Lesson Plan
Feelings in Balance: Group Plan
Enable 1st–3rd graders to identify, understand, and manage their emotions through eight structured 35-minute group sessions, building self-awareness and coping skills.
Early emotional regulation supports social skills, classroom readiness, and resilience. By learning to recognize and manage feelings now, students build a foundation for healthy relationships and improved focus.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare for Group Sessions
20 minutes
Step 1
Session 1: Recognizing Emotions
35 minutes
Step 2
Session 2: Understanding Triggers
35 minutes
Step 3
Session 3: Expressing Feelings Safely
35 minutes
Step 4
Session 4: Calming Techniques I – Deep Breathing
35 minutes
Step 5
Session 5: Calming Techniques II – Mindfulness
35 minutes
Step 6
Session 6: Problem-Solving with Feelings
35 minutes
Step 7
Session 7: Empathy and Peer Support
35 minutes
Step 8
Session 8: Putting It All Together
35 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 1: Recognizing Emotions
Session 2: Understanding Triggers
Session 3: Expressing Feelings Safely
Session 4: Calming Techniques I — Deep Breathing
Session 5: Calming Techniques II — Mindfulness
Session 6: Problem-Solving with Feelings
Session 7: Empathy and Peer Support
Session 8: Putting It All Together
Journal
