Mood Masters Lesson Plan Mood Masters
Lesson Plan
7th Grade SEL • 30 Minutes
Objective
Students will identify and label their emotions, learn three coping strategies (deep breathing, positive self-talk, taking a break), and practice expressing feelings respectfully.
Why It Matters
Building emotional awareness and regulation supports students’ well-being, reduces conflicts, and fosters a positive classroom community.
Materials
• Feelings Chart Handout
• Coping Strategies Guide
• Sharing Feelings Prompt Cards
• Index Cards & Markers
Preparation (10 mins)
Review Mood Masters Lesson Plan and Slides
Print Feelings Chart and Coping Guide for each student
Cut out Sharing Feelings Prompt Cards for activity
Arrange seating in a circle and gather index cards
Instructional Timeline
5m
Warm-Up: Emoji Check-In
Greet students and introduce today’s SEL focus: "Mood Masters."
Conduct a quick “emoji check-in”: students show their current mood with a hand gesture or quick drawing on their index card.
Display Feelings Chart Handout and briefly review common emotions: happy, sad, angry, anxious, excited.
20m
Main Activity: Identification & Regulation
Emotion Identification (5 min)
In pairs, students select an emotion from the chart and share a recent time they felt it. Emphasize that all feelings are okay.
Coping Strategies Intro (5 min)
Present Coping Strategies Guide. Discuss and model deep breathing, positive self-talk, and taking a break as tools for management.
Role-Play Practice (10 min)
Students draw a card from Sharing Feelings Prompt Cards. In pairs, they role-play expressing their feeling and using a chosen coping strategy.
5m
Cool-Down: Reflection & Exit Ticket
Group Reflection: In a circle, each student names one new strategy they’ll try when they feel a strong emotion.Exit Ticket: On an index card, students write one emotion they felt today and one strategy they’ll use in the future. Collect as they leave. Mood Masters Slides Mood Masters
Exploring and Managing Emotions
7th Grade SEL Lesson
Teacher: "Welcome Mood Masters! Today we explore our emotions and learn to manage them respectfully."
Agenda & Goals
Today's Plan
1 Emoji Check-In (Warm-Up)
2 Emotion ID & Coping Tools
3 Role-Play & Reflection
Learning Goals
Identify and label your emotions accurately
Learn three practical coping strategies
Practice sharing feelings respectfully
Common Emotions
😊
Happy
😢
Sad
😠
Angry
😰
Anxious
🤩
Excited
😮
Surprised
😨
Scared
😤
Frustrated
"All feelings are valid and okay to have."
Coping Strategies
1. Deep Breathing
Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 2, out for 6 counts. Repeat 3 times.
2. Positive Self-Talk
Replace "I can't" with "I can try." Be your own best cheerleader.
3. Taking a Break
Step away, stretch, drink water, or doodle. Give your brain a pause.
Role-Play Practice
1
Draw a card and state the emotion:"I felt angry when..."
2
Choose and demonstrate a coping strategy from your guide.
3
Switch roles! Practice sharing respectfully .
Group Reflection
Take turns naming one coping strategy you learned today and how you’ll use it when you have a strong emotion.
Exit Ticket
On your index card:
1
One emotion you felt today
2
One coping strategy you’ll try next time
Feelings Chart Handout Feelings Chart
Identify and explore your emotions
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Below are some common emotions. For each one, write a brief example of a time you felt that way OR draw a face in the box that shows what that emotion looks like to you.
Happy 😊
Sad 😢
Angry 😠
Anxious 😰
Excited 🤩
Surprised 😮
Scared 😨
Frustrated 😤
Reflect
Choose one emotion from above. When you feel this way, what is one thing that usually makes you feel better?
Coping Strategies Guide Coping Toolkit
Strategies for Emotional Management
Name:
Date:
Strategy 1: Deep Breathing
Steps:
Hand on belly, other on chest.
Inhale slowly for 4 seconds.
Hold for 2 seconds.
Exhale slowly for 6 seconds.
Repeat 3 times.
Practice Now:
Take three deep breaths. How did you feel afterward?
Strategy 2: Positive Self-Talk
What It Is:
Replace negative thoughts with encouraging statements.
❌ "I can't do this"
✅ "I can try my best"
Your Turn:
Write one positive statement for yourself:
Strategy 3: Taking a Break
Ideas:
Stretching or movement
Drawing or doodling
Getting a drink of water
Listening to calm music
Your Choices:
List two break activities you like:
Personal Mastery
Which strategy will you try first the next time you have a strong emotion? Why?
Sharing Feelings Prompt Cards Sharing Feelings
Prompt Cards & Conversation Starters
Cut along lines
Pair activity
Practice sharing
The "I" Statement Master
"I feel ____ when ____, and I can ____."
1
You didn’t get the role in the school play that you really wanted.
2
Your teacher praised your work in front of the whole class.
3
You lost your favorite item and can’t find it anywhere.
4
You are about to give a class presentation and feel nervous.
5
A friend shared a secret with you and then told others about it.
6
You helped someone who was upset, and they thanked you.
7
You have way too much homework and feel overwhelmed.
8
You learned a new skill you've been working on and felt excited.
Mood Masters Activity Card Set • SEL Tier 1
