Detective Role Play Teacher Guide Top Secret
Detective Case File
Subject: Feelings Identification • Case #001-SEL
Target Audience
1st Grade Class
Mission Duration
35 Minutes
Approach
Interactive Role-Play
Mission Objective
Students will engage in detective activities to identify emotions, fostering coping skills and empathy through interactive role-play and fun games.
Preparation
Review the Detective Role Play material and ensure you understand the sequence of activities.
Prepare the Emotion Clues Presentation slides with clear, visual emotion clues for discussion.
Test the Emotion Detective Game to ensure it functions correctly for the classroom activity.
Arrange the classroom space to allow for movement and role-playing.
Mission Timeline
1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 MIN
Begin with a brief discussion on feelings and why understanding our emotions is essential.
Show a few slides from the Emotion Clues Presentation to trigger interest and discussion.
2
Detective Role Play Activity
15 MIN
Divide the class into small groups and explain that they are 'Feelings Detectives' on a mission to uncover hidden emotions.
Assign roles: Detective (finds the clues), Witness (explains what happened), Narrator (describes the scene).
Encourage students to articulate how they think each character might feel and why.
3
Emotion Detective Game
7 MIN
Transition to solving clues related to emotions using scenarios on cards or screens.
Reinforce coping skills: Ask "How might you respond if you or a friend felt that way?"
Fin
Wrap-Up and Reflection
3 MIN
Summarize key feelings and coping strategies. Ask students to share one new thing they learned. Congratulate the class on becoming expert Feelings Detectives!
End of Briefing • Case #001-SEL • Feelings Detective Lesson Plan
Emotion Clues Presentation Slides Welcome to
Emotion Clues
Today, we are going to discover different feelings. Put on your detective hats and get ready to explore!
Teacher Notes:
Introduce the lesson and set the tone. Explain that we will be detectives identifying different feelings with clues.
Clue #1
Happy
Imagine when you smile, laugh, or play with your friends. That is Happy!
Mission Question:
What makes you happy?
Teacher Notes:
Discuss the first emotion. Keep the language simple and relatable, using stories or everyday examples.
Clue #2
Sad
Sometimes, we might feel blue when things don’t go our way. That is Sad.
Mission Question:
Has there ever been a time you felt sad?
Teacher Notes:
Explain a scenario depicting sadness, encouraging students to share their own experiences briefly.
Clue #3
Surprised
When something unexpected happens, like a fun party, we feel Surprised!
Mission Question:
Can you share a time you were surprised?
Teacher Notes:
Initiate discussion about surprise and curiosity. Ask the students if they've ever felt surprised and what they did.
Emotion Detective Game Overview Active Mission CODE: EMOTION-01
Emotion Detective Game
Work together to solve the mystery of how others feel!
How the Game Works
1
Introduction
You are now emotion detectives! Each clue is a piece of the puzzle. Look for clues in stories, pictures, or situations to uncover the mystery emotion.
2
Game Play
Clue Presentation: Listen to a scenario. Example: "A friend loses a small toy or is left out of a game." Group Discussion: Discuss with your team. How might the person feel? Why?Sharing: Share your answer. The teacher will list the different feelings we find!
3
Teamwork & Reflection
Rotate roles like Spokesperson or Clue-Finder . Remember: every feeling is important and helps us understand each other better!
Learning Goals
• Identify and name feelings
• Practice helpful coping skills
• Build social skills through teamwork
Mission Materials
• Emotion Detective Clue Cards
• Space for team huddles
• Classroom board for findings
Detective Field Notes
1. What was one "mystery feeling" we solved today?
2. What can a detective do to help a friend who feels that way?
Final Mission Reflection
How did being a "Feelings Detective" help you understand your own feelings better today?
Every feeling counts! Mission Complete.
Clue Cards Printable Emotion Clue Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. Use these scenarios for the Emotion Detective Game .
Case File #01
The Missing Toy
"Sam brought his favorite robot to school, but now he can't find it anywhere in his backpack."
Mystery Emotion:
SAD / WORRIED
Case File #02
The Surprise Guest
"Maya's grandma walked into the classroom to read a story, and Maya didn't know she was coming!"
Mystery Emotion:
SURPRISED / HAPPY
Case File #03
The Broken Tower
"Leo spent a long time building a tall block tower, but then someone ran past and knocked it over."
Mystery Emotion:
ANGRY / UPSET
Case File #04
The New Skill
"Elena finally learned how to tie her shoes all by herself after practicing for a whole week!"
Mystery Emotion:
PROUD / HAPPY
Case File #05
The Rain Out
"The class was ready for recess, but then it started to rain and they had to stay inside."
Mystery Emotion:
DISAPPOINTED
Case File #06
The Kind Note
"A friend left a nice drawing on Oliver's desk that said 'You are a good friend!'"
Mystery Emotion:
LOVED / HAPPY
Role Play Mission Scenarios Mission: Role Play
Confidential Scenarios for Group Investigation
Role 1
The Detective
Asks the questions to find out how people feel.
Role 2
The Witness
Acts out the story and shows their feelings.
Role 3
The Reporter
Tells the class what the mystery feeling was.
Scenario A
The New Lunchbox
The Story: A student brings a brand new lunchbox to school with their favorite characters on it. They can't wait to show their friends at lunchtime!
Detective Prompt: "How do you feel about your new lunchbox today?"
Witness Action: Smile big and hold your lunchbox proudly.
Scenario B
The Rain Delay
The Story: It's time for recess, but the teacher says it's raining too hard. Everyone has to stay inside for "Quiet Reading" instead of playing tag outside.
Detective Prompt: "I saw you looking at the rain. What are you thinking?"
Witness Action: Sigh deeply and rest your head on your hand.
Scenario C
The Mystery Present
The Story: It's your birthday! Your teacher hands you a wrapped gift from the whole class. You didn't expect a present at school!
Detective Prompt: "Wow! What do you think is inside that box?"
Witness Action: Eyes wide, mouth open in an "O" shape.
Facilitation Notes
Give each group one scenario. Give them 3 minutes to practice. Then, have each group "perform" their scene for 1 minute while the rest of the class (the Junior Detectives) tries to guess the mystery feeling!
