Lesson Plan

Emotion Explorers Lesson Plan

Students will identify and name at least three emotions they commonly feel, understand triggers for these emotions, and practice two coping strategies (deep breathing and positive self-talk) to manage their feelings.

Building self-awareness and emotional regulation helps students in extra support classes develop resilience, improve focus, and foster healthier peer and teacher relationships.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

7 minutes

Step 3

Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection

5 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down

3 minutes

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments Lesson Plan

Students will practice mindfulness to increase self-awareness and learn techniques to regulate emotions through guided breathing, sensory exercises, and reflection.

Developing mindfulness and self-awareness equips students with tools to manage stress, improve focus, and foster emotional resilience in and out of the classroom.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

3 minutes

Step 2

Emotion Check-In

5 minutes

Step 3

Direct Instruction

5 minutes

Step 4

Mindful Practice Activity

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection

5 minutes

Step 6

Cool-Down

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Mindful Moments

Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today’s lesson, “Mindful Moments,” will help them notice and manage their emotions through simple mindfulness exercises.

Today’s Objectives

Read aloud the objectives and check for understanding. Emphasize how each objective connects to everyday stress management.

Materials

Point out each material and where it’s located. Encourage students to refer to these resources throughout the lesson.

Warm-Up: Mindful Breathing

Lead the breathing exercise using the script. Guide students through three full cycles, pausing between each to notice any changes in tension or calm.

Emotion Check-In

Distribute the Emotion Check-In Chart and model how to circle an emotion. Invite a few volunteers to share why they chose their emotion.

What Is Mindfulness?

Define mindfulness in simple terms. Ask students for examples of noticing thoughts or feelings without judgment in their own lives.

Mindful Practice Activity

Show the prompt cards and explain expectations for silence and focus. Circulate quietly to support students during the practice.

Reflection

Distribute the reflection worksheet, encourage honest observations, and provide time for drawing or writing. Invite 1–2 volunteers to share insights.

Cool-Down & Takeaway

Lead one final breathing cycle. Summarize key takeaways and remind students they can use these techniques anytime they feel stressed.

Lesson Plan

Emotion Explorers Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up

Step 2

Direct Instruction

Step 3

Activity

Step 4

Reflection

Step 5

Cool-Down

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up

Step 2

Emotion Check-In

Step 3

Direct Instruction

Step 4

Mindful Practice Activity

Step 5

Reflection

Step 6

Cool-Down

Slide Deck

Mindful Moments

Today’s Objectives

Materials

Warm-Up: Mindful Breathing

Emotion Check-In

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindful Practice Activity

Reflection

Cool-Down & Takeaway

Script

Activity

Discussion

Worksheet

Mindful Moments

Liza Paussa