Emotion Commotion Lesson Plan Emotion Commotion Control
Navigating Big Feelings with The Resilience Radar
7TH GRADE • TIER 2
Duration
30 Minutes
Group Size
Small Group
Approach
Interactive
Why This Matters
Learning to manage big emotions is crucial for navigating daily challenges, building strong relationships, and promoting overall well-being. This lesson equips students with tools to respond constructively to intense feelings rather than reacting impulsively.
Teacher Prep
• Review Slide Deck content
• Print & cut Scenario Cards
• Print Toolkit Worksheets for all
• Gather markers/colored pencils
Lesson Objective
Students will identify "big emotions" and learn practical, safe strategies to manage them, fostering emotional resilience and personal control.
Instructional Steps
1
5 MIN
Warm-Up: Emotion Check-In
Begin with a quick 'Emotion Check-In.' Ask students: "On a scale of 1-5 (1 being totally calm, 5 being super hyped or stressed), how are you feeling right now?"
Encourage a few students to briefly share *why* they feel that way, without judgment. This sets a tone for open discussion about emotions.
2
5 MIN
Introduction: What Are "Big" Emotions?
Use the Slide Deck (Slides 1-3) to introduce the concept. Facilitate a discussion: "What are some big emotions you've felt recently? Why are they called 'big'?"
Explain that these feelings are normal but need a "radar" to track and manage.
3
10 MIN
Activity: Emotion Commotion Scenarios
Divide students into groups of 2-3.
Provide Scenario Cards. Groups discuss: "What is the big emotion here? What are 2-3 safe ways to manage it?"
Circulate and prompt deeper thinking. Share one group response with the whole class.
4
7 MIN
Building Our Calm Corner Toolkit
Use Slides 4-5 and the Toolkit Worksheet.
Guide students to brainstorm personal coping strategies in different categories: Breathe, Move, Create, and Reach Out. Encourage decoration!
5
3 MIN
Cool Down: Reflection
Use Slide 6 and the Exit Ticket.
Ask students to share one new strategy. Emphasize that managing emotions is a skill that gets better with practice.
Emotion Commotion Slides Resilience Radar
EMOTION
COMMOTION
Navigating Your Big Feelings Safely and Effectively
What Are 'Big' Emotions?
💥
Feelings that are strong and intense
🌊
Can feel overwhelming or "too much"
🌍
Everyone experiences them!
Why Do We Have Them?
🧬
Human Nature
They are a natural and healthy part of being human.
📡
Information
They give us important info about our surroundings.
🚨
Attention
They tell us when something needs our attention.
The Calm Corner Toolkit
1
A collection of strategies to manage intensity.
2
Personalized to work best for YOU!
3
Your personal "Emotional First Aid Kit".
Building Your Toolkit!
THINK
What actually helps you feel calm or re-centered?
BRAINSTORM
Think of many different options for different moods.
CUSTOMIZE
Add drawings or colors to make it your own.
OWN IT
There's no right or wrong—only what works for you.
Emotional Superpower
What is one new strategy you learned today?
How will you use your Toolkit this week?
Managing emotions is a skill that grows stronger with practice!
Emotion Scenario Cards Activity EMOTION COMMOTION
Scenario Challenge: What's the Move?
Group Activity
Instructions:
Read each scenario with your group. Identify the "Big Emotions" and brainstorm 2-3 safe, effective strategies to manage the situation.
#1
Group Project Gone Wrong
You've worked hard on a group project, but teammates haven't done their part. The deadline is tomorrow. Your face is getting hot and your heart is racing.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#2
The Embarrassing Moment
You tripped and spilled your lunch tray in front of everyone. A few people laughed. You just want to disappear right now.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#3
Feeling Left Out
Your best friend is spending all their time with a new group and making plans without you. It makes your stomach hurt.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#4
The Unfair Accusation
A teacher accused you of talking during a test when you were clearing your throat. Now you have detention. There's a huge knot in your chest.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#5
Homework Overload
Three assignments due tomorrow, a test, and soccer practice. You look at your to-do list and feel a wave of panic wash over you.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#6
Unexpected Excitement
Your favorite band is coming to town! Tickets go on sale tomorrow. You're so excited you can barely sit still or focus.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#7
The Hallway Tension
A classmate gives you dirty looks, and you hear rumors they want to fight after school. You feel angry, nervous, and scared.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
#8
Digital Drama
Someone posted images of you with mean, untrue captions on Snapchat. Friends are asking about it. You feel humiliated.
Big Emotion(s)
Safe Strategies
Calm Corner Toolkit Worksheet My Calm Corner Toolkit
Personal Strategies for Big Emotions
Level 7 Resilience
Sometimes emotions feel like a storm! Your toolkit is a collection of "anchors" to help you stay steady. Brainstorm and write down strategies that actually work for you.
Student Name
Date
Breathe & Relax
Breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.
Move Your Body
Release energy and clear your head.
Creative Outlets
Express feelings or distract yourself positively.
Reach Out
Who can you talk to or where can you go?
My TOP 3 Favorites
If you only had time for three, which ones are your power moves?
Use colors, drawings, or symbols to make this toolkit truly yours!
Emotion Cool Down Reflection COOL DOWN CHECK-IN
My Emotional Superpower
1
New Power Strategy
What is ONE new strategy from your toolkit that you are excited to try or think will be helpful?
2
Why the Variety?
Why do you think it's important to have different strategies for different emotions?
3
Confidence Scale
How confident do you feel in using your radar to track big emotions this week? (1 = Just Starting, 5 = Control Master)
1
Just Starting
2
3
4
5
Control Master
Name: ____________________
