Big Emotions Lesson Plan Managing Big Emotions
Lesson Plan • 2nd Grade
20 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand why they lose control of their emotions (the "flipped lid" concept) and learn practical self-regulation strategies to manage big feelings.
Materials
Brain Explorer Slides
Post-it notes & Markers
Video: Why Do We Lose Control?
Emotion Reflection Sheet
Why This Matters
Equipping young learners with emotional regulation skills fosters a positive classroom environment. By understanding the brain's "upstairs" and "downstairs," students gain a concrete way to talk about and manage their reactions to stress and excitement.
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction
2 mins
Greet students and introduce the topic. Explain that today we are becoming "Brain Explorers" to understand big emotions like anger, sadness, and even super-high excitement.
2
Video Viewing
7 mins
Show the video "Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?" . Ask students to look for the two parts of the brain mentioned and what happens when they stop working together.
3
Discussion
5 mins
Use the provided Discussion Questions to reflect on the video. Focus on the "upstairs" vs. "downstairs" brain and personal experiences with big feelings.
4
Experiential Activity
5 mins
Hand out Post-its. Students draw/write one big emotion and one strategy (e.g., breathing, counting) to manage it. Pair and share with a partner.
5
Closure
1 min
Summarize: "Big feelings are okay! We just need our upstairs brain to stay connected." Encourage using one strategy today.
Brain Explorer Slides Brain Explorers
Managing Our Big Emotions
Grade 2 • Social-Emotional Learning
What are Big Emotions?
Hot Feelings
Anger, Frustration, Out-of-control Excitement
Heavy Feelings
Sadness, Loneliness, Worry
"All feelings are okay! It's what we DO with them that matters."
Time to Explore!
Why Do We Lose Control?
Watch & Learn
Embedded media
The Brain House
UPSTAIRS
"The Thinking Brain"
Problem Solving
Staying Calm
Thinking First
DOWNSTAIRS
"The Feeling Brain"
Reacts Quickly
Keeps Us Safe
Big, Fast Emotions
When we get TOO upset, we "Flip Our Lid"!
My Cool Down Tools
Deep Breaths
Smell the flower, blow out the candle.
Count to 10
Give your upstairs brain time to reconnect.
Take a Break
Go to a quiet spot or take a walk.
Big Emotions Discussion Guide Discussion Questions
Use these prompts to guide students through a reflection on the "Brain Explorer" video and their own emotional experiences.
1 What did you learn from the video about why we lose control of our emotions?
Facilitation Tip
Encourage students to mention the "upstairs" and "downstairs" brain. Ask: "What happens to the stairs connecting the two when we get really upset?"
Teacher notes space...
2 Can you share a time when you felt a big emotion? How did you handle it?
Facilitation Tip
Normalize all feelings. Remind them that even "good" emotions like excitement can be "big." Ask: "Did your brain house feel connected or disconnected?"
Teacher notes space...
3 What are some strategies mentioned in the video to help manage big emotions?
Facilitation Tip
Guide students to recall specific strategies like deep breathing , counting to ten , and taking a break .
Teacher notes space...
Emotion Explorer Worksheet Emotion Explorer
My Brain Reflection Sheet
NAME:
DATE:
A Big Feeling
Draw a picture of a big emotion you have felt recently. What did your face and body look like?
The emotion was...
My Brain Tool
Draw or write one strategy you can use to help your upstairs brain reconnect!
When I feel big emotions, I will...
I am a Brain Explorer!
