Lesson Plan

Feelings Detective Lesson Plan

Students will identify and name at least four basic emotions using facial expressions and scenarios, and demonstrate understanding by labeling their own and others’ feelings.

Building foundational emotional intelligence helps kindergarteners self-regulate, empathize with peers, and navigate social situations successfully.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Greeting

2 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Emotions

5 minutes

Step 3

Scenario Matching Activity

5 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Feelings Detective

Welcome the student and introduce the session: “Today we are Feelings Detectives! We’ll learn about our feelings and how to name them.”

How Are You Feeling Today?

Show the [Emotion Faces Chart](#feelings-detective-faces-chart). Ask, “How are you feeling right now?” Encourage the student to point to the face that matches their feeling.

Meet Our Emotions

Present each [Emotion Flashcards](#feelings-detective-flashcards) one at a time. Name the emotion and ask the student to mimic the expression and say the word aloud.

Scenario Matching

Lay out the [Everyday Feelings Scenario Cards](#feelings-detective-scenario-cards). Read each scenario, ask “How would you feel?” and have the student pick the matching [Emotion Flashcards](#feelings-detective-flashcards). Provide positive feedback.

Reflection

Ask the student to recall one emotion they felt today. Encourage them to point to the corresponding flashcard and tell you about it.

Great Job, Detective!

Praise the student’s detective work: “You did a fantastic job naming your emotions! Keep using your feelings detective skills every day.”

Lesson Plan

Feelings Detective Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up Greeting

Step 2

Introduce Emotions

Step 3

Scenario Matching Activity

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

Slide Deck

Feelings Detective

How Are You Feeling Today?

Meet Our Emotions

Scenario Matching

Reflection

Great Job, Detective!

Worksheet

Reading

Activity

Script

Cool Down

Feelings Detective

Jessica Thompson