __________________________
End of lesson: __________________________
2. Practicing Empathy
Think about a peer’s pumpkin emotion that you noticed. What did they feel and how did you show you understood?
3. Coping Strategy Reflection
Which strategy from the Coping Strategy Cards did you choose? Describe how you used it and how it helped you calm your pumpkin feelings.
Strategy name: __________________________
How I used it:
How it helped my feelings:
4. Drawing My Calming Pumpkin
Draw a pumpkin showing you using your coping strategy to feel calm. Include arrows or words to explain each step.
5. Goal Setting
What is one thing you will remember about naming emotions?
What is one way you can help a friend who is feeling a strong emotion?
Great job reflecting! Keep using your pumpkins and strategies whenever you need them.