Lesson Plan

Emotion Garden Blueprint

Students will identify an emotion, “plant” it as a seed, and track its growth over time to build emotional literacy and a growth mindset through hands-on reflection.

This lesson makes abstract feelings tangible, helping 1st graders recognize, name, and manage emotions while fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Material and Environment Setup

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Planting the Emotion Seed

10 minutes

Step 3

Growth Reflection

15 minutes

Step 4

Closing & Assessment

10 minutes

Slide Deck

What Is an Emotion Seed?

Today we’ll introduce the idea that our feelings can grow like plants. Use simple, warm language; encourage the student to share examples from their day.

Choosing Your Emotion Seed

Prompt the student: “What feeling did you have today?” Show picture cards if needed. Help them choose one emotion word.

Planting Your Emotion Seed

Guide the student to place their paper seed on the poster. Ask about their color and shape choices.

Growth Reflection

Introduce the reflection page. Encourage drawing or simple words—whatever the student prefers.

Next Steps

Help the student set one small goal for caring for this seed (e.g., take a deep breath).

Lesson Plan

Emotion Garden Blueprint

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Material and Environment Setup

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

Step 2

Planting the Emotion Seed

Step 3

Growth Reflection

Step 4

Closing & Assessment

Slide Deck

What Is an Emotion Seed?

Choosing Your Emotion Seed

Planting Your Emotion Seed

Growth Reflection

Next Steps

Project Guide

Journal

Emotion Garden

Jill Curry