Lesson Plan

Glow from Within

Students will learn to recognize their emotions, explore healthy coping strategies for feelings of depression, and build resilience by practicing skills and identifying support networks.

Early awareness and practice of coping skills empowers students to manage low moods, build emotional resilience, and seek help when needed, promoting long-term mental well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Review

10 minutes

Step 1

Setting the Stage

5 minutes

Step 2

Identifying Feelings and Strategies

10 minutes

Step 3

Strategy Practice

8 minutes

Step 4

Group Reflection

5 minutes

Step 5

Closing and Next Steps

2 minutes

Lesson Plan

Mood Lifelines Plan

Students will learn to identify their emotions, practice a brief mindfulness exercise, and create a personalized coping toolbox with strategies to manage feelings of depression.

Teaching emotional awareness and coping skills in a supportive classroom builds resilience, promotes self-regulation, and empowers students to seek help and manage low moods effectively.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Prepare

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Norms

5 minutes

Step 2

Recognizing Emotions

7 minutes

Step 3

Mindfulness Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Building Your Coping Toolbox

8 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Mood Lifelines

Welcome students. Introduce yourself and the lesson: “Today we’re going to learn skills to manage difficult feelings like feeling low or depressed. By the end, you’ll have a personal toolbox of strategies you can use anytime.”

Introduction & Norms

Explain class norms: “We agree to listen respectfully, keep what’s shared confidential, and use supportive language. These norms help everyone feel safe.”

Recognizing Emotions

Distribute the Feelings and Coping Strategies Worksheet. Point to the Emotion Wheel Chart. Give students 7 minutes to circle emotions they’ve felt. Invite a few volunteers to name an emotion and describe why naming it helps.

Mindfulness Practice

Prepare to play the audio. Explain: “Mindfulness helps us notice thoughts and feelings without judging them.” Play the 2–3 minute [Mindful Moment Audio](#mindful-moment-audio). Afterward, ask: “How did your body or mind feel before and after?”

Building Your Coping Toolbox

Hand out the Coping Toolbox Template. Invite students to write or draw at least five strategies they can use when feeling low. Then form small groups, draw a Reflection Prompt Card, and discuss how a chosen strategy could help.

Reflection & Closing

Reconvene and ask for volunteers to share one new strategy they added. Summarize: naming emotions, practicing mindfulness, and using coping tools. Encourage students: “Try one strategy this week and journal how it helps.”

Lesson Plan

Glow from Within

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Review

Step 1

Setting the Stage

Step 2

Identifying Feelings and Strategies

Step 3

Strategy Practice

Step 4

Group Reflection

Step 5

Closing and Next Steps

Lesson Plan

Mood Lifelines Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Prepare

Step 1

Introduction and Norms

Step 2

Recognizing Emotions

Step 3

Mindfulness Practice

Step 4

Building Your Coping Toolbox

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

Slide Deck

Mood Lifelines

Introduction & Norms

Recognizing Emotions

Mindfulness Practice

Building Your Coping Toolbox

Reflection & Closing

Worksheet

Activity

Activity

Mood Lifelines

Janelle Solis