Lesson Plan
Mind-Reading Mission Plan
Students will become “emotion detectives” by recognizing and interpreting four basic emotions—happy, sad, angry, and surprised—through facial expressions and tone of voice, demonstrating understanding via matching, discussion, charades, and sharing.
This lesson builds foundational social communication and empathy skills. Recognizing and expressing emotions enhances self-awareness, emotional regulation, peer interactions, and fosters a supportive classroom community.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather Materials & Set Up
10 minutes
Step 1
Face Match Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Emotion Detective Slides Discussion
8 minutes
Step 3
Emotion Charades
10 minutes
Step 4
Feelings Reflection Circle
7 minutes

Slide Deck
Emotion Detective
Happy
Sad
Angry
Surprised

Warm Up

