Emotion Explorers Teacher Guide
Emotion Explorers
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Tier 1 • Grade 1
Time
15 Minutes
Approach
Interactive Discussion & Hands-on Practice
Objective
Identify 4 core emotions and practice 2 coping strategies.
Why It Matters
Understanding and naming emotions builds self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. These foundational skills help first graders communicate feelings and support a positive classroom climate.
Preparation Checklist
-
Print and cut out the Emotion Flashcards.
-
Display the Coping Strategies Poster at eye-level.
-
Copy the Feelings Chart Worksheet for each student.
-
Review key discussion questions below.
The Exploration Route
1. Welcome & Check-In
2 min
• Gather students in a circle. Ask: “How is everyone feeling today?” Invite 2–3 volunteers to share.
• Introduce the goal: “Today we are Emotion Explorers—let’s learn about our feelings!”
2. Identify Emotions
5 min
• Show each Emotion Flashcard one at a time.
• Ask: “What emotion is this? How can you tell?”
• Have students mimic the facial expression and name the emotion aloud.
• Jot down students’ observations on the board (e.g., "smiling lips," "frowning brow").
3. Feelings Chart Activity
4 min
• Distribute the Feelings Chart Worksheet.
• Ask students to circle the face that matches how they feel right now.
• Invite a few students to explain why they chose that emotion to a neighbor or the class.
4. Coping Strategies Intro
3 min
• Point to the Coping Strategies Poster.
• Explain two simple strategies: Deep Breathing and Counting to Five.
• Model one round of deep breathing: Inhale for 4, hold 2, exhale 4. Lead the class in practicing this together.
5. Closing & Reflection
1 min
• Ask: “Which coping strategy will you try next time you feel a big emotion?”
• Praise everyone for being official Emotion Explorers!
Emotion Explorers Slides Presentation
Social Emotional Skills
EMOTION EXPLORERS
Welcome, young explorers! Today we’ll learn about four common feelings and discover ways to keep our hearts calm.
Session 1
Grade 1
Identifying Emotions
Look at each card and name the feeling you see:
🙂 Happy
🙁 Sad
😠 Angry
😨 Scared
How Are You Feeling?
On your worksheet, circle the face that shows how you feel right now.
Then, share with a friend why you chose that emotion!
Worksheet Time
Helper Tools
1
Deep Breathing
Put a hand on your belly. Breathe in slow... hold... breathe out slow.
Inhale 4 Hold 2 Exhale 4
2
Slow Counting
When big feelings arrive, try counting slowly to five.
1 2 3 4 5
Great Job, Explorers!
Which strategy will you use next time you have a big feeling?
Share your idea and let’s give ourselves a round of applause!
Official Emotion Explorer
Feelings Chart Worksheet
Emotion Explorers
Field Log: Feelings Chart
Name:
Date:
1
How are you feeling right now?
🙂
Happy
🙁
Sad
😠
Angry
😨
Scared
Circle the face that matches your feeling!
2
Draw Your Feeling
Show us what happened or how you looked! Where were you?
3
Talk or Write About It
What did you do (or could you do) to help yourself feel better?
Keep exploring your feelings, Explorer!
Emotion Flashcards Activity
Emotion Flashcards
Print this page on cardstock if possible. Cut along the dotted lines to create your exploration cards!
🙂
Happy
🙁
Sad
😠
Angry
😨
Scared
Emotion Explorers • Flashcard Set
© Emotion Explorers Curriculum