Feelings in Motion Lesson Plan Feelings in Motion
Mind-Body Blueprint: Lesson Plan 01
Time 20 MIN
Audience
7th Grade Students
Objective
Identify and articulate physical sensations experienced during moments of stress.
Materials
Video: Understanding Your Emotions
Sensation Signals Slides
Sensation Signals Worksheet
Discussion Guide
The "Why"
Students will explore the connection between physical sensations and emotions, particularly during moments of heightened stress. By understanding these sensations, students can better manage their emotional responses. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional awareness and promoting healthy coping strategies.
Instructional Sequence
02 MIN
Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic of emotions and physical sensations.
Explain the importance of recognizing physical signs of stress as "early warning signals."
03 MIN
Video Viewing
Show the video Understanding Your Emotions . Ask students to pay close attention to any mention of how the body reacts to feelings.
10 MIN
Guided Discussion
Facilitate a conversation using the Discussion Guide. Encourage sharing of personal experiences with physical sensations like racing hearts or "butterflies."
03 MIN
Reflection Activity
Students complete the "Sensation Signals" worksheet. Collect responses to identify common class trends in stress responses.
02 MIN
Closure
Summarize key takeaways. Challenge students to "scan" their bodies for sensations twice a day this coming week.
Feelings in Motion Slides Mind-Body Blueprint
Feelings
in Motion
Connecting Physical Sensations to Emotions
System Check: Active
The Early Warning System
Before your brain even names a feeling, your body is already reacting.
"How does your body tell you that you're stressed before you even realize it yourself?"
Observation Mode
Understanding Your Emotions
Watch for the specific physical changes mentioned during moments of high stress.
Open Video Link
Notice: What happens to the heart, breathing, and muscles?
Common Stress Signals
Racing Heart
Blood pumping faster to prepare for action.
Shallow Breaths
Quick, short breaths in the upper chest.
Tense Muscles
Shoulders creeping up toward your ears.
Which of these do you feel first?
Sensations are Signals
This week, try to catch your sensations as they happen . If you feel your heart racing, stop and ask:
Sensation Signals Worksheet Sensation Signals
Mind-Body Blueprint: Reflection Activity
Name: ________________________________
Date: _________________________________
1. THE SCAN
Think about the last time you felt really stressed or anxious (maybe before a test, a game, or a big presentation). What did your body do?
Racing or pounding heart
Tightness in chest
Sweaty palms / cold hands
"Butterflies" in stomach
Tense shoulders / neck
Shaky hands or legs
Write down ONE specific sensation you notice most often:
2. SYSTEM RESET
When you notice this sensation happening in the future, what is one thing you could do to address it right then? (Example: Take three slow breaths, stretch your shoulders, or get a drink of water.)
How does recognizing this signal before you get overwhelmed help you?
Pro Tip: Your body is a sensor. Trust the data it sends you!
Sensation Signals Discussion Guide Teacher Resource
Physical Sensations & Emotions
Discussion Facilitation Guide
This discussion will help students articulate their understanding of the connection between physical sensations and emotions, particularly during stress. Use these prompts to bridge the gap between biological reactions and emotional awareness.
1
What physical sensations do you notice when you feel stressed?
Facilitation Tips:
Encourage students to think about common sensations like a racing heart, sweaty palms, or tense muscles.
If students are hesitant, share a common adult experience (e.g., "When I'm stressed, my shoulders move up toward my ears like I'm wearing them as earrings").
Validate that everyone's "signature sensation" might be different.
2
How do these sensations help you understand your emotions?
Facilitation Tips:
Guide students to consider how physical sensations can be signals of emotional states.
Ask: "If your heart starts racing, is it always stress? Or could it be excitement? How do you know the difference?"
Discuss the concept of the body as a "dashboard" with warning lights.
3
Can you think of a time when recognizing these sensations helped you manage your stress?
Facilitation Tips:
Prompt students to share personal stories or hypothetical scenarios where awareness of physical sensations was beneficial.
Focus on the choice that follows awareness (e.g., "I felt my hands shaking, so I decided to take a deep breath before I spoke").
Emphasize that catching the sensation early prevents "emotional explosions."
Objective Check: Can students name 3 body signals for stress?
