Lesson Plan

Feeling Clouds Lesson Plan

Students will identify and express feelings of sadness and grief through story, discussion, and art, and practice a simple deep-breathing coping strategy.

Early recognition of grief and sadness helps Pre-K children understand emotions, communicate needs, and build foundational resilience and self-regulation skills.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Story Time

7 minutes

Step 3

Discussion & Emotion Matching

4 minutes

Step 4

Art Activity: Cloud Emotions

8 minutes

Step 5

Coping Strategy: Deep Breathing

3 minutes

Step 6

Sharing & Closing

3 minutes

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Slide Deck

Feeling Clouds

Welcome the children and introduce today’s lesson. Explain that clouds can feel many emotions, just like people. Today we’ll learn about sadness and ways to feel better.

How Do Clouds Feel?

Ask if any child has ever felt like a gray cloud when they were sad. Encourage a few quick responses to build connection.

Story Time

Show the cover image of the storybook. Invite children to predict what might happen to Rainbow. Read aloud, pausing to ask how Rainbow feels.

How Does Rainbow Feel?

After reading, ask: “What makes you think Rainbow is sad?” and “Has anyone felt that way?” Validate all answers.

Find the Sad Cloud

Spread out the emotion cards. Ask each child to find and hold up the card that shows the sad cloud. Discuss what a sad cloud might need, such as a hug or talking.

Art Activity: Cloud Emotions

Give each child a craft sheet and art supplies. Encourage them to show sadness (raindrops, gray coloring) and then add comforting items like sun, rainbows, or smiling faces.

Coping Strategy: Deep Breathing

Gather children by the poster. Introduce the ‘blow the cloud away’ deep-breathing technique: inhale slowly to fill the cloud, exhale to blow it off.

Let’s Practice Together

Lead the group in three rounds of breathing. Use hand motions to show the cloud filling and floating away. Praise their breathing skills.

Share Your Cloud

Invite volunteers to show their decorated clouds. Ask each to name one comforting thing they added and praise their ideas.

Great Job, Feeling Friends!

Congratulate the children on their work. Remind them that talking about feelings and taking deep breaths can help anytime they feel sad.

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Script

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Feeling Clouds

Alyssha Walker

Tier 2
For Schools
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