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Super Skills for Super Kids: Mastering Emotions and Social Savvy

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Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Introduce 3rd grade boys to the concept of emotions, their impact on behavior, and begin practicing coping strategies while preparing them for future sessions on perspective taking and social behaviors.

This lesson builds a vital foundation for emotional intelligence, helping students identify and manage emotions, which is essential for healthy social interactions.

Audience

3rd Grade Boys

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities, guided discussions, and role-play.

Prep

Session 1 Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Session 1 Lesson Plan for the complete overview of the session.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Emotion Cards and Coping Skills Chart which will be used during the session.
  • Prepare the classroom space for group activities and ensure all digital or printed materials are available.
  • Consider potential adaptations for students with specific IEPs or language needs and review strategies as noted in the program overview.

Step 1

Introduction and Welcome

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and briefly explain the goal of today’s session.
  • Introduce the concept of emotions and ask students for examples of different emotions they have experienced.

Step 2

Emotion Identification Activity

10 minutes

  • Use Emotion Cards to show different facial expressions.
  • Facilitate a discussion asking students to name the emotion they see on each card.
  • Encourage students to share personal experiences that relate to the emotions.

Step 3

Coping Strategies Discussion

5 minutes

  • Introduce a basic Coping Skills Chart.
  • Discuss simple strategies for managing emotions (e.g., taking deep breaths, asking for help, etc.).
  • Ask students to share which coping strategies they might use in challenging situations.

Step 4

Interactive Game: Emotion Match

5 minutes

  • Guide students through a quick matching game using the emotion cards and coping strategies.
  • Explain game rules: match the depicted emotion with an appropriate coping strategy displayed on the chart.
  • Provide positive reinforcement and feedback during the activity.

Step 5

Closing and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Recap the key points of the lesson, highlighting the connection between emotions and behaviors.
  • Encourage students to reflect on what they learned and share one new coping strategy they plan to use.
  • Preview the next session where they will explore more about perspective taking and social scenarios.
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Script

Session 1 Script

Introduction and Welcome (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, Super Skills team! Today, we're starting our exciting journey by learning about our feelings and emotions. Can anyone tell me what an emotion is?"





Teacher: "That’s right! Emotions are our feelings that help us understand what’s happening inside us. Today, we’re going to look closely at these feelings and learn some cool ways to handle them when they get super big."

Emotion Identification Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, I have some special cards here—our Emotion Cards. Let's take a look at this first card. What emotion do you see on this card?"

(Allow time for responses.)

Teacher: "Great! Does anyone want to share a time when they felt that emotion? It might be a fun memory or maybe even a challenging one, because all feelings are important!"

(Encourage a few students to share personal experiences.)

Teacher: "Let’s keep pairing the cards with the right emotion. As we go through each card, I want you to think about what that emotion looks like and when you might feel it."

Coping Strategies Discussion (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Okay, team, now let’s talk about something really useful—coping strategies. Coping strategies are simple actions we can take when our emotions feel too big. For example, taking deep breaths or asking for help."

(Show the Coping Skills Chart on screen or board.)

Teacher: "Can you think of a time when you used a coping skill, like taking deep breaths, when you felt upset or angry? Who wants to share?"

(Engage students with a couple of examples from their experiences.)

Interactive Game: Emotion Match (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it's game time! We’re going to play a matching game called 'Emotion Match!' Here's how it works: I will show an emotion using one of our Emotion Cards, and I want you to think of the best coping strategy from our Coping Skills Chart that matches that emotion. For instance, if you see a card that shows someone looking really frustrated, what might you do to feel better?"

Teacher: "Remember, there are no wrong answers here. I’m looking for your ideas on how to manage your feelings when they get strong. Let’s try it out together!"

(Guide the students as they match cards to coping strategies, offering positive feedback and encouragement.)

Closing and Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Wow, what a great session! Today, we learned how to identify different emotions and some cool ways to handle them. I want you to think about one new coping strategy you learned today that you might use if your feelings start to get too big."

Teacher: "Before we end today, who would like to share their new coping strategy with the class?"

(Allow a few students to share their thoughts.)

Teacher: "Fantastic sharing, everyone! Next week, we’re going to dive into understanding how other people feel—that’s called perspective taking. I can’t wait to hear your ideas on that. Remember, every feeling matters, and every strategy is a step towards becoming a Super Skill Master! Have a great day!"












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Discussion

Session 1 Discussion: Exploring Our Emotions and Coping Strategies

Welcome, Super Skills team! In today's discussion, we're going to talk more about what we learned during our lesson. This discussion is a safe space where everyone can share their thoughts about emotions and the strategies we can use to handle them. Take your time to think and share!

Discussion Guidelines

  • Speak Up & Listen: Share your thoughts and listen when others are speaking. Everyone's opinions are important!





  • Be Respectful: Use kind language and respect your friends' feelings and experiences.





  • Share Honestly: Feel free to share times when you felt a certain emotion and how you coped with it, whether it was a small or big feeling.





  • Ask Questions: If you're curious about something or don't understand, ask! We all help each other learn.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is an emotion?

    • Can you give an example of a time you felt a strong emotion? What was it and why did you feel that way?





  2. Coping Strategies:

    • What are some of the coping strategies we talked about today? Which one do you think would work best for you and why?





  3. Sharing Experiences:

    • Can anyone share a time when using a coping strategy helped them feel better? How did it help?





  4. Linking Emotions and Actions:

    • How do you think understanding your emotions can help you with your actions or behavior in class and with friends?





  5. Preparing for Next Session:

    • Next week, we'll learn about understanding how other people feel. What questions do you have about feelings, either yours or others?





Follow-up Points

  • Reflection: Think about a time this week when you noticed one of your emotions. What coping strategy did you use, or what might you try next time?





  • Connecting with a Friend: Ask a classmate about a time they felt a certain way and discuss the strategies you both might use to feel better.





  • Drawing It Out: If you like drawing, make a quick sketch of an emotion and the coping strategy you associate with it. We can share our drawings with each other!





Remember, this discussion is all about learning and growing together. Let’s have a great conversation and support each other as Super Skill Masters!

Happy sharing, everyone!

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Activity

Session 1 Activity: Emotion Cards Exploration

Objective

Today’s activity uses hands-on engagement to help you identify and discuss various emotions by using our Emotion Cards. By the end of this activity, you'll understand how to recognize different feelings and share your thoughts about them in a creative way.

Materials Needed

Activity Instructions

  1. Card Selection:

    • Each student (or small group) will receive a few Emotion Cards.
    • Spend a few minutes looking at each card and deciding which emotion each one shows.





  2. Emotion Discussion:

    • In your group, discuss what each emotion means. Think about what situations might cause someone to feel that way. Can you remember a time when you felt that emotion?





  3. Coping Strategies Connection:

    • Pick one card from your set and use the Coping Skills Chart to choose a coping strategy that could help manage that emotion.
    • Discuss why that strategy might be helpful. Does anyone have a personal experience where that method worked?





  4. Draw Your Emotion:

    • On a piece of paper, draw a picture that shows you using a coping strategy to deal with the emotion on one of your cards. Use colors and labels to show how you feel and what you did to manage that emotion.





  5. Sharing and Reflection:

    • After you complete your drawing, share your artwork with the group. Explain which emotion you picked and how the coping strategy helped you or could help someone feel better.
    • Listen to your classmates' stories and think about any similarities or differences in the ways we all manage our feelings.





Follow-up Questions

  • What did you learn about the different ways people express or cope with their feelings?





  • How can recognizing emotions help you understand what you and your friends need in different situations?





  • Can you think of a new coping strategy that you’d like to try next time you’re feeling a strong emotion?





Remember, this activity is a safe and fun way to explore your feelings. Each emotion gives us clues about how we can take care of ourselves and support others. Have fun exploring and sharing your ideas, Super Skills team!

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Game

Session 1 Game: Emotion & Coping Strategy Match-Up

Game Overview

Welcome to the "Emotion & Coping Strategy Match-Up" game! This fun, interactive game is designed to help you practice what you've learned about emotions and the effective coping strategies to manage them.





Game Objective

Match each emotion on an Emotion Card with an appropriate coping strategy from our Coping Skills Chart. Work through this challenge in your small group and earn points for thoughtful matches and creative ideas!





Game Materials

  • A set of Emotion Cards for each group or individual player
  • The Coping Skills Chart visible for everyone
  • A whiteboard or paper to keep track of correct matches and score (optional)





Instructions

  1. Form Groups:

    • Divide into small groups. Each group will receive a set of Emotion Cards.
    • Choose a group leader to manage the card selection and discussion.





  2. Draw and Match:

    • One student draws a card and reads the emotion on it aloud.
    • The group discusses and decides on which coping strategy from the Coping Skills Chart best matches the emotion.
    • Write down the chosen pairing on the whiteboard or paper.





  3. Scoring Points:

    • Each correctly justified match earns the team a point.
    • Creative or unique ideas that show deeper understanding of emotions and coping techniques can earn bonus points!
    • The teacher may provide feedback and offer extra points for effort and participation.





  4. Game Rounds:

    • Play several rounds until all cards have been used or for the allotted game time (approximately 5-10 minutes).
    • Encourage friendly discussion and alternative perspectives on why a particular coping strategy might work better for one emotion versus another.





  5. Reflection:

    • At the end of the game, each group shares one pairing that they found most interesting or surprising and explains why.
    • Reflect on how different coping strategies can be applied to manage various emotions in everyday life.





Guidelines for Success

  • Teamwork: Encourage every team member to participate and share their ideas.
  • Critical Thinking: Think about why a specific coping strategy is best for the emotion on the card.
  • Respectful Discussion: Listen to your teammates and value each contribution.
  • Fun Factor: Enjoy the process and learn from each other as you become Super Skill Masters!





Have a blast matching emotions with the perfect coping strategies, and remember that every emotion is an opportunity to learn and grow!

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Activity

Emotion Cards

The Emotion Cards are designed to help you visually identify and discuss different emotions. Each card features a simple drawing of a facial expression along with the name of the emotion. Use these cards during activities and discussions to reinforce your understanding of various feelings.

How to Use the Emotion Cards

  1. Look and Learn:

    • Study each card to see the facial expression and read the name of the emotion.
    • Notice the different details such as the shape of the mouth, position of the eyebrows, and eyes. These details help convey the emotion.
  2. Discussion Prompts:

    • Ask yourself, "Have I felt this emotion before? When? What happened?"
    • Share your thoughts with a partner or the group.
  3. Matching Game:

    • Use these cards in the "Emotion & Coping Strategy Match-Up" game by matching them with the best strategies from our Coping Skills Chart.

Sample Emotion Cards

Below are examples of the types of Emotion Cards included in the set:

EmotionDescription of Facial Expression
HappyA big smile with bright eyes.
SadA frown with droopy eyes, often with a tear.
AngryFurrowed brows, clenched jaw, and intense eyes.
SurprisedWide open eyes and a slightly open mouth.
ScaredWide eyes and a tense, worried expression.
CalmA gentle smile with relaxed features.

Feel free to print out these cards or display them digitally during your session to facilitate discussion and engagement.

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Activity

Coping Skills Chart

The Coping Skills Chart is a handy reference tool for managing emotions. It lists different strategies you can use when you're feeling a particular way. Use this chart to think about and choose a method that suits you best when emotions run high.

Coping Strategies

Below are some common coping strategies along with descriptions of when and how to use them:

Coping StrategyWhen to Use ItHow It Helps
Deep BreathingWhen you feel angry, anxious, or overwhelmedCalms your body and mind by taking slow, deep breaths
Counting to TenWhen you're frustrated or upsetGives you time to pause and regain control over your reaction
Asking for HelpWhen you’re not sure what to do or feel overwhelmedAllows others to support you and offer guidance
Positive Self-TalkWhen you're feeling down or worriedEncourages you by focusing on positive thoughts
Taking a BreakWhen things seem too overwhelmingGives you time to cool down and think more clearly
Physical ActivityWhen you feel restless or need to release stressHelps reduce tension by moving your body (e.g., stretching, walking)
Drawing or JournalingWhen emotions are hard to express verballyProvides a creative outlet to express and understand your feelings

How to Use the Chart

  1. Look at the chart when you notice a strong emotion.
  2. Think about which coping strategy might help you feel better.
  3. Try using that strategy in a situation similar to the one you’re facing.
  4. Reflect on whether it helped and discuss your experience with a teacher or friend.

Keep this chart nearby as a reminder that you have many tools to help manage your feelings!

Happy coping, Super Skills team!

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Super Skills for Super Kids: Mastering Emotions and Social Savvy • Lenny Learning