Lesson Plan

One-on-One Emotional Check-In

Guide the 5th grade student to articulate current feelings, recognize personal triggers, and map trusted adults, culminating in a personalized emotional safety plan within a focused 20-minute discussion.

When a student is in crisis, naming emotions and knowing who to turn to can feel overwhelming. This targeted session builds emotional awareness, identifies coping triggers, and strengthens connections to trusted adults, promoting safety and support.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up and Rapport Building

3 minutes

Step 2

Articulating Current Feelings

5 minutes

Step 3

Identifying Triggers

4 minutes

Step 4

Exploring Support Network

4 minutes

Step 5

Safety and Next-Steps Planning

3 minutes

Step 6

Debrief and Closing

1 minute

Slide Deck

Your Emotional Lifeline

Welcome the student warmly and introduce the purpose of this session. Emphasize safety and confidentiality. Explain that this slide deck will help guide our conversation.

Articulating Your Feelings

Introduce the [My Feelings Map](#my-feelings-map-journal). Guide the student to choose 2–3 emotions they’re experiencing right now, describe when they feel each, and rate the intensity.

Recognizing Your Triggers

Refer to the [Guided Question Prompts](#guided-question-prompts-script). Ask open-ended questions about what happened before the emotion, physical reactions, and any warning signs.

Mapping Your Support Network

Bring out the [Trusted Adult Contact Chart](#trusted-adult-contact-chart-activity). Help the student list 3–4 trusted adults and plan how and when to reach out to each.

Coping Strategies & Next Steps

Co-create simple coping strategies. Offer examples and let the student choose 1–2 that feel doable. Confirm which they’ll try first when upset.

You’re Not Alone

Reinforce that support is always available. Confirm the next check-in time and encourage the student to use their plan if feelings get overwhelming.