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Skill of the Month: Emotional Intelligence

Lesson Plan

Session 1: Effective Communication

Introduce students to effective communication skills, including active listening and clear expression, and guide them to apply these skills in daily interactions.

Developing communication skills is essential for building healthy relationships and succeeding academically and socially.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and role-play activities.

Materials

Communication Activity Slides, and Role Play Scenario Cards

Prep

Prepare Communication Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Communication Activity Slides to familiarize yourself with key points on active listening and clear messaging.
  • Prepare the Role Play Scenario Cards with various everyday scenarios.
  • Ensure you have the session room arranged to facilitate group discussions and role-playing.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of effective communication and its benefits.
  • Discuss active listening and clarity in expression with examples.
  • Ask students to share experiences where communication helped resolve a problem.

Step 2

Role-Play Activity

15 minutes

  • Divide the class into small groups.
  • Distribute Role Play Scenario Cards to each group.
  • Instruct students to act out the scenarios, focusing on using active listening and clear expression.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Gather students to share what they learned from the role-play activity.
  • Reinforce the importance of effective communication in daily life.
  • Summarize key takeaways and answer any student questions.
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Slide Deck

Effective Communication

What is communication?

  • A two-way process
  • Involves talking, listening, and understanding
  • Essential for building relationships and solving problems

In this slide, introduce the concept of effective communication to the students. Highlight that communication is not just about talking, it also includes listening and expressing clearly. Emphasize the importance of these skills for forming relationships and solving problems.

Active Listening

Key Points:

  • Pay attention to the speaker
  • Avoid interrupting
  • Show that you are listening through body language and feedback

Discuss active listening as a key part of effective communication. Provide examples like nodding, repeating key points, or asking clarifying questions. Encourage students to reflect on times when active listening made a difference in their daily interactions.

Clear Expression

How to Express Clearly:

  • Use simple language
  • Organize your thoughts before speaking
  • Be concise and confident

Explain the concept of clear expression. Use this slide to illustrate the benefits of speaking clearly and confidently. You can prompt a discussion by asking students how clear expression helps avoid misunderstandings.

Bringing It All Together

Effective communication is:

  • A combination of active listening and clear expression
  • Essential for successful interpersonal relationships
  • A skill you can use every day

Conclude the slide deck by tying together the concepts of active listening and clear expression. Remind students that effective communication involves both speaking and listening. Encourage questions and further discussion.

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Activity

Session 1: Effective Communication Activity

Activity: Role Play Scenario Cards

This activity provides students with realistic scenarios that will help them practice effective communication skills in a fun and engaging way. By role-playing various situations, students will gain hands-on experience in active listening and using clear expression.

Guidelines for the Role Play Activity

  1. Group Division: Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students each.
  2. Card Distribution: Give each group one of the Role Play Scenario Cards.
  3. Scenario Discussion: Ask each group to read the scenario aloud and discuss how they might apply active listening and clear expression in that situation.
  4. Role Play: Each group acts out the scenario, ensuring all members get a chance to participate.
  5. Debrief: After each role play, the group should discuss what communication strategies worked well and what could be improved.




Example Scenario Prompts

  • Scenario 1: A friend feels left out during a group project. How can you communicate effectively to include them?
  • Scenario 2: During a disagreement about a classroom task, how can you ensure your point is heard without offending others?
  • Scenario 3: A misunderstanding arises during a team activity. What steps can you take to clarify the situation and resolve the conflict?







Follow-Up Questions

  • What strategies did you find most effective in ensuring everyone was heard?
  • How did active listening change the outcome of the role play?
  • What challenges did you face when trying to express your thoughts clearly?












Encourage students to share their reflections with the class. This discussion can lead to deeper insights and help reinforce the importance of communication skills in everyday interactions.

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Lesson Plan

Session 2: Problem Solving Strategies

Introduce students to effective problem-solving strategies by guiding them through identifying issues, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating outcomes.

Developing problem-solving skills fosters critical thinking, effective decision-making, and independence in daily life challenges.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Group inquiry-based activities and guided discussion.

Materials

Problem Solving Steps Poster, and Problem Scenario Cards

Prep

Prepare Problem-Solving Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Brainstorming

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of problem solving and explain the steps: identify, brainstorm, decide, act, and review.
  • Use the Problem Solving Steps Poster to guide the discussion.
  • Ask students to share examples of problems they have encountered and discuss possible solutions.

Step 2

Group Activity: Scenario Analysis

15 minutes

  • Divide the class into small groups.
  • Distribute the Problem Scenario Cards to each group.
  • Instruct each group to analyze the scenario, list potential solutions, and decide on the best course of action.
  • Encourage groups to record their reasoning process and decision-making steps.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Invite groups to share their solutions and the process they used to arrive at them.
  • Highlight the importance of a structured approach to problem solving.
  • Summarize key takeaways and answer any questions.
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Slide Deck

Steps to Effective Problem Solving

Follow these steps to tackle problems:

  1. Identify the problem
  2. Brainstorm possible solutions
  3. Decide on the best solution
  4. Act on the solution
  5. Review and reflect on the outcome

Introduce the poster by explaining that problem-solving is a step-by-step process. These steps will help guide students through any challenge they might face.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Understand what the problem is and define it clearly.

Explain that identifying the problem is the key first step. Ask students for examples to reinforce learning.

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

List all possible ways to solve the problem. Consider creative and practical ideas.

Discuss brainstorming as an open session of ideas. Encourage students to share even the wildest ideas without judgment.

Step 3: Decide on the Best Solution

Evaluate options and select the most effective solution.

Guide students to evaluate the brainstormed ideas to decide which one works best. Highlight importance of pros and cons.

Step 4: Act on the Solution

Implement the solution and carry out the necessary steps.

Discuss putting the chosen solution into action. Give real-life examples of how applying the solution leads to improvements.

Step 5: Review and Reflect

Analyze the results, and use what you learn for future problem solving.

Emphasize the importance of reviewing results. This helps in learning from successes and any setbacks.

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Activity

Session 2: Problem Solving Activity

Activity: Problem Scenario Cards

This activity provides students with realistic scenarios that mirror challenges they might encounter in their daily lives. The goal is to encourage them to apply the problem-solving steps discussed in class to come up with effective solutions.

Guidelines for the Activity

  1. Group Division: Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students each.


  2. Card Distribution: Provide each group with one Problem Scenario Card.


  3. Scenario Analysis: Have each group read their scenario aloud and identify the problem presented.


  4. Apply Problem-Solving Steps: Each group should:
    • Identify the problem in detail.
    • Brainstorm multiple solutions without judgment.
    • Discuss and select the best solution, outlining their reasoning.
    • Consider how they might put the solution into action and review potential outcomes.


  5. Role-Play or Presentation: Optionally, groups can role-play their scenario or present their solution to the class.


  6. Debrief: After each presentation, engage the class in a short discussion about what strategies worked well and what could be improved.




Example Scenario Prompts

  • Scenario 1: You notice that during group projects, certain team members are often left out of discussions. How can your group use problem-solving skills to ensure fair participation for everyone?

  • Scenario 2: A school event is being organized, but there is confusion about roles and responsibilities, leading to delays in planning. What steps can your team take to clarify roles and streamline the planning process?

  • Scenario 3: A misunderstanding arises between friends during a group assignment, causing tension. How can you use effective problem-solving to address the misunderstanding and restore harmony?







Follow-Up Questions

  • What was the most challenging part of analyzing the scenario?
  • How did using the problem-solving steps help your group arrive at a solution?
  • What would you do differently if faced with a similar situation in real life?












Encourage students to record their thought process and share their solutions with the class. This reflection helps reinforce the systematic approach to problem solving and develops critical thinking skills.

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Lesson Plan

Session 3: Time Management Tips

Equip students with effective time management strategies to prioritize tasks and balance academic and personal activities.

Mastering time management helps students stay organized, reduce stress, and improve overall productivity and focus.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and hands-on planning activity.

Materials

Time Management Tips Infographic, and Daily Planner Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Time Management Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of time management and its importance in daily life.
  • Use the Time Management Tips Infographic to highlight strategies such as prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and avoiding procrastination.
  • Ask students to share their current challenges with time management.

Step 2

Activity: Daily Planning

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Daily Planner Worksheet to each student.
  • Guide students to list their daily tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency.
  • Encourage students to set realistic goals and allocate specific time slots for each activity.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Invite a few students to share their completed daily planners and discuss the rationale behind their prioritization.
  • Emphasize the benefits of effective time management in reducing stress and achieving goals.
  • Summarize the key strategies discussed and answer any remaining questions.
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Slide Deck

Time Management Tips

Learn how to manage your time effectively with these key strategies!

Introduce the concept of time management and explain that managing time effectively can help students achieve more with less stress.

Prioritize Tasks

• Identify tasks based on urgency and importance
• Focus on high-priority items first
• Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps

Discuss the importance of prioritizing tasks. Explain that not all tasks are equally important and students should focus on what matters most.

Set Clear Goals

• Define what you want to achieve
• Set realistic and time-bound goals
• Use goals to structure your day

Explain the importance of setting clear goals. Mention that having specific, measurable, and achievable goals can guide their daily activities.

Minimize Distractions

• Turn off or silence non-essential notifications
• Create a designated workspace
• Focus on one task at a time

Talk about minimizing distractions and staying focused. Encourage students to create a dedicated work/study environment.

Use a Daily Planner

• Write down your tasks and appointments
• Allocate specific time slots for each task
• Review and adjust your schedule as needed

Introduce the use of a daily planner as a tool to organize and schedule tasks. Emphasize its effectiveness in keeping track of assignments and activities.

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Worksheet

Daily Planner Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you organize your daily tasks and prioritize them effectively. Use this planner to schedule your activities, set realistic goals, and manage your time efficiently. Complete each section and use the space provided to help plan your day.

Daily Tasks

Write down all the tasks you need to complete today:

  • __________________________________________


  • __________________________________________


  • __________________________________________


  • __________________________________________


  • __________________________________________


Prioritize Your Tasks

From the list above, circle or mark the tasks that are most urgent or important. Then, rewrite them in order of priority (most important first):

  1. __________________________________________


  2. __________________________________________


  3. __________________________________________


  4. __________________________________________


  5. __________________________________________


Time Allocation

Allocate specific time slots for your top 3 priorities. Use the space below:

  • Task 1: ___________________ from _____ to _____


  • Task 2: ___________________ from _____ to _____


  • Task 3: ___________________ from _____ to _____


Reflection

At the end of the day, answer the following questions to reflect on your time management:

  • What worked well today in organizing your tasks?


  • What challenges did you face?


  • What one change can you make tomorrow to improve your time management?










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Lesson Plan

Session 4: Building Resilience

Introduce students to resilience-building techniques, helping them identify personal strengths and strategies to overcome challenges.

Building resilience empowers students to cope with setbacks, manage stress, and grow from personal challenges, developing lifelong coping strategies.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion combined with reflective and group activities.

Materials

Resilience Building Story Slides, and Resilience Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Resilience Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Story Sharing

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of resilience and its importance in dealing with personal challenges.
  • Present the Resilience Building Story Slides to illustrate real-life examples of overcoming adversity.
  • Ask students to share a brief story or instance where they overcame a challenge.

Step 2

Group Discussion and Reflection

15 minutes

  • Divide the class into small groups and discuss the strategies highlighted in the story slides.
  • Provide each group with the Resilience Reflection Worksheet and ask them to list personal strategies they can use when faced with difficulties.
  • Encourage groups to share their ideas and discuss how these strategies can be implemented in daily life.

Step 3

Wrap-Up and Q&A

5 minutes

  • Bring the class together and invite a few groups to share their reflections.
  • Summarize the key resilience strategies discussed during the session.
  • Answer any student questions and reinforce the message that setbacks are opportunities for growth.
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Slide Deck

What is Resilience?

Resilience is the ability to overcome challenges, learn from mistakes, and bounce back stronger. It helps us face difficulties with courage and optimism.

Introduce the concept of resilience by explaining that resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Encourage the students to think of a time when they overcame something difficult.

Story of Overcoming Challenges

Once, a young student faced difficulties with schoolwork and felt discouraged. Instead of giving up, they sought help, practiced regularly, and eventually improved their skills. This shows that persistence and resilience lead to success!

Share a story of a person or group that demonstrated resilience. This could be a well-known figure, a community story, or a simplified real-life scenario that resonates with the students.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience is about using challenges as a stepping stone to grow.
• Asking for help and practicing can lead to overcoming difficulties.
• Every setback is an opportunity to learn and become stronger.

Discuss the key takeaways from the story. Prompt students to think about what personal strengths helped the individual overcome the challenge and how they can apply similar strategies in their own lives.

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Worksheet

Resilience Reflection Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on your personal resilience strategies. Use it to identify your strengths, areas for growth, and the strategies you can use to overcome challenges. Take your time and answer the questions thoughtfully.

Personal Resilience Reflection

  1. Think of a recent challenge you faced. Briefly describe the situation:

__________________________________________


  1. What feelings did you experience during this challenge? List at least two emotions:
  • ______________________________________


  • ______________________________________


  1. What strategies did you use to overcome or cope with this challenge? Consider any steps you took or help you received:

__________________________________________



__________________________________________



__________________________________________


Identifying Strengths

  1. What personal strengths did you rely on during this challenging time? (e.g., persistence, asking for help, staying calm)

__________________________________________


  1. How did these strengths help you manage the situation?

__________________________________________



__________________________________________


Looking Ahead

  1. What is one new strategy or habit you can develop to build your resilience for future challenges?

__________________________________________


  1. Write one sentence about why building resilience is important to you:

__________________________________________





Take a moment to review your answers and think about how you can continue to grow stronger. Your reflections will help guide you in turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

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Lesson Plan

Session 5: Goal Setting for Success

Teach students how to set and achieve SMART goals by breaking down long-term objectives into actionable steps.

Effective goal setting builds planning skills, motivation, and accountability, crucial for both academic success and personal development.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided activities, and personal reflection.

Materials

Goal Setting Framework Handout, and Goal Planning Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Goal Setting Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of goal setting and explain the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
  • Use the Goal Setting Framework Handout to guide the discussion.
  • Ask students to share examples of goals they have or would like to achieve.

Step 2

Activity: Goal Planning

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Goal Planning Worksheet to each student.
  • Instruct students to identify one academic and one personal goal.
  • Guide them to break each goal into actionable steps, including defining metrics for success and setting a timeline.
  • Encourage students to work individually, then discuss their plans in small groups.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Invite a few students to share their goals and the steps they plan to take.
  • Emphasize the importance of revisiting and adjusting goals as needed.
  • Summarize the key points and answer any remaining questions.
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Slide Deck

Goal Setting Framework

Learn how to set SMART goals:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Introduce the concept of SMART goals and explain that this framework helps set clear and actionable objectives.

Specific

A specific goal:
• Clearly defines what you want to accomplish
• Answers: Who? What? Where? Why?

Explain that a specific goal is clear and unambiguous. Emphasize answering the who, what, where, and why.

Measurable

A measurable goal:
• Includes criteria for tracking progress
• Answers: How much? How many? How will I know it is accomplished?

Highlight that measurable goals have criteria to track progress. This helps determine when the goal is achieved.

Achievable

An achievable goal:
• Is realistic and reachable
• Considers available tools and time

Discuss that achievable goals are realistic and attainable considering available resources and constraints.

Relevant

A relevant goal:
• Aligns with your personal or academic objectives
• Answers: Why is this goal important to me?

Emphasize that a relevant goal matters to you and aligns with your broader objectives.

Time-bound

A time-bound goal:
• Has a clear deadline or timeframe
• Establishes when the goal should be achieved

Explain that time-bound goals have a deadline, helping create a sense of urgency and focus.

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Worksheet

Goal Planning Worksheet

This worksheet will guide you through setting and planning your goals using the SMART framework. Fill in each section with your thoughts and plans. Use the space provided to outline your goals and steps to achieve them.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

Academic Goal

What is your academic goal?





Why is this goal important to you?





Personal Goal

What is your personal goal?





Why is this goal important to you?





Step 2: Apply the SMART Criteria

For each goal, review the SMART criteria and write down ideas for making your goal SMART:

Specific

  • What exactly do you want to achieve?





Measurable

  • How will you measure your progress and know when the goal is complete?





Achievable

  • Is this goal realistic based on the resources and time you have? What steps can make it achievable?





Relevant

  • How does this goal align with your overall objectives and priorities? Why does it matter?





Time-bound

  • What is the timeframe for achieving this goal? When will you reach it?





Step 3: Break Down Your Goals into Actionable Steps

For both your academic and personal goals, list the steps you need to take to achieve them. Be as detailed as possible:

  1. Step 1: __________________________________________


  2. Step 2: __________________________________________


  3. Step 3: __________________________________________


  4. Additional steps (if any):
    • __________________________________________


    • __________________________________________


Step 4: Set a Timeline

For each step, allocate a general timeline or deadline. This will help you stay on track:

  • Step 1 Timeline: __________________________


  • Step 2 Timeline: __________________________


  • Step 3 Timeline: __________________________


Step 5: Reflection

After planning your goals, answer these questions:

  • What challenges might you face and how can you overcome them?





  • What resources or support will you need?





  • How will you celebrate your progress along the way?





Keep this worksheet handy and refer back to it as you work on achieving your goals. Good luck!

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Lesson Plan

Session 1: Understanding Emotions

Introduce students to the concept of emotions by helping them identify, label, and understand various feelings in themselves and others.

Understanding emotions is crucial for personal well-being and building empathy, which lays the foundation for effective interpersonal relationships and social skills.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and experiential activities.

Materials

Emotion Identification Chart, and Feelings Matching Cards

Prep

Prepare Emotional Intelligence Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Emotion Identification Chart to familiarize yourself with different emotions and facial expressions.
  • Prepare the Feelings Matching Cards by ensuring they cover a range of emotions.
  • Arrange the classroom seating in a circle to encourage group discussions.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of emotions and discuss why understanding them matters.
  • Ask students to share examples of times when they felt different emotions.
  • Use the Emotion Identification Chart to illustrate various emotions and their facial expressions.

Step 2

Activity: Feelings Matching

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Distribute the Feelings Matching Cards to each group.
  • Instruct students to match emotion words to corresponding facial expressions or scenarios.
  • Encourage discussion within groups about why a particular emotion fits a given expression.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Bring the class together and ask a few groups to share their matches and reasoning.
  • Summarize key takeaways about the variety of emotions and the importance of recognizing them in oneself and others.
  • Answer any remaining questions.
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Slide Deck

Understanding Emotions

Emotions help us understand how we feel and communicate with others. Recognizing facial expressions is the first step in managing our emotions.

Introduce this chart by explaining that different facial expressions correspond to different emotions. This slide shows a range of common emotions with brief descriptions.

Happiness

Happiness is shown by a bright smile, relaxed eyes, and sometimes even laughter. It often occurs when we feel content, joyful, or excited.

Discuss the emotion of happiness. Ask students to share what makes them happy and show examples of smiling faces.

Sadness

Sadness can be seen through droopy eyes, a downturned mouth, and a quiet demeanor. It may happen when we are disappointed or upset.

Discuss the emotion of sadness. Encourage students to talk about situations that might make someone feel this way and what a sad expression might look like.

Anger

Anger might be shown by a frown, clenched teeth, or furrowed brows. It often arises when we feel frustrated or are treated unfairly.

Discuss anger. Ask students to describe what anger looks like and why it might show on someone's face.

Surprise

Surprise can be recognized by raised eyebrows, wide eyes, and an open mouth. It usually happens when something unexpected occurs.

Discuss the emotion of surprise. Explain how sudden events can trigger surprise, and describe the facial expression associated with it.

Fear

Fear often shows as wide eyes, a tense face, and sometimes an open mouth. It may occur in moments when we feel threatened or uncertain.

Discuss fear and how it is expressed on the face. Ask students about situations where they have felt fear.

Disgust

Disgust is usually shown by a wrinkled nose, narrowed eyes, and a curled lip. It is a response to something unappealing or repulsive.

Discuss disgust. Explain the typical facial reaction and when someone might experience it.

Mix of Emotions

Often, we experience a mix of emotions at the same time. Learning to recognize and label these emotions is an important part of emotional intelligence.

Conclude the chart by highlighting that emotions come in many forms and sometimes can be mixed. Encourage students to continue exploring and recognizing emotions in real-life situations.

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Activity

Feelings Matching Cards

This activity provides students with cards that feature emotion words and corresponding facial expressions or scenarios. The goal is to help students identify, match, and discuss different emotions, reinforcing their understanding of how emotions are expressed.

Guidelines for the Activity

  1. Preparation: Print out the Feelings Matching Cards ensuring there is a card for each emotion with its word on one card and a corresponding facial expression/scenario on another.

  2. Group Division: Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students each.

  3. Card Distribution: Give each group a mixed set of cards.

  4. Matching Task: Instruct students to work together to match each emotion word with the correct facial expression or scenario.

  5. Discussion: Once matching is completed, ask each group to discuss why they made each match and what cues helped them decide.

  6. Class Reflection: Invite groups to share their matches and discuss any challenges they faced in identifying the emotions.




Example Cards

  • Happy / Happiness: A smiling face, bright eyes, and laughter.
  • Sad / Sadness: A face with droopy eyes and a frown.
  • Angry / Anger: A face with furrowed brows and clenched teeth.
  • Surprised / Surprise: A face with raised eyebrows and wide-open eyes.
  • Fearful / Fear: A face with wide eyes and a tense expression.
  • Disgusted / Disgust: A face with a wrinkled nose and curled lip.







Follow-Up Questions

  • What clues did you use to match each emotion correctly?
  • Were there any cards that were difficult to match? Why?
  • How do you think recognizing these emotions can help you in everyday interactions?

Encourage groups to share their reflections with the class to reinforce learning and increase awareness of emotional expressions.

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Skill of the Month: Emotional Intelligence • Lenny Learning