Lesson Plan

Emotion Commotion Plan

Students will practice recognizing and expressing emotions through a fast-paced charades-style game, building empathy, clear communication, and teamwork.

Developing social-emotional skills like empathy and effective communication fosters positive classroom climate, stronger peer relationships, and better self-awareness.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Explain Rules & Demonstration

5 minutes

Step 3

Play Emotion Commotion

15 minutes

Step 4

Debrief, Assessment & Differentiation

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Emotion Commotion

Welcome students; introduce today’s Emotion Commotion session. Highlight that we’ll practice empathy, communication, and teamwork through a fun, fast-paced game.

Learning Objectives

Read each objective aloud and relate to how recognizing and expressing emotions helps in friendships and teamwork.

Why SEL & This Game?

Explain why SEL matters: it creates a positive classroom climate and stronger peer relationships.

Materials & Setup

Confirm all materials are ready before starting and that desks are grouped for team play.

Introduction & Warm-Up

Encourage volunteers to share. Model openness by sharing your own example first.

Rules & Demonstration

Demonstrate with one Emotion Card. Use clear gestures and facial expressions—no verbal clues.

Play this 1-minute demo video. Pause at key moments to point out effective gestures and teamwork.

Game Play Logistics

Manage the flow: keep rounds moving, track points, and praise clear expression.

Reflection Time

Distribute Reflection Worksheets. Circulate to support students as they write.

Assessment & Next Steps

Collect worksheets to assess understanding. Note who may need extra support or challenge.

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Worksheet

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Emotion Commotion

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Stacey Hersch

Tier 1
For Schools
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