Lesson Plan

What to Do with Sadness Lesson Plan

Students will recognize and name feelings of grief and sadness and practice two healthy coping strategies—calming breaths and expressive drawing—to manage these emotions at school and home.

This lesson helps 2nd graders understand big emotions, build empathy for themselves and others, and gain simple self-regulation tools to use when they feel sad or upset.

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Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

5 minutes

Step 2

Explore Coping Strategies

10 minutes

Step 3

Creative Expression Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

What to Do with Sadness

Objectives

Understanding Sadness & Grief

Emotion Faces

Coping Strategy #1: Calming Breaths

Coping Strategy #2: Expressive Drawing

Reflection & Next Steps

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Activity

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What to Do with Sadness

Alyssha Walker

Tier 1
For Schools
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