Lesson Plan

Emotion Check-In Plan

Students will explore and share their first-day emotions through interactive activities, building a positive classroom community in 20 minutes.

This lesson helps students articulate feelings, fosters empathy among peers, and reduces first-day anxiety by creating a safe space for expression.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Emoji Match-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

First Day Feelings Slide-Deck

7 minutes

Step 3

Emotion Check-In

5 minutes

Step 4

Thumbs-Up/Thumbs-Down

3 minutes

Slide Deck

First Day Feelings

Welcome to the “First Day Feelings” slide deck! Introduce the session by explaining that together we’ll explore common first-day emotions. Encourage students to think about and share how they feel.

How We’ll Explore Emotions

Explain the flow: on each slide we’ll learn a feeling and its meaning. After, students will think quietly and then share with a partner or the class.

Happy

After showing this slide, ask: “Who feels happy today?” Invite hands-up responses and celebrate each share.

Nervous

Invite students to raise their hand if they feel a little nervous today. Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel butterflies on a first day.

Excited

Ask: “Who is excited to learn and make new friends?” Encourage energetic responses.

Proud

Prompt: “Who feels proud of themselves today? Maybe for getting here or trying something new!” Affirm every share.

Your Turn to Share

Guide the Think–Pair–Share: 1. 30 seconds to think silently. 2. 1 minute to share with your neighbor. 3. Volunteers share highlights with the class.

Lesson Plan

Emotion Check-In Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Emoji Match-Up

Step 2

First Day Feelings Slide-Deck

Step 3

Emotion Check-In

Step 4

Thumbs-Up/Thumbs-Down

Slide Deck

First Day Feelings

How We’ll Explore Emotions

Happy

Nervous

Excited

Proud

Your Turn to Share

Warm Up

Cool Down

First Day Vibes

hannah.richardson