Lesson Plan
Exploring Hidden Emotions
To help 5th-grade students identify and understand the hidden emotions beneath anger, such as fear and sadness, by engaging in individual reflection and group discussion.
Understanding hidden emotions is crucial for emotional intelligence. This lesson enables students to better manage their feelings, reducing aggressive reactions and promoting self-regulation.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Preparation Overview
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction & Engagement
5 minutes
Step 2
Guided Exploration
15 minutes
Step 3
Discussion Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Reflection
10 minutes

Slide Deck
The Anger Iceberg
Introduce the topic. Explain that the visible emotion of anger can hide other, deeper feelings. Encourage students to think about whether they've ever felt more than just anger.
Anger: Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Present the iceberg diagram. Emphasize that while anger is visible, there are hidden emotions like fear and sadness underneath. Ask students to share examples of feelings that may be hidden beneath anger.
What Lies Beneath?
Discuss the hidden emotions. Use questioning to help students articulate what might be happening under the surface when they or someone else gets angry. Use personal examples if needed.
Group Discussion
Encourage reflection and group discussion. Splitting into small groups for a moment can help each student share their feelings, and then ask groups to share highlights with the class.
Managing Our Emotions
Wrap up the lesson by summarizing key ideas. Highlight strategies for managing anger, emphasizing that acknowledging underlying feelings is a first step. Ask for volunteers to share one strategy they might use.

Discussion

