Emotion Toolkit Lesson Plan Emotion Regulation Rx
Instructional Facilitation Guide
Tier 3 Intervention
8th Grade Student
Time
40 Minutes
Objective
Identify emotions and develop a personalized DBT-informed 'prescription' for regulation.
Prep
10 mins: Review slides, print Prescription & Journal materials.
The "Why"
"Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for overall well-being. This lesson empowers students with practical strategies to navigate challenging feelings, leading to improved emotional health and resilience."
Required Materials
Managing Your Moods Slides
Emotion Prescription Project
Tracking Emotional Health Journal
Instructional Sequence
5m
Introduction & Emotion Check-in
Welcome the student and explain the session's focus: building a personal toolkit for emotional regulation.
Identify one recent emotion and its trigger using the first slide of the deck.
10m
Understanding Emotion Regulation
Guide student through core DBT skills (Observation, Opposite Action, Distress Tolerance).
Discussion Prompt: "How do you currently handle strong emotions? What are some healthy ways people cope?"
15m
Building Your Emotion Rx
Brainstorm 2-3 challenging emotions (anger, anxiety, etc.).
Select specific skills for each that feel realistic and helpful.
Document choices on the Prescription template.
8m
Practicing & Tracking
Introduce the Tracking Journal. Model filling out an entry (Emotion → Skill → Outcome).
Discuss practical application: "When will you use this prescription today?"
2m
Wrap-up & Goal Setting
Set a goal: Try one specific skill before the next session.
Coach's Coaching Tip
Ensure the student understands that regulation isn't about *stopping* feelings, but about *responding* to them. Validate all emotions as natural signals while identifying specific behaviors they want to change.
Managing Your Moods Slides Emotional Wellness Lab
Welcome to Your
Emotion Toolkit
Ever feel overwhelmed by emotions? You're not alone. Today, we're building your personal plan to understand and manage your feelings like a pro.
Instructional Slide 01
What's an Emotion?
Emotions are signals! They tell us important things about ourselves and our world.
😢 Sadness
😡 Anger
😊 Joy
😨 Fear
"Check-in Time"
What's an emotion you've felt recently?
What is Emotion Regulation?
It's like being the boss of your own feelings!
1
Understanding
Recognizing what you are feeling when it starts.
2
Responding
Learning ways to react effectively, especially when feelings get intense.
Management
It's NOT about stopping feelings. It's about how you handle them.
Skill #1: Mindfulness
Observe Your Emotions
Notice the Body
Tight stomach, fast heart, or relaxed shoulders?
Notice the Thoughts
What stories is your brain telling right now?
Pro Tip: Don't try to change it right away. Observe it like watching a cloud float by.
"When I'm anxious, my stomach feels fluttery."
Skill #2: Strategy
Opposite Action
When your emotion wants you to do one thing, try the opposite! This works best when an emotion is leading to unhelpful behavior.
😔
Emotion: Sadness
Urge: Withdraw & isolate
👉 Action: Call a friend
🔥
Emotion: Anger
Urge: Lash out & yell
👉 Action: Take deep breaths
Skill #3: Quick Calm
Distress Tolerance
"Emotional First Aid" for when things are intense.
Ice Surprise
Holding an ice cube to your face can "reset" your system.
Quick Burst
30 seconds of jumping jacks or running in place.
4-4-6 Breath
In for 4, hold for 4, out for 6. Repeat 3 times.
Time to Create Your Guide!
We've learned the skills. Now, let's build Your Personalized Emotion Prescription.
Project Mode
Ready to Start
My Emotion Regulation Prescription Project Emotion Regulation Rx
Personal Wellness Formulation
Form ID
DBT-8-SKILLS
Student Name
Date Issued
Dispensing Instructions
This is your personalized plan for managing emotions. Just as a physician provides a prescription for physical health, you are creating one for your emotional well-being. Identify target emotions and select specific "doses" of coping skills.
Rx 01
Target Emotion:
Symptoms (Body Sensations & Thoughts)
Prescribed Skill & Method of Application
Rx 02
Target Emotion:
Symptoms (Body Sensations & Thoughts)
Prescribed Skill & Method of Application
Rx 03
Optional Entry:
Coach Authorization Signature
This document is a personalized wellness tool and is not a medical prescription.
Rx Certified
Tracking My Emotional Health Journal Tracking My Emotional Health
A daily log for self-observation and skill mastery.
Name:
Period:
Field Notes Instructions
Use this journal whenever you feel a strong emotion or after you try a coping skill. Honesty is key—this tool is for your growth. Notice the pattern: Trigger → Emotion → Skill → Outcome.
Journal Entry #01
Date & Time: ________________
1. The Emotion & Intensity
1-3 4-6 7-10
2. The Trigger (What happened before?)
3. Skill Applied (Which "Rx" did you use?)
4. Outcome & Reflection (How did you feel after? What did you learn?)
Journal Entry #02
Date & Time: ________________
1. The Emotion & Intensity
1-3 4-6 7-10
2. The Trigger
Observe
Practice
Grow
