Taming the Tantrum: Mastering the Art of Calm Choices

Annie Perkins

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Taming the Tantrum: Session 1

Introduce the concept of emotions, identify triggers, and empower the student to recognize and manage feelings to limit tantrums.

Understanding emotions and their triggers is essential for managing behavior and fostering self-regulation, which is critical for success in school and social settings.

Audience

2nd Grader

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Role-playing, discussion, and visual aids to explore feelings and triggers.

Materials

Taming the Tantrum: Session 1, and Visual Feelings Chart

Prep

Prepare Materials & Review Session Plan

10 minutes

Review the session plan details in Taming the Tantrum: Session 1.
Gather or prepare a visual feelings chart to display emotions.
Set up a space for role-playing activities and ensure the environment is calm and inviting.

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

10 minutes

Begin with a warm greeting and briefly explain today’s focus on understanding feelings.
Use the visual feelings chart to introduce different emotions (happy, sad, angry, etc.).
Ask the student to point out or name feelings they have experienced.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activity

10 minutes

Demonstrate a short role-playing scenario that involves a trigger leading to an upset.
Encourage the student to role-play a similar scenario, guiding them through using calm choices.
Reinforce the idea that recognizing emotions early can help avoid tantrums.

Step 3

Reflection & Wrap-Up

10 minutes

Ask the student what they learned about emotions and triggers.
Discuss what calm choices they could make when they feel upset.
Summarize key points and praise the student for their participation and insights.

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Lesson Plan

Taming the Tantrum: Session 2

Reinforce practical strategies for managing emotions and making calm choices during challenging situations.

Building on the introductory session, this session helps the student practice techniques to handle triggers effectively, promoting self-regulation and reducing the likelihood of tantrums.

Audience

2nd Grader

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided activities, role-playing, and reflection to reinforce calm choices.

Materials

Taming the Tantrum: Session 2, and Calm Choices Activity Sheet

Prep

Prepare Session 2 Materials & Setup

10 minutes

Review the session plan details in Taming the Tantrum: Session 2.
Prepare the Calm Choices Activity Sheet and any copies needed for role-playing activities.
Arrange a quiet space conducive to discussion and practice.

Step 1

Review & Connect

10 minutes

Begin by reviewing key points from Session 1 about recognizing emotions.
Ask the student to share instances where they used calm choices or reminders from the previous session.
Transition into the new activities by emphasizing the importance of practice.

Step 2

Guided Activity & Role-Playing

10 minutes

Use the Calm Choices Activity Sheet to guide the student through scenarios that trigger frustration or anger.
Role-play different situations and rehearse possible calm responses.
Offer supportive feedback and encourage the student to verbalize their strategies.

Step 3

Reflection & Strategy Building

10 minutes

Lead a discussion on what strategies felt most effective during the activities.
Ask reflective questions such as 'What was challenging?' and 'How did you feel when you made a calm choice?'
Summarize the session by reinforcing that practicing these strategies will help in real-life situations.

Worksheet

Visual Feelings Chart Worksheet

Below is a chart of different feelings. Look at the images and words. Then, answer the questions below to help you understand your emotions!

1. Look at the chart and point to a feeling you have experienced today. Write the name of the feeling below:

2. Draw a picture of yourself showing how you felt today. What color or shape represent your feeling?

3. Choose two feelings from the chart and write a sentence about a time you felt that way.

Using this chart, try to share your thoughts with a friend or an adult. How do you know when you're feeling one of these feelings? Explain your ideas below:

Great job exploring your feelings!

Worksheet

Calm Choices Activity Sheet

Welcome to your Calm Choices Activity Sheet! Here, you will practice choosing calm ways to handle situations that might upset you. Read the scenarios below and then answer the questions.

Scenario 1: The Busy Classroom

Imagine you are in a class and the noise level gets too high. It makes you feel overwhelmed and a little upset.

1. What could you do to feel calm when the classroom is too noisy?

2. Draw a picture showing a calm way to handle the noisy classroom:

Scenario 2: A Tough Math Problem

Sometimes, when you see a hard math problem, you might feel frustrated or stressed.

1. Write down one calm choice you can make instead of feeling upset:

2. How do you think this choice can help you feel better? Explain below:

Scenario 3: A Lost Toy

Imagine you are playing and you can't find your favorite toy. This makes you feel sad or angry.

1. List one calm action you could take when you can’t find your toy:

2. Draw a picture of yourself handling this situation calmly:

Great job practicing how to make calm choices! Remember, taking a moment to breathe and think can help you handle tough situations better.