lenny

Why Am I Acting Out?

user image

Lesson Plan

Why Am I Acting Out? Lesson Plan

Enable a 3rd grader to recognize and label emotions and identify behavior triggers through a short emoji check-in, targeted quiz, and one-word reflection to inform a Functional Behavior Assessment.

Self-awareness of feelings and triggers helps pinpoint the ‘why’ behind challenging behaviors, guiding personalized Tier 3 supports and interventions.

Audience

3rd Grade Student

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Emoji check-in, behavior quiz, one-word reflection.

Materials

Emoji Emotion Chart, Behavior Trigger Identification Quiz, and One-Word Reflection Prompt

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Emotion Emoji Check-In

2 minutes

  • Present the Emoji Emotion Chart and explain each face.
  • Ask the student to point to the emoji that matches how they feel right now.
  • Prompt: “Why did you choose that face?” and note their reasoning.
  • Record the selected emoji and brief comment for later analysis.

Step 2

Behavior Trigger Identification Quiz

5 minutes

  • Hand the Behavior Trigger Identification Quiz to the student.
  • Read each question aloud; ensure the student understands the meaning.
  • Instruct the student to circle the emotions or situations that make them feel upset or frustrated.
  • Encourage honest answers; remind them there are no wrong choices.
  • Collect the quiz and review key selections.

Step 3

One-Word Reflection

3 minutes

  • Show the One-Word Reflection Prompt.
  • Ask the student to write one word that describes how they feel after completing the quiz.
  • Prompt: “What one word sums up how you’re feeling now?”
  • Have the student share aloud; acknowledge and record the word.
  • Close by thanking them and explaining next steps for support planning.
lenny

Slide Deck

Why Am I Acting Out?

Today we'll learn about our feelings and what makes us act out. Let's find out what triggers us!

Greet the student. Explain that this session will help them understand their feelings and triggers. Share the objective: to identify emotions and situations that might cause frustration.

Emoji Emotion Check-In

Look at the emojis below: 😃 😥 😡 😱 😴

Which one matches how you feel right now?

  • Choose one and tell me why.

Show the Emoji Emotion Chart. Explain each face. Ask the student to point to their feeling and share why. Record their response.

Behavior Trigger Identification Quiz

Now, we will look at some situations. Read each one and circle how it makes you feel:

  • There is a long line for snack time.
  • The class is too noisy.
  • You can’t find your pencil.

Hand over the Behavior Trigger Identification Quiz. Read aloud each item. Encourage the student to circle the emotion. Remind them there are no wrong answers.

Quiz Questions Part 1

  1. When it’s noisy in class: 😃 😥 😡 😱 😴

  2. If you lose your pencil: 😃 😥 😡 😱 😴

Circle the face that shows how you feel.

Guide the student through the first two questions. Check their understanding. Note which emojis they circle for each.

Quiz Questions Part 2

  1. If you have to wait your turn: 😃 😥 😡 😱 😴
  2. When someone takes your seat: 😃 😥 😡 😱 😴

Circle the face that shows how you feel.

Complete the quiz with the next two questions. Encourage honesty. Record their choices.

One-Word Reflection

Write one word that describes how you feel now after the quiz.

Show the One-Word Reflection Prompt. Ask the student to write and share their word. Record the response.

Thank You & Next Steps

Thank you for sharing!

I will use your answers to plan the best supports for you.

Thank the student. Explain that you'll review their answers to help create support plans. Let them know what will happen next.

lenny

Worksheet

Emoji Emotion Chart

Instructions: Circle the emoji that matches how you feel right now. Then write one sentence explaining why you chose it.

  1. 😃 Happy
    Why do you feel happy?



  1. 😥 Sad
    Why do you feel sad?



  1. 😡 Angry
    Why do you feel angry?



  1. 😱 Scared
    Why do you feel scared?



  1. 😴 Tired
    Why do you feel tired?



lenny
lenny

Quiz

Behavior Trigger Identification Quiz

lenny

Cool Down

One-Word Reflection Prompt

Write one word that describes how you feel now after the quiz.




lenny
lenny