What's Really Under the Surface?

Janie Ma

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Unmasking Emotions

Students will analyze and articulate the complex layers of emotions, moving beyond basic identifiers to explore root causes and varied expressions. They will develop a more sophisticated emotional vocabulary and enhance self-awareness.

Understanding the true nature of our emotions, beyond surface-level reactions, is vital for personal growth, healthy relationships, and effective communication. This lesson equips students with the tools to critically examine their internal landscape.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, activity, and reflection, students will uncover the 'iceberg' of emotions.

Materials

Beyond the Smile/Frown Slide Deck, Emotion Iceberg Exploration, The Hidden Depths of Feeling Discussion Guide, and My Emotional Archaeology Log Journal

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Review the Unmasking Emotions Lesson Plan to familiarize yourself with the lesson flow, objectives, and activities.
- Read through the Beyond the Smile/Frown Slide Deck and ensure all content is clear and ready for presentation.
- Print or prepare digital copies of the Emotion Iceberg Exploration activity, one per student or group.
- Familiarize yourself with the prompts in The Hidden Depths of Feeling Discussion Guide.
- Prepare copies of My Emotional Archaeology Log Journal for student reflection.
- Ensure access to a projector or interactive whiteboard for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction: Beyond the Surface

10 minutes

Hook: Begin by asking students what emotions they commonly experience and how they typically label them. (e.g., happy, sad, angry). Write these on the board.
* Introduce the 'Emotion Iceberg' concept: Explain that emotions, like icebergs, often have a small part visible above the surface, but a much larger, more complex part hidden beneath. Use the Beyond the Smile/Frown Slide Deck to introduce this concept and key vocabulary related to nuanced emotions (e.g., frustrated, overwhelmed, elated, serene).
* Objective: Briefly explain the lesson's objective: to delve deeper into understanding emotions beyond simple labels.

Step 2

Activity: Emotion Iceberg Exploration

20 minutes

Distribute the Emotion Iceberg Exploration activity.
* Instructions: Guide students to choose one or two

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