Lesson Plan

Feelings in Balance: Group Plan

Enable 1st–3rd graders to identify, understand, and manage their emotions through eight structured 35-minute group sessions, building self-awareness and coping skills.

Early emotional regulation supports social skills, classroom readiness, and resilience. By learning to recognize and manage feelings now, students build a foundation for healthy relationships and improved focus.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare for Group Sessions

20 minutes

Step 1

Session 1: Recognizing Emotions

35 minutes

Step 2

Session 2: Understanding Triggers

35 minutes

Step 3

Session 3: Expressing Feelings Safely

35 minutes

Step 4

Session 4: Calming Techniques I – Deep Breathing

35 minutes

Step 5

Session 5: Calming Techniques II – Mindfulness

35 minutes

Step 6

Session 6: Problem-Solving with Feelings

35 minutes

Step 7

Session 7: Empathy and Peer Support

35 minutes

Step 8

Session 8: Putting It All Together

35 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 1: Recognizing Emotions

Use large, colorful emotion flashcard images on the slide. Encourage students to shout out feeling words as you click through. Have real flashcards on hand to pass around.

Session 2: Understanding Triggers

Display a simple chart of situations and feelings to scaffold brainstorming. Pair students deliberately so everyone has a partner.

Session 3: Expressing Feelings Safely

Prepare scenario cards with safe vs. unsafe responses. Model one role-play first, asking students to notice the “I feel… because…” structure.

Session 4: Calming Techniques I — Deep Breathing

Show the [Feelings Wheel Poster](#feelings-wheel-poster) and point to how breathing shifts us toward calm. Guide a demonstration before students join in.

Session 5: Calming Techniques II — Mindfulness

Prepare audio of a single bell or nature sound. Teach the five senses check-in with a simple poster or handout.

Session 6: Problem-Solving with Feelings

Write STOP, THINK, CHOOSE on chart paper. Use easy dilemmas familiar to students: missing snack, playground disputes.

Session 7: Empathy and Peer Support

Display empathy prompts (“How would you feel if…?”). Guide roles and rotate so each child practices empathy, support, and observation.

Session 8: Putting It All Together

Use an upbeat, energetic tone for the emotion relay. Prepare certificates and stickers ahead of time.

Lesson Plan

Feelings in Balance: Group Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare for Group Sessions

Step 1

Session 1: Recognizing Emotions

Step 2

Session 2: Understanding Triggers

Step 3

Session 3: Expressing Feelings Safely

Step 4

Session 4: Calming Techniques I – Deep Breathing

Step 5

Session 5: Calming Techniques II – Mindfulness

Step 6

Session 6: Problem-Solving with Feelings

Step 7

Session 7: Empathy and Peer Support

Step 8

Session 8: Putting It All Together

Slide Deck

Session 1: Recognizing Emotions

Session 2: Understanding Triggers

Session 3: Expressing Feelings Safely

Session 4: Calming Techniques I — Deep Breathing

Session 5: Calming Techniques II — Mindfulness

Session 6: Problem-Solving with Feelings

Session 7: Empathy and Peer Support

Session 8: Putting It All Together

Journal

Feelings in Balance

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