Emotion Adventure Guide Emotion Adventure Guide
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson • 5th Grade
40 Minutes
Mission Objective
Students will navigate the terrain of high-intensity feelings to discover strategies for managing "big emotions." By the end of this trek, students will be equipped with essential emotional regulation skills to improve their social interactions and overall well-being.
Teaching Approach
Experiential Game-Based Collaborative Active Learning
Gear Checklist
"Emotions vs. Feelings" Video
Emotion Action Cards (1 set per pair)
Heart Explorer Guide
Markers & Paper
Expedition Timeline
1. Base Camp: Introduction
5 MINS
Kick off with a quick "temperature check"—how is everyone feeling on a scale of 1 to 10?
Define "Big Emotions": Feelings that feel like a storm or a volcano (too big to hold inside).
Invite 2-3 volunteers to share a recent "big feeling" moment.
2. The Insight Trail: Video Viewing
10 MINS
Watch "The Difference Between Emotions & Feelings."
Pause at key moments to discuss: "How does this emotion look in the body?"
Emphasize that all emotions are okay, but our actions are what we manage.
3. Charades Canyon: Emotion Cards
10 MINS
Hand out the Emotion Action Cards .
Pairs: One "acts" the card without sound; the other "scouts" (guesses).
After a correct guess, the scout shares: "I felt that way when..."
4. Summit Circle: Group Discussion
10 MINS
"When the feeling is big, how do we keep from getting blown away?"
Use the Heart Explorer Guide to facilitate.
Brainstorm "Cool-Down Kits": Deep breathing, counting to 10, or "Take 5" (tracing fingers).
5. Reflection Ridge: Closure
5 MINS
Ask students to record their "Survival Skill"—one new strategy they will use next time they feel a big emotion.
Feeling Trek Slides Feeling Trek
Big Emotions Adventure • 5th Grade
Our Route
01 Base Camp (Check-In)
02 Insight Trail (Video)
03 Charades Canyon (Game)
04 Summit Circle (Talk)
05 Reflection Ridge (Exit)
Base Camp
What are "Big Emotions"?
Like a Tsunami
Like a Volcano
Like a Cyclone
"What is a big feeling you've had recently?"
Insight Trail
Watch & Listen
The Difference Between Emotions & Feelings
Video Link: jgateways.lennylearning.org/view/the-difference-between-emotions-feelings
Play Expedition Video
Charades Canyon
1
One partner picks a card and acts it out without any sounds!
2
The other partner guesses the emotion.
3
Switch! Then share: "I felt that way when..."
Sadness
Example Card
Summit Circle
Question #1
What are some big emotions you have experienced recently?
Question #2
What are some strategies you can use to manage them?
Pack Your Survival Skill
Before you head home, write down ONE strategy you learned today that will help you when your feelings get "big."
Deep Breathing
Count to 10
Take 5 Trace
Heart Explorer Guide Heart Explorer Guide
Summit Circle Logbook
Explorer Name
Use this guide to record your thoughts during our "Summit Circle" group discussion. Every explorer's journey is different!
1
What are some big emotions you have experienced recently?
Think about situations at school, home, or with friends that made you feel really "loud" feelings.
2
How do you usually react when you feel overwhelmed?
What does your body do? Do you want to shout, run away, or stay quiet? Is that reaction helpful?
3
What are some strategies you can use to manage big emotions?
Think of 3 "survival tools" you can keep in your emotional backpack (like deep breaths or counting).
Tool #1
Tool #2
Tool #3
Emotion Action Cards Emotion Action Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these for the Charades Canyon activity!
Happiness
"Wide smile, glowing energy!"
Sadness
"Heavy shoulders, slow movement."
Anger
"Tight fists, stomping feet!"
Fear
"Trembling, wide eyes, backing up."
Surprise
"Gasp, hands to face, big jumps!"
Disgust
"Wrinkled nose, tongue out, 'Yuck!'"
Pro Tip for Explorers
Don't use words or sounds! Try to show the emotion using only your body and face.
