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Understanding Our Emotions

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Lesson Plan

Understanding Our Emotions

Emotional Regulation

This series of 8 group meetings helps 2nd grade students understand emotional regulation by exploring the concept of the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain. Through videos, guided discussions, and activities, students will learn strategies to manage their emotions effectively. This lesson series is crucial for developing self-awareness and coping skills, which are essential for emotional well-being and social interactions.

Audience

2nd Grade Counseling Group

Time

30 minutes per session

Approach

Materials

Video: Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?, Discussion Questions, Exit Ticket, and Activity Sheets

Step 1

Session 1: Introduction to Emotions

30 mins

  • Greet the students and introduce the topic of emotional regulation.
  • Explain that understanding our emotions helps us make better choices and be kind to ourselves and others.
  • Discuss the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain concepts.

Step 2

Session 2: Video Viewing and Discussion

30 mins

Step 3

Session 3: Strategies for Emotional Control

30 mins

  • Discuss strategies like deep breathing, counting to ten, and talking to someone.
  • Practice these strategies through role-playing activities.

Step 4

Session 4: Identifying Emotions

30 mins

  • Use activity sheets to help students identify different emotions.
  • Discuss how different situations can trigger different emotions.

Step 5

Session 5: Managing Strong Emotions

30 mins

  • Discuss what happens when we 'flip our lid' and how to manage strong emotions.
  • Practice calming techniques.

Step 6

Session 6: Empathy and Understanding Others

30 mins

  • Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding others' emotions.
  • Use scenarios to practice empathetic responses.

Step 7

Session 7: Reflecting on Personal Experiences

30 mins

  • Encourage students to share personal experiences with emotional regulation.
  • Discuss what strategies worked for them.

Step 8

Session 8: Review and Closure

30 mins

  • Review key concepts from all sessions.
  • Distribute and collect exit tickets to assess overall understanding.
  • Encourage students to continue practicing emotional regulation strategies.
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Discussion

Emotional Regulation Discussion

A guided discussion to help students understand the concepts of the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain and how they relate to emotional regulation.

What is the 'upstairs' brain responsible for?

The 'upstairs' brain helps us think, make decisions, and control our emotions.







What happens when we 'flip our lid'?

The 'downstairs' brain takes over, and we might react without thinking.







What are some strategies to help us stay in control of our emotions?

Deep breathing, counting to ten, and talking to someone about how we feel.







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Quiz

Emotional Regulation Exit Ticket

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