Lesson Plan

Emotion Spectrum Blueprint

Students will explore the emotion spectrum by identifying and visualizing their feelings, reflect on personal triggers, and select at least one strategy to regulate emotions.

Developing self-awareness and emotion regulation builds empathy, communication, and positive peer relationships, fostering a supportive classroom community.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Emoji Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduction: Emotion Spectrum Overview

5 minutes

Step 3

Main Activity: Color-Your-Emotion Canvas

20 minutes

Step 4

Reflection & Journal

10 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down: Group Share & Close

5 minutes

Step 6

Differentiation & Assessment

Ongoing

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Slide Deck

Feelings Unlocked!

Welcome students and introduce the day’s objective: we will explore what emotions are, how they range on a spectrum, and prepare for our activities.

What Is an Emotion?

Define “emotion” in kid-friendly terms. Use examples from the morning or recent school events.

The Emotion Spectrum

Draw a simple horizontal line on the board and label negative, neutral, positive. Explain that emotions can move along this line.

Emotion Examples

Ask volunteers for additional examples. Record their suggestions under each category.

Intensity Matters

Explain that “happy” can be soft (content) or strong (ecstatic). Invite kids to share examples of mild vs. intense feelings.

Emoji Check-In Preview

Introduce the warm-up. Show how to use the Emoji Check-In sheet to identify current feelings.

Scenario Time

Pose the scenario, then ask several students to raise hands and share which emotion they’d choose.

What Triggers Emotions?

Prompt students to think quietly or jot ideas. Then invite sharing in pairs or small groups.

Activity Overview

Explain that they will capture these thoughts with color and words on the canvas next.

Let’s Get Started!

Tell students to get out materials and transition to the Emoji Check-In sheets.

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Warm Up

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Activity

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Cool Down

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? How Do You Feel?

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Karen Sullivan

Tier 1
For Schools
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