Lesson Plan

Emotions in Motion Lesson Plan

Students will identify and express a range of emotions through guided movement and reflective journaling, strengthening emotional awareness and peer empathy.

Linking physical expression with emotional understanding helps students recognize and articulate their feelings, fostering self-awareness, empathy, and social–emotional learning skills.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up and Grounding

5 minutes

Step 2

Emotion Charades Movement

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Free-Expression Dance

15 minutes

Step 4

Journaling Reflection

10 minutes

Step 5

Group Sharing and Empathy Building

10 minutes

Step 6

Closure and Assessment

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Emotions in Motion: Understanding and Expressing

Greet students and introduce the session. Explain that today we’ll explore how our bodies and emotions connect through movement and reflection.

Lesson Objectives

Read each objective aloud. Encourage students to notice these goals throughout the activities.

SEL Standards

Explain these SEL competencies and why they matter in everyday life.

What Are Emotions?

Define emotion and ask students for examples of how they feel and move when experiencing these emotions.

Movement & Emotion Connection

Demonstrate contrasting postures (open vs. closed) and ask students to mirror you.

Activity 1: Emotion Charades Movement

Explain rules, hand out cards, and monitor each group’s process. After, lead a brief discussion.

Play the neutral track while students dance. Offer verbal prompts at each interval.

Journaling Reflection

Distribute journals or handouts. Read prompts aloud and allow quiet writing time.

Closure & Exit Ticket

Invite volunteers to share. Guide peers to respond with “I notice…” or “I wonder….” Collect exit tickets.

Lesson Plan

Emotions in Motion Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up and Grounding

Step 2

Emotion Charades Movement

Step 3

Guided Free-Expression Dance

Step 4

Journaling Reflection

Step 5

Group Sharing and Empathy Building

Step 6

Closure and Assessment

Slide Deck

Emotions in Motion: Understanding and Expressing

Lesson Objectives

SEL Standards

What Are Emotions?

Movement & Emotion Connection

Activity 1: Emotion Charades Movement

Journaling Reflection

Closure & Exit Ticket

Activity

Journal

Emotions in Motion

Natasha Desir