Feelings and Me Lesson Plan Feelings & Me
Lesson Plan
"Understanding and naming emotions is a fundamental life skill that helps students navigate their inner world, communicate effectively, and build healthy relationships."
Time
30 Minutes
Audience
5th Grade
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify and name common emotions, understand that feelings can change, and begin to connect emotions to personal experiences.
Approach
Through discussion, a short video, and a reflective activity, students will explore various emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Teacher Preparation
Review the Feelings & Me Script and all linked materials.
Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the Feelings & Me Slides .
Print copies of the Warm-Up Check-In and My Emotion Reflection Journal for each student.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Warm-Up: How Are We Feeling?
5 mins
Begin with a quick check-in using Slide 2 of the presentation. Ask students to share one word that describes how they are feeling and why.
Material: Slide Deck (Slide 2), Warm-Up Worksheet
2
Introducing Emotions: It's Okay to Feel
5 mins
Use Slide 3 to introduce the concept that all emotions are valid. Facilitate a brief discussion using script prompts about why we experience feelings.
Material: Slide Deck (Slide 3), Script
3
Emotion Exploration: Video & Discussion
8 mins
Show the embedded YouTube video on Slide 4. Lead a discussion identifying emotions shown and how characters expressed them physically.
Material: Slide Deck (Slide 4), Script
4
Activity: Emotion Charades
7 mins
Explain the rules of charades. Divide students into groups or use volunteers. Discuss how different emotions look and feel non-verbally.
Material: Emotion Charades Activity Sheet
5
Cool-Down: My Emotion Reflection
5 mins
Distribute the reflection journal. Students write or draw about a recent emotion. Collect or allow students to keep for personal growth.
Material: My Emotion Reflection Journal
Feelings and Me Presentation Feelings & Me
Today, we're going on an adventure to explore our amazing feelings!
How Are You Feeling Today?
What's one word that describes how you feel right now?
Why do you feel that way?
Teacher Notes: Encourage brief sharing. Validate all responses as normal and okay.
It's Okay to Feel
Human Nature
All feelings are a natural part of being human.
No Good or Bad
There are no "bad" feelings, just different ones.
Notice Them
It's important to notice and understand what you're feeling.
Teacher Notes: Use examples like excitement for a trip vs disappointment when plans change.
Emotion Exploration: Watch & Learn
Embedded media
"Let's watch a short video to see how different emotions play out in everyday life."
Activity: Emotion Charades!
1
One person acts out an emotion using only their face and body.
2
Others guess what emotion it is. No talking allowed when acting!
3
Respect each other's expressions and have fun!
Time to Play!
Reflect and Connect
"Now, let's take a moment to think about our own feelings."
What emotions have you felt recently?
Why did you feel that way?
How do your feelings connect to what's happening around you?
Use your Emotion Reflection Journal to record your thoughts.
Feelings and Me Script Feelings & Me: Teacher Script
Instructional facilitation guide for a 30-minute session
Internal Document
Warm-Up: How Are We Feeling?
5 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 2
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to 'Feelings & Me.' Today, we're going to talk all about our emotions. It’s a super important topic because understanding our feelings helps us understand ourselves and others better."
"To start, I want everyone to take a moment and think: What's one word that describes how you are feeling right now? You don't have to share if you don't want to, but if you're comfortable, I'd love to hear some of your words and perhaps why you feel that way."
Allow a few students to share. Validate all responses. "Thank you for sharing that. It takes courage to talk about our feelings."
Introducing Emotions: It's Okay to Feel
5 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 3
"That was a great way to check in with ourselves. Now, let's look at our next slide. It says, 'It's Okay to Feel.'"
"How many of you have ever heard someone say, 'Don't be sad,' or 'Why are you so angry?' Sometimes, people think certain feelings are 'bad' and should be hidden. But here's an important truth: all feelings are a natural part of being human."
"Think about it: have you ever felt super excited for a birthday party? Or maybe a little disappointed when a plan changed? Those are all feelings! They tell us important things about what's happening to us and around us."
"Can anyone give an example of a time they felt a strong emotion and what happened?"
Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share experiences without judgment.
Emotion Exploration: Video & Discussion
8 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 4 & PLAY VIDEO
"Great sharing, everyone. Now, we're going to watch a short video that explores different emotions. As you watch, pay close attention to the characters and try to identify what they are feeling and how you know."
--- Play Video ---
"Wow, that video showed us a lot about feelings! Let's talk about it."
What emotions did you notice the characters experiencing?
How did you know what they were feeling? What clues did their faces or bodies give?
Can you think of a time when you felt an emotion similar to one you saw?
Activity: Emotion Charades
7 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 5
"Now for some fun! We're going to play 'Emotion Charades.' One person will get an emotion word and will act it out using *only* their face and body. No talking! The rest of us will try to guess what emotion they are showing."
Feeling Check In Worksheet Name:
Date:
Feelings & Me
Warm-Up Check-In
How Are You Feeling Today?
Take a moment to check in with yourself. Think about how you are feeling right now, in this very moment. There are no right or wrong answers!
1. My feeling word today is:
Examples: happy, tired, excited, calm, curious, worried...
2. I feel this way because:
Did you know?
Simply naming your feeling is a powerful step toward understanding yourself. It's like giving your brain a map for how you're feeling!
Emotion Charades Activity Emotion Charades
Class Activity
Goal: Recognize non-verbal cues
Time: 7-10 Minutes
How to Play
1
Pick an Actor: One student or group chooses a secret emotion card.
2
Act It Out: Without speaking, use only facial expressions and body language to show the emotion.
3
Guess: The audience guesses the emotion. Discuss what clues gave it away.
Emotion Cards
Happy
Sad
Angry
Surprised
Scared
Confused
Excited
Bored
Proud
Shy
Frustrated
Curious
Challenge Rounds!
Two emotions at once!
Act in slow motion.
Act like a robot.
No moving feet allowed!
Emotion Reflection Journal Student Name:
Date:
Reflection Journal
Reflecting on My Feelings
Take a moment to think about your day or something that has happened recently. What is one strong emotion you felt?
1. What emotion did you feel?
Happy Sad Angry Excited Calm Worried Frustrated Curious
My Emotion:
2. When did you feel this?
Describe the situation or what happened.
3. What made you feel this way?
Think about why this situation triggered that emotion for you.
4. How did this emotion affect your body or actions?
Example: heart beating fast, wanting to hide, wanting to shout...
5. Future Action
What is one thing you can do when you feel this emotion in the future?
Sketch Your Feeling