Workshop Lesson Plan
Teacher Resource
Workshop Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Objective
Build an Emotional Toolkit to empower students to identify their emotions and choose appropriate tools to manage them, fostering emotional independence.
Audience
Students in Grades 5–7 (Tier 1 Classroom Instruction).
Required Materials
Workshop Procedure
5 min
1. Introduction
- Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of understanding and managing emotions.
- Ask students: "How do you feel today and why is it important to recognize these feelings?"
10 min
Creative Phase
2. Activity: Mood Boards
- Provide blank paper, markers, and magazines (if available).
- Task: Create a mood board representing current emotions using drawings, words, or cutouts.
- Encourage creativity and authentic self-expression.
5 min
3. Activity: Journaling
- Distribute the Emotional Toolkit Components worksheet.
- Ask students to write about a recent emotional experience and how they managed it.
- Prompt: "What tools did you use or wish you had?"
5 min
4. Discussion: Identifying Emotions
- Facilitate a conversation using the provided discussion guide.
- Focus on recognizing physical sensations and behaviors associated with feelings.
- Encourage active listening and peer empathy.
5 min
5. Closure
- Reflect on what was learned about individual emotional triggers and tools.
- Encourage students to keep adding to their "kit" at home or in their lockers.
Teacher Facilitation Tips
Safety First: Remind students they only need to share what they are comfortable with. Emotions can be vulnerable.
Normalizing: Emphasize that all emotions—even "negative" ones like anger or sadness—are valid and provide useful information.
Toolkit Components Worksheet
Emotional Toolkit
Reflecting on my emotional tools & experiences
Name:
Date:
This worksheet helps you reflect on your emotional experiences and the tools you use to manage them. There are no right or wrong answers—only your authentic experience.
1
Describe a recent emotional experience you had. What emotions did you feel?
2
What tools did you use to manage your emotions during this experience?
Example: Taking deep breaths, talking to a friend, listening to music, or taking a walk.
3
List some tools you would like to add to your Emotional Toolkit.
Emotion Navigator Discussion Guide
Discussion Guide
Identifying Emotions
Group Activity
"This discussion helps students explore different emotions and how to recognize them in themselves and others. Use these prompts to facilitate a deep, empathetic conversation."
Prompt One
What are some common emotions you experience?
Facilitator Notes:
- Encourage students to think about both positive and negative emotions.
- Create a "word wall" on the board as students share (e.g., excitement, frustration, calm, anxiety).
- Ask: "Is it possible to feel two emotions at once?"
Prompt Two
How can you tell when you are feeling a certain emotion?
Facilitator Notes:
Discuss the "clues" our body and mind give us:
Physical
Racing heart, tight chest, shaky hands.
Thoughts
Spinning ideas, focus, or "blanking out."
Behaviors
Quietness, pacing, laughing, snapping.
Prompt Three
Why is it important to recognize your emotions?
Facilitator Notes:
- Awareness = Choice: Once we know what we feel, we can choose how to react.
- Relationships: Understanding our feelings helps us communicate better with others.
- Self-Care: Recognizing when we are overwhelmed allows us to use our toolkit before reaching a "boiling point."
Workshop Slides
Creative Wellness Workshop
Emotional Toolkit Workshop
Building a personal collection of tools to help you navigate your feelings with confidence and resilience.
Daily Check-In
"How do you feel today, and why is it important to recognize these feelings?"
Share Your Mood
Safety Zone
Listen to Peers
Activity One
The Mood Board
10 MIN
Use drawings, words, or magazine cutouts to represent your current internal landscape.
- No "right" way to do it
- Focus on honest expression
- Colors, shapes, and textures
Workspace Area
Activity Two
Reflective Journaling
5 MIN
"Think of a recent time you felt a strong emotion. How did you handle it?"
Toolkit Components
Fill out your worksheet to identify the tools you already have and the ones you want to add.
Think About...
Music, exercise, talking, drawing, breathing, reading, or quiet time.
Emotion Navigator
1
Common Emotions
What are the feelings we experience most often?
2
Body & Mind Clues
How do you physically feel when an emotion arrives?
3
The Power of Choice
Why does recognizing a feeling help us manage it?
Your Toolkit is
Always Growing
Reflect on one tool you'll try to use this week. Keep your toolkit worksheet in a safe place where you can find it when things get tough.
You've Got This!
