Welcome everyone! Today we’re starting our lesson “Ride Your Emotions.” Explain that over the next 30 minutes we’ll learn how to recognize our feelings and use three simple, proven strategies to help us stay calm and focused. Encourage students to participate and share.

Read the objectives aloud. Ask students if they know what “emotional regulation” means already. Emphasize that by the end they’ll be able to define it, know three key strategies, and practice using them.

Explain why these skills matter. Share a quick story of a time strong emotions got in the way of doing well in class or at home. Highlight how regulation builds resilience and focus.

Display the [Emotion Chart Poster](#emotion-chart-poster). Invite volunteers to point out emotions they’ve felt this week. Remind students that recognizing how we feel is the first step in managing emotions.

Demonstrate deep breathing: inhale slowly for four counts, hold for one, exhale for four. Lead students through two full cycles. Explain how this calms the nervous system.

Ask for examples of negative thoughts students might have. Then model replacing them with positive self-talk. Write a few student ideas on the board.

Guide students through a quick 30-second visualization: imagine a favorite calm place (beach, forest, etc.). Encourage them to include sounds, sights, and smells in their mind.

Explain the scenario cards activity. Students will pair up, pick a card, identify the emotion, choose one strategy from their handout, and practice for two minutes. Use the timer to keep everyone on track.

Invite a few volunteers to share which strategy they tried and how it felt. Reinforce that these tools can be used anytime. Encourage students to practice today and reflect on the outcome.