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Your Internal Weather Report

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Lesson Plan

Your Internal Weather Report

Students will be able to identify and describe their current emotional state using the metaphor of a "weather report" to build foundational self-awareness.

Developing emotional self-awareness is crucial for navigating adolescence, building healthy relationships, and managing stress. This lesson provides a relatable and accessible tool for students to begin this essential journey.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Metaphorical thinking and reflective activities.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Slide Deck: Your Internal Weather Report, Markers or Pens, My Internal Weather Report Worksheet, and Feelings and Emotions Vocabulary List

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Mindful Arrival and Check-in

5 minutes

  • Greet students as they enter and encourage them to take a moment to notice how they are feeling.
    - Begin with a brief mindful moment: "Close your eyes if you feel comfortable, or just soften your gaze. Take three deep breaths, noticing how your body feels with each inhale and exhale."
    - Ask students to briefly (privately) think of one word to describe their current internal state.

Step 2

Introducing the Concept of "Internal Weather"

8 minutes

  • Display Slide 2: What's Your Internal Weather?
    - Introduce the metaphor of "internal weather": "Just like the weather outside can change, our feelings and emotions can also shift and change. Sometimes we feel sunny and bright, sometimes cloudy or stormy."

Step 3

Personal "Weather Report" Activity

10 minutes

  • Distribute the My Internal Weather Report Worksheet and the Feelings and Emotions Vocabulary List.
    - Explain the activity: "On your worksheet, you'll create your own internal weather report. Think about how you're feeling right now. What kind of weather best describes it? Is it sunny, partly cloudy, rainy, stormy, breezy? You can use the vocabulary list to help you describe your feelings more precisely."
    - Encourage students to draw or write about their internal weather, including details about intensity and duration if they wish.

Step 4

Reflecting on Our Weather Patterns

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together. "Does anyone want to share (voluntarily) their internal weather report, or something they noticed while doing it?" (Emphasize that sharing is optional).
    - Facilitate a brief discussion: "What makes our internal weather change? How can we notice these changes?"

Step 5

Goal Setting for the Week

2 minutes

  • Display Slide 5: Forecast for the Week
    - "For the rest of the week, I challenge you to check in with your internal weather at least once a day. Just notice it, without judgment. How do you think this might help you?"
    - Collect worksheets or have students keep them for personal reflection.
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Slide Deck

Your Internal Weather Report

Understanding Our Emotions, Inside and Out!

Welcome students and prepare for a mindful moment. Ask students to quietly think about one word to describe how they are feeling right now.

What's Your Internal Weather?

Our feelings can be like the weather:
- Sunny and bright
- Cloudy or gloomy
- Rainy or tearful
- Stormy or angry
- Breezy or calm
- Foggy or confused

Introduce the concept of internal weather. Explain that just like the weather outside changes, our feelings and emotions also change. Give examples like sunny, cloudy, stormy, breezy.

Activity: My Internal Weather Report

Time to create your own report!
1. Think about how you are feeling RIGHT NOW.
2. Choose weather words to describe your internal state.
3. Use your My Internal Weather Report Worksheet to draw or write about it.
4. Be as specific as you can!

Explain the worksheet activity. Guide students to use the Feelings and Emotions Vocabulary List to help them describe their internal weather report.

Reflecting on Our Weather

What did you notice while creating your report?
What makes our internal weather change?
How can noticing our internal weather help us?

Facilitate a brief, voluntary discussion. Emphasize that sharing is optional. Ask questions like: 'What makes our internal weather change? How can we notice these changes?'

Forecast for the Week

Challenge:
Check your internal weather at least once a day this week.
Just notice, without judgment.
How might this practice help you in the days to come?

Assign the challenge for the week. Encourage students to check in with their internal weather daily without judgment. Ask them to consider how this practice might be beneficial.

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Worksheet

My Internal Weather Report

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Think about how you are feeling right now, on the inside. What kind of weather best describes your emotions and internal state? Use the Feelings and Emotions Vocabulary List to help you choose your words.

My Internal Weather Today Is:

Draw or Describe Your Internal Weather:

Use this space to draw a picture, write a paragraph, or list words that describe your internal weather. Consider:

  • What kind of weather is it (e.g., sunny, partly cloudy, rainy, stormy, foggy, breezy)?
  • What specific emotions are you feeling?
  • How strong are these feelings (e.g., a gentle breeze, a strong gust, a light drizzle, a downpour)?
  • What does this internal weather feel like in your body?




















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Reading

Feelings and Emotions Vocabulary List

Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words to describe how we feel. This list can help you identify and express your emotions more clearly, like giving a detailed report of your internal weather!

Sunny & Bright (Positive/Happy Feelings)

  • Happy
  • Joyful
  • Excited
  • Content
  • Peaceful
  • Optimistic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Grateful
  • Calm
  • Energetic
  • Playful
  • Hopeful

Cloudy & Gloomy (Mildly Negative/Neutral Feelings)

  • Sad

  • Gloomy

  • Down

  • Bored

  • Tired

  • Quiet

  • Thoughtful

  • Disappointed

  • Lonely

  • Uncertain

  • Confused

  • Frustrated (mildly)


    ## Rainy & Tearful (More Intense Sadness/Discomfort)

  • Heartbroken

  • Grief-stricken

  • Mournful

  • Distressed

  • Vulnerable

  • Overwhelmed

  • Anxious

  • Worried

  • Scared

  • Helpless

Stormy & Turbulent (Strong Negative Feelings)

  • Angry
  • Furious
  • Enraged
  • Irritated
  • Annoyed
  • Hostile
  • Jealous
  • Resentful
  • Explosive
  • Aggressive
  • Rageful
  • Panicked

Breezy & Calm (Peaceful/Relaxed Feelings)

  • Relaxed
  • Tranquil
  • Serene
  • At Ease
  • Comfortable
  • Refreshed
  • Centered
  • Mellow

Foggy & Unclear (Confused/Uncertain Feelings)

  • Confused
  • Unsure
  • Puzzled
  • Perplexed
  • Disoriented
  • Ambivalent
  • Doubtful
  • Hesitant
     
     
    Use these words to help you describe your unique internal weather report!
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