Lesson Plan
Quick SEL Strategies Plan
Students will learn and practice quick, actionable CASEL strategies to manage their emotions effectively in real-time.
Learning to manage emotions is a crucial life skill that empowers students to navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and improve their overall well-being. This lesson provides practical tools for immediate application.
Audience
6th Grade Small Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive learning and practice
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Quick SEL Strategies Plan and all linked materials: Emotion Management Visuals, Mood Meter Match-Up Activity, Strategy Swap Circle Discussion Guide, and Reflection Poll Cool-Down.
- Print copies of the Mood Meter Match-Up Activity (one per student).
- Ensure a whiteboard or projector is available for the Emotion Management Visuals.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to become emotion detectives and learn some quick tricks to handle big feelings!"
- Ask: "What are some different feelings you've experienced recently?" (Joy, frustration, excitement, worry, etc.)
- Explain that everyone feels a range of emotions, and it's normal. The goal is to learn how to manage them, not to get rid of them.
Step 2
Emotion Management Strategies
10 minutes
- Present the Emotion Management Visuals slide deck.
- Go through each strategy (e.g., deep breathing, positive self-talk, taking a break, expressing feelings). For each strategy:
- Briefly explain it.
- Model the strategy.
- Ask students to try it with you (e.g., practice a deep breath together).
- Encourage students to share if they've used any of these strategies before.
Step 3
Mood Meter Match-Up Activity
8 minutes
- Distribute the Mood Meter Match-Up Activity worksheet.
- Explain the activity: Students will match different emotions to appropriate management strategies.
- Circulate and assist students as they work. Facilitate brief discussions as needed.
Step 4
Strategy Swap Circle Discussion
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle for the Strategy Swap Circle Discussion Guide.
- Prompt students to share one strategy they found helpful or one they want to try.
- Encourage active listening and positive feedback.
Step 5
Cool-Down & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Conclude with the Reflection Poll Cool-Down.
- Ask students to quickly respond to the poll questions about what they learned and how they might use the strategies.
- Thank students for their participation and emphasize that practicing these strategies takes time and effort.
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Slide Deck
Welcome, Emotion Detectives!
What are Emotions?
- They are feelings we experience every day.
- Everyone has them, and they are all okay!
- Learning to manage them helps us feel better and make good choices.
Today, we'll explore some quick strategies!
Welcome students and introduce the concept of emotions. Ask them to share a feeling they've had today.
Strategy 1: Deep Breathing
Breathe In, Breathe Out!
- How it helps: Calms your body and mind.
- How to do it:
- Sit or stand comfortably.
- Close your eyes gently (optional).
- Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 counts.
- Hold your breath for 4 counts.
- Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 counts.
- Repeat 3-5 times.
Let's try it together!
Introduce the first strategy: Deep Breathing. Model it with the students.
Strategy 2: Positive Self-Talk
Your Inner Cheerleader!
- How it helps: Changes negative thoughts to positive ones.
- How to do it:
- Instead of "I can't do this," try "I'll try my best!"
- Instead of "This is too hard," try "I can ask for help."
- Instead of "I'm so mad," try "It's okay to feel this, I can calm down."
What kind words can you say to yourself?
Introduce positive self-talk. Ask students for examples of kind words they can say to themselves.
Strategy 3: Take a Break
Step Away and Recharge!
- How it helps: Gives you space to cool down or re-focus.
- How to do it:
- Go to a quiet corner.
- Get a drink of water.
- Stretch or move your body.
- Listen to calm music.
When might a break be helpful?
Discuss taking a break. Emphasize that breaks are for calming down, not escaping.
Strategy 4: Express Your Feelings
Share and Understand!
- How it helps: Helps others understand what you need, and can make you feel better.
- How to do it:
- Talk: Use "I feel..." statements (e.g., "I feel frustrated when...").
- Write: Journal about your feelings.
- Draw: Express emotions through art.
Who can you talk to when you have big feelings?
Talk about expressing feelings appropriately. Ask students how they can express their feelings in a healthy way.
Quick Review & Practice!
Remember Our Strategies:
- Deep Breathing: Calm your body.
- Positive Self-Talk: Be your own cheerleader.
- Take a Break: Step away to recharge.
- Express Your Feelings: Share in a healthy way.
Now, let's put these strategies to the test with an activity!
Summarize the strategies and transition to the activity.
Activity
Mood Meter Match-Up Activity
Instructions: Read each scenario below. In the space provided, write down one or more emotion management strategies that would be helpful in that situation. Choose from the strategies we discussed (Deep Breathing, Positive Self-Talk, Take a Break, Express Your Feelings).
Scenario 1: Missing Out
Your best friends are playing a game together, and they didn't invite you. You feel left out and a little sad.
What strategy would you use and why?
Scenario 2: Frustrating Homework
You're working on a math problem, and you just can't figure it out. You're starting to feel really frustrated and annoyed.
What strategy would you use and why?
Scenario 3: Big Excitement!
You just found out your class is going on a really fun field trip next week! You're so excited you can barely sit still and feel a burst of energy.
What strategy would you use and why?
Scenario 4: A Disagreement
You and your sibling are arguing over who gets to use the computer. You both feel angry and aren't listening to each other.
What strategy would you use and why?
Scenario 5: Presentation Jitters
Tomorrow, you have to give a presentation in front of the class, and you're feeling very nervous and a little scared.
What strategy would you use and why?
Discussion
Strategy Swap Circle Discussion Guide
Instructions for the Teacher: Facilitate a brief discussion where students can share their thoughts and strategies. Encourage active listening and respectful sharing. Guide the conversation to highlight the practical application of the strategies.
Discussion Prompts:
-
Sharing Successes: "From the scenarios in our Mood Meter Match-Up Activity, what was one strategy you chose, and why did you think it was a good fit for that feeling or situation?"
-
New Discoveries: "Was there any strategy we discussed today that you hadn't really thought about using before, or that you learned something new about?"
-
Real-Life Application: "Can you think of a time outside of school when one of these strategies might have been helpful for you or someone you know?"
-
Challenging Moments: "Which emotion do you think is the hardest to manage? How might one of our strategies help in that specific situation?"
-
Building a Tool Kit: "Why is it helpful to have a 'tool kit' of different emotion management strategies?"
Cool Down
Reflection Poll: My Emotion Strategies
Instructions: Please answer the following questions quickly and honestly. Your responses will help us understand what you learned today!
-
I feel more confident in my ability to manage my emotions after today's lesson.
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
-
Which emotion management strategy are you most likely to try using in the next week?
- Deep Breathing
- Positive Self-Talk
- Taking a Break
- Expressing My Feelings
- Other (Please write below)
-
What is one new thing you learned about managing emotions today?
-
How do you think practicing these strategies can help you in school or with your friends and family?