Cool Calm Collected Lesson Plan Cool, Calm, Collected
Emotion Regulation • 6th Grade • Tier 2 Group
Duration 30 min
Objective
Students will learn to recognize and label their emotions and practice three regulation strategies—deep breathing, positive self-talk, and taking a break—in structured activities. By the end, they'll demonstrate these strategies through role-play and reflection.
Why This Matters
Emotion regulation supports students' social interactions, reduces classroom disruptions, and builds self-awareness. Teaching these strategies in small groups provides targeted support, helping students manage stress and emotions more effectively.
Preparation
• Print/cut Emotion Flashcards & Scenario Cards .
• Laminate Regulation Checklist & Thermometer Poster .
• Make copies of Self-Reflection Worksheet for each student.
• Set up Classroom Timer.
Materials Needed
Emotion Flashcards
Scenario Role-Play Cards
Regulation Checklist
Thermometer Poster
Self-Reflection Worksheet
Classroom Timer
Lesson Procedure
5 min
Introduction
Greet the group and explain the session’s objective: learning to regulate emotions.
Display the Emotion Thermometer Poster and discuss why identifying feelings matters.
Use the Classroom Timer to keep transitions on track.
7 min
Emotion Identification Activity
Distribute Emotion Flashcards to students.
Show each card; have students name the emotion and point to its level on the Emotion Thermometer Poster .
Ask volunteers to share a time they felt that emotion.
8 min
Teach Regulation Strategies
Introduce three strategies: deep breathing, positive self-talk, and taking a break.
Model each strategy and have students practice once together.
Present the Regulation Strategy Checklist and explain how to use it when they feel upset.
7 min
Guided Practice: Role-Play
Split students into pairs and give each a set of Scenario Role-Play Cards .
Students take turns reading their scenario, identifying the emotion, and selecting a strategy from the checklist to role-play.
Circulate to prompt reflection: “Which strategy did you choose and why?”
3 min
Reflection & Closing
Hand out the Self-Reflection Worksheet .
Students write which strategy they’ll try next time they feel strong emotions.
Collect worksheets and remind students they can refer to the checklist and poster anytime.
Cool Calm Collected Slides Cool, Calm, & Collected
Emotion Regulation Strategies for 6th Grade
30-Minute Tier 2 Group Session
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the session. Say: “Today we’re going to learn how to be Cool, Calm, & Collected by recognizing our emotions and practicing strategies to manage them.”
Session Objectives
Recognize and label different emotions
Practice regulation strategies: deep breathing, positive self-talk, and taking a break
Role-play real-life scenarios with peers
Reflect on which strategy you’ll try next time
Teacher Notes: Read each objective aloud and briefly explain why it matters. Emphasize that these skills help them in school and life.
Understanding Emotions
Use the Emotion Thermometer to:
Identify how intense a feeling is
Notice when emotions are rising
Decide when to use a strategy
Emotion Thermometer
Teacher Notes: Show the Emotion Thermometer Poster. Explain the color zones and how emotions rise and fall like a thermometer.
Emotion Flashcards
Happy
Low Intensity
Anxious
Medium Intensity
Angry
High Intensity
Excited
Variable Intensity
Teacher Notes: Distribute the Emotion Flashcards. Display examples on the slide. Ask volunteers to name the emotion and point to its level on the thermometer.
Regulation Strategies
1. Deep Breathing
Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts
2. Positive Self-Talk
“I can handle this.” or “I am doing my best.”
3. Take a Break
Step away, calm down, then return
Teacher Notes: Demonstrate each strategy once. Lead the group in a brief deep-breathing exercise, then have them practice positive self-talk and taking a break.
Guided Practice: Role-Play
Pair up and pick a Scenario Card
Read aloud & name the emotion
Choose and role-play a strategy
Discuss:
“Which strategy did you choose and why?”
Emotion Identification Activity Sheet Emotion Identification
Activity Guide • Part 1
Time
7 Minutes
Objective: Practice recognizing and labeling a range of emotions and gauging their intensity using the Emotion Thermometer.
How to Participate
1
Flashcard Identification: When the teacher holds up a flashcard, identify the emotion and point to where it fits on the thermometer: low, medium, or high intensity.
2
Real-Life Connection: Think of a time you felt that emotion. What was happening? How intense was it?
Real-Life Connection Journal
Write about one emotion discussed today
The emotion was:
What was happening in that situation?
How intense was it on the thermometer? (Circle one)
LOW
GREEN
MED
YELLOW
HIGH
RED
Pair Turn-and-Talk
“Share one emotion you find tricky to identify. Why is it sometimes hard to know how strong it feels?”
Teacher Reference: precision labels, body signals, chatter breaks.
Next: Learn strategies
Role Play Activity Sheet Scenario Role-Play
Activity Guide • Part 2
Time
7 Minutes
The Mission
Identify emotions in real-life scenarios and practice applying regulation strategies with your partner.
1
READ
Read the scenario card aloud with your partner.
2
IDENTIFY
Name the emotion and find its level on the thermometer.
3
ACT
Choose a strategy from the checklist and act it out!
Pair Debrief Journal
The Emotion we identified:
The strategy we selected:
Why did we choose this strategy for this scenario?
Pro Tip: Use expressive tone and body language to make your role-play feel real!
Match the Zone: Higher intensity emotions often need "Taking a Break" or "Deep Breathing."
Next Step: Transition to Final Reflection
Self Reflection Worksheet Personal Reflection Plan
Name:
Date:
COOL, CALM, COLLECTED
1. Which regulation strategy did you practice today? (Circle one)
Deep Breathing
Positive Self-Talk
Taking a Break
2. Why did you choose this strategy?
3. Describe a situation when you will use this strategy in the future.
4. How confident do you feel about using this strategy when you’re upset? (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident)
1
2
3
4
5
5. If this strategy doesn’t help right away, what will you do next?
Keep this plan for reference. You can revisit it whenever you need support in staying Cool, Calm, & Collected!
Emotion Flashcards Reading Emotion Flashcards
Print on cardstock and cut along the dashed lines.
Happy
A feeling of joy, pleasure, or contentment.
Synonyms: Joyful, Cheerful
Sad
A feeling of unhappiness, sorrow, or disappointment.
Synonyms: Gloomy, Upset
Angry
A feeling of strong annoyance or displeasure.
Synonyms: Mad, Furious
Frustrated
When you can’t reach a goal or something blocks you.
Synonyms: Annoyed, Exasperated
Anxious
A feeling of worry or nervousness about what may happen.
Synonyms: Worried, Tense
Excited
A feeling of eager enthusiasm and lively interest.
Synonyms: Thrilled, Pumped
Scared
A feeling of fear or dread about danger or the unknown.
Synonyms: Frightened, Terrified
Proud
A feeling of satisfaction from achievements.
Synonyms: Pleased, Confident
Scenario Role Play Cards Project Scenario Role-Play Cards
Distribute one card per pair to practice regulation strategies.
Scenario 1
"You’re presenting a book report in front of the class when you realize you forgot one of your index cards and don’t remember what to say next."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 2
"You’ve been waiting all day to play basketball at recess, but when you get outside, you find your favorite ball is missing."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 3
"You get home from school and see that your little brother spilled juice all over your tablet, leaving sticky marks on the screen."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 4
"You studied hard for a math quiz, but when the teacher hands it back, you earned a lower grade than you expected."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 5
"Your friend didn’t invite you to their birthday party, and you hear them talking about it in the hallway."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 6
"It’s the morning of a big music performance, and your stomach feels like it’s tied in knots—your hands are shaking."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 7
"While working on a group project, one teammate ignores your ideas and tells you they 'already know best'."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Scenario 8
"You walk into class and notice everyone is staring at you—you tripped and dropped all your books in the hallway."
Task: Identify emotion • Choose strategy • Act it out
Regulation Strategy Checklist Worksheet Regulation Strategy Checklist
Stay Cool, Calm, & Collected
Use these strategies to calm your emotions. Check them off as you practice.
1
Deep Breathing
Find a comfortable position (sit or stand).
Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts (feel your belly expand).
Hold your breath for 2 counts .
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts (feel your belly contract).
Repeat 3–5 times until you feel calmer.
2
Positive Self-Talk
Notice the negative thought or feeling (e.g., “I can’t do this.”).
Pause and take a slow breath.
Choose a positive phrase to replace it (e.g., “I can handle this.” ).
Say the phrase silently or out loud.
Repeat until you feel more confident.
3
Taking a Break
Recognize when your emotion is getting too strong.
Ask permission to step away if you’re in class.
Move to a quiet spot (hallway, calm-down corner).
Do a calming activity (count to 10, stretch, doodle).
Return when you feel ready and try another strategy if needed.
Keep this checklist handy for quick reference!
Emotion Thermometer Poster Reading Emotion Thermometer
Stay Cool, Calm, & Collected
8-10
4-7
0-3
🔴 Red Zone (High Intensity)
Levels 8–10: Strong & Overwhelmed
Examples: Furious, Terrified, Highly Stressed.
Strategy: Take a break! Step away or ask for help.
🟡 Yellow Zone (Medium Intensity)
Levels 4–7: Bumpier Emotions
Examples: Worried, Annoyed, Eager, Discouraged.
Strategy: Try Deep Breathing or Positive Self-Talk.
🟢 Green Zone (Low Intensity)
Levels 0–3: Calm & Content
Examples: Peaceful, Focused, Happy, Relaxed.
Status: All good! Keep learning and playing.
How to Use:
Step 1
Check In
Step 2
Locate Zone
Step 3
Pick Strategy
Step 4
Reflect
