Printed Emotion Cards Worksheet

Use these cards in small groups to match emotions with possible distress signals. Cut out each card individually.

Emotion Cards

• Sadness
  
  
  
• Anxiety
  
  
  
• Anger
  
  
  
• Hopelessness
  
  
  
• Loneliness
  
  
  
• Overwhelm
  
  
  
• Guilt
  
  
  
• Fear
  
  
  

Behavior Cards (Possible Distress Signals)

• Withdrawing from friends and activities
  
  
  
• Restlessness or constant worrying
  
  
  
• Aggression or increased irritability
  
  
  
• Expressing a lack of hope about the future
  
  
  
• Feeling disconnected or isolated
  
  
  
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  
  
  
• Excessive self-blame or apologizing
  
  
  
• Avoiding previously enjoyed hobbies
  
  
  

Instructions for use:

1. Distribute one set of cut-out cards (emotions + behaviors) to each group of 3–4 students.
2. Groups match each emotion card with a behavior card that could signal distress.
3. Discuss why they paired each emotion and behavior and share top matches with the class.

Return to Lesson Plan

Scenario Role-Play Scripts Worksheet

Use these scenarios in pairs to practice empathetic listening. One student plays the peer in distress (reading the script), and the other practices responding with “I feel” statements and open-ended questions. Record your responses in the spaces provided. After 4 minutes, switch roles.

Instructions

1. Form pairs and choose roles: Distressed Peer and Listener.
2. The Distressed Peer reads the scenario aloud.
3. The Listener responds using empathetic listening techniques and writes down their responses.
4. After 4 minutes, switch roles and try a new scenario.

Scenario 1: Social Isolation

Peer: “Lately I just don’t feel like talking to anyone. I’ve been hanging back at lunch alone, and it doesn’t bother me, but I just… I don’t know, it’s fine.”

Listener’s Response:

Scenario 2: Academic Pressure

Peer: “I missed the last two math tests, and my grade is tanking. I keep telling myself I’m going to study, but when I sit down, I just get so overwhelmed. Maybe I’m just not smart enough.”

Listener’s Response:

Scenario 3: Family Stress

Peer: “Home has been awful. My parents fight every night, and I’m stuck listening to it. I can’t sleep, and when I do, I dream about them yelling. I’m so tired of it.”

Listener’s Response:

Scenario 4: Feelings of Hopelessness

Peer: “It just feels like nothing I do matters. I don’t see how things will get better. It’s like I’m stuck in this loop of bad days that never end.”

Listener’s Response:

Return to Lesson Plan

Peer Support Resource Handout

Use this handout to guide your thinking about how to support peers who may be experiencing distress. Keep it handy during brainstorming and station activities.

1. Recognizing a Peer in Need

• Notice changes in mood, behavior, or appearance.
• Listen for hints of hopelessness, isolation, or overwhelm.
• Pay attention to nonverbal cues (body language, tone).

Question: List three things you might say to show you care when someone seems upset:

1. _________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. _________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. _________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Empathetic Listening Strategies

• Use “I feel…” statements: “I feel concerned when…”
• Ask open-ended questions: “Can you tell me more about how you’re feeling?”
• Reflect and validate: “It sounds like you’ve been under a lot of pressure.”
• Maintain eye contact and nod to show you’re listening.

Activity: In the space below, write two additional empathetic prompts you could use:

• Prompt 1: _________________
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Prompt 2: _________________
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Identifying Safe Adults & Resources

School-Based Resources:
• School Counselor – Room 210
• Trusted Teacher or Coach
• School Nurse

External Resources:
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Exercise: List three adults or community resources you feel comfortable approaching:

1. _________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. _________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. _________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Peer Support Action Plan

Imagine a peer approaches you and expresses distress. Fill in the steps below to outline how you would respond.

1. Initial Response (What you’ll say first):
   _______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Listening Strategy (Which empathetic prompt or statement you’ll use):
   _______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Offer Help (How you’ll offer support or assistance):
   _______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Safety Check (When you’ll involve a trusted adult):
   _______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Follow-Up (How and when you’ll check back in):
   _______________
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Reflection

Prompt: What is one new strategy or resource from this handout that you think will be most helpful? Why?

Return to Lesson Plan

Feelings Check-In

Time: 3 minutes
Purpose: A quick mood-meter activity to help everyone tune into how they’re feeling before we begin.

Instructions

1. Choose the color that best represents your current mood:
   • Blue: Sad
   • Green: Calm
   • Yellow: Happy
   • Red: Angry
   • Purple: Anxious
2. In the space below, write one word that describes how you feel right now:
   
   
   
3. Pair-share (1 minute):
   • Turn to a neighbor and share your word and why you chose that color.
4. Whole-class debrief (1 minute):
   • Volunteers share any common themes or surprising feelings.

Let’s take a moment to check in so we can support one another and learn better together.

Light A Candle

Time: 3–5 minutes
Purpose: A quiet, reflective exit ticket to solidify learning, honor hope, and commit to supporting yourself or others.

Instructions

1. Imagine you are lighting a candle in honor of hope and connection.
2. On the lines below, write your personal reflections:a. A word or phrase that represents hope for me is:
   
   
   b. One action I will take this week to support a friend (or myself) is:
   
   
   
   
   
   c. A school or community resource I’ll remember to use or share is:
   
   
   
3. When you’re finished, quietly place your reflection card in the collection box (or hold onto it as a reminder).

Let’s carry this light forward—no one has to face challenges alone.