Lesson Plan

Mind Mapping Emotions Plan

Guide an 8th-grade student to articulate and organize their emotions using open-ended questions and a mind-mapping activity, then reflect on insights to foster self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Helping students identify and manage feelings supports mental well-being, builds coping skills, and promotes success in school and life by fostering emotional intelligence.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review All Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Check-In & Rapport Building

5 minutes

Step 2

Open-Ended Exploration

5 minutes

Step 3

Mind Mapping Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection Prompts Review

5 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

5 minutes

Slide Deck

What’s on Your Mind?

Welcome the student warmly. Introduce the session’s purpose: exploring thoughts and feelings. Emphasize confidentiality and that there’s no right or wrong answer.

Today’s Process

Briefly outline the three parts of the session so the student knows what to expect.

Open-Ended Exploration

Use prompts from the [Counselor Dialogue Guide](#counselor-dialogue-guide). Pause after each question to let the student respond and validate their feelings.

Digging Deeper

Encourage deeper reflection. Note nonverbal cues and validate them. Record key phrases on paper or whiteboard.

Mind Mapping Emotions

Introduce the concept of mind mapping. Show a simple example if you have one prepared.

Emotion Mapping Worksheet

Hand the student the [Emotion Mapping Worksheet](#emotion-mapping-worksheet). Guide them step by step.

Reflection Prompts

Introduce the journal prompts. Model answering one as an example if time allows.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Summarize key insights and set a follow-up plan. Remind them to complete their chosen journal prompt tonight.

Lesson Plan

Mind Mapping Emotions Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review All Materials

Step 1

Check-In & Rapport Building

Step 2

Open-Ended Exploration

Step 3

Mind Mapping Activity

Step 4

Reflection Prompts Review

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Slide Deck

What’s on Your Mind?

Today’s Process

Open-Ended Exploration

Digging Deeper

Mind Mapping Emotions

Emotion Mapping Worksheet

Reflection Prompts

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Script

Worksheet

Journal

What’s on Your Mind?

jsperry