Lesson Plan
Traffic Light Thoughts Lesson Plan
Students will learn to distinguish between red (negative) and green (positive) thoughts using a traffic‐light analogy and practice both recognizing and giving kind (green) thoughts to peers through a read-aloud and hands-on activities.
Helping children notice their own thoughts and share positive (green) thoughts with friends builds empathy, emotional regulation, and a supportive classroom culture.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teaching the Traffic Light Analogy
5 minutes
Step 3
Read-Aloud Story
5 minutes
Step 4
Sorting Thoughts Activity
8 minutes
Step 5
Peer Thought Exchange
4 minutes
Step 6
Reflection and Closing
3 minutes

Slide Deck
Traffic Light Thoughts
Our Learning Objective
Traffic Light Analogy
Example Thoughts
Sorting Thoughts Activity
Reflection
Closing Activity
