Lesson Plan

Cool Off, Calm Down Lesson Plan

Students will identify personal aggression triggers and learn three calming strategies, then practice using these strategies in guided role-play and reflection.

Teaching aggression management promotes self-awareness and emotional regulation, reducing conflicts and improving social interactions for 3rd graders needing individual support.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Identify Triggers

8 minutes

Step 3

Teach Coping Strategies

8 minutes

Step 4

Practice & Reflect

7 minutes

Step 5

Closing & Reinforcement

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Cool Off, Calm Down

Welcome the student and explain today’s goal: understanding and managing feelings of anger. Use this slide to set the tone.

What Are Emotions?

Show the Emotions Flashcards. Ask the student to name each feeling and point out the anger card.

Identify Your Triggers

Present the Aggression Scenario Cards. Guide the student to identify triggers and physical signs (e.g., racing heart).

Choose a Calming Strategy

Introduce and model each calming strategy using the Calming Strategy Cards. Have the student practice each one.

Practice With a Role-Play

Set the timer for 2 minutes. Role-play a mild anger scenario and encourage the student to choose and use one strategy.

Reflect & Set a Goal

Complete the Calm-Down Reflection Sheet. Praise the student’s effort and set a practice goal.

Lesson Plan

Cool Off, Calm Down Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

Step 2

Identify Triggers

Step 3

Teach Coping Strategies

Step 4

Practice & Reflect

Step 5

Closing & Reinforcement

Slide Deck

Cool Off, Calm Down

What Are Emotions?

Identify Your Triggers

Choose a Calming Strategy

Practice With a Role-Play

Reflect & Set a Goal

Activity

Game

Activity

Activity

Script

Cool Off, Calm Down

Olivia McHone