Anchor Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Finding Your Anchor
Individual Support Lesson Plan (Tier 3)
Duration
30 Minutes
Lesson Objective
Students will learn individualized coping skills for grief by exploring their emotions with an emotion wheel, drawing, and reflective journaling adapted for visual learners.
Target Audience
6th Grade students; specifically tailored for individuals requiring 504 Plan accommodations or slow-paced emotional processing.
Why This Lesson?
"This lesson supports students experiencing deep personal loss by using expressive strategies like drawing and storytelling, accommodating visual learning preferences and slow-paced emotional processing."
Materials Needed
Emotion Wheel Worksheet
Journaling Prompts Handout
Drawing supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons)
Lesson Slide Deck
Preparation (10 min)
Review worksheets and handouts to ensure graphic elements are simplified.
Arrange a quiet and comfortable space for individual reflection.
Prepare drawing supplies at the student's workstation.
Set a mindset of flexibility regarding pacing and deadlines.
Instructional Flow
5 MIN
Introduction & Setting the Tone
• Acknowledge that grief (like losing a grandmother) can be overwhelming. Emphasize that all emotions are valid.
• Introduce the emotion wheel with simplified visuals. Explain that drawing is a powerful tool for expression.
10 MIN
Emotion Wheel Activity
• Hand out the Emotion Wheel Worksheet .
• Explain each emotion section clearly with visual aids. Prompt students to circle and color emotions they feel.
• Modification: Encourage students to use simple shapes/colors next to emotions instead of just words.
• Reassure students: "There is no wrong way to feel today."
10 MIN
Journaling Reflection
• Provide the Journaling Prompts Handout .
• Invite students to reflect on their journey. Encourage storytelling or drawing as an alternative to writing.
• Teacher Action: Perform gentle check-ins. Support students who may struggle to verbalize complex feelings.
5 MIN
Closing & Reflection
• Invite voluntary sharing of a takeaway or a drawing "story".
• Summarize key coping strategies. Reinforce that a range of emotions is natural.
• Offer ongoing reassurance and mention flexible future support.
Tier 3 Strategy: Focus on co-regulation. If the student becomes overwhelmed, pause the activity and focus on grounding exercises (deep breathing, sensory check-in) before returning to the worksheets.
Anchor Slide Deck Presentation Navigating Grief: Finding Your Anchor
Coping Skills for Grief | Emotion Wheel | Journaling Strategies
Unit: Emotional Resilience Session: Individual Support
Understanding Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss. It is the body and mind's way of healing.
"All feelings—whether joyful, sad, or confused—are valid during the grieving process."
You are allowed to feel.
Every emotion is okay.
The Emotion Wheel
Use the Emotion Wheel Worksheet to identify what you are feeling right now.
Circle the sections that match you.
Add colors or small drawings.
Remember: every emotion counts!
Emotions
Visual Aid: Emotion Wheel
Journaling Reflection
Open your Journaling Prompts Handout . This is your personal space to share your story.
Write it down
Use words to describe how you feel and what helps.
Draw it out
Use symbols, colors, or sketches to show your journey.
Closing & Reflection
What is one takeaway from today's lesson?
"Keep journaling and remember, your feelings are important. You are not alone on this journey."
Emotion Wheel Worksheet Activity Emotion Wheel
Identifying Feelings with Creativity
Name:
Date:
Instructions
1. Explore the wheel: Each section represents an emotion. Think about how you feel today.
2. Circle: Use your pencil to circle the emotions that describe what you are going through.
3. Draw & Color: In the large workspace below, add a small picture or symbol for each emotion you circled. Use shapes and colors that feel right to you.
There is no right or wrong way to show your feelings. Every feeling is okay.
Sadness
Anger
Confusion
Guilt
Hope
Acceptance
My Emotion Symbols
Draw or sketch pictures that match the emotions you circled on the wheel.
Reflection
Write a few sentences or draw a quick sketch to explain how these emotions make you feel today.
Remember, all your feelings are important and valid. You are finding your anchor.
Grief Journal Reflection Handout Grief Journal
Reflecting Through Words and Pictures
Name:
Date:
"This journal is your personal space. There is no wrong way to express what you feel. You can choose to write your thoughts, draw pictures, or even tell a story. Take your time—every emotion is valued."
1
Describing Your Emotions
Think about a time when you felt grief. What were the main feelings you noticed? Use words or colors/images to show how you felt (like blue for sadness or red for anger).
Workspace
2
Understanding Your Coping
Reflect on what has helped you feel better when you were hurting. Was it talking, an activity, or rest? Write your ideas or draw a simple comic story.
Workspace
3
Finding Your Anchor
An anchor keeps you steady during tough times. Who or what helps you feel safe and supported? Describe or draw your personal anchor (a person, pet, hobby, or place).
My Anchor
Steady & Strong
4
Moving Forward with Hope
Think about a small step you could take to start feeling a little better or more hopeful. Write a sentence or draw a future scene.
Future Step
Happy reflecting and creating
Grief Expression Project Guide Grief Expression Project
Finding Your Anchor through Art & Story
Project Overview
Create a personal piece that expresses your journey with grief and the ways you cope. You choose the medium—visual art, written story, or a mix of both. This is your safe space to explore and share your strength.
Time Frame
One week to complete. Flexible deadlines are available if you need more time.
Step 1: Choose Your Medium
Visual
Create an illustration or collage. Use symbolisms like an emotion wheel or a sequence of drawings to show your journey.
Written
Write a story, poem, or detailed journal entry. Use descriptive language to capture your experiences.
Mixed Media
Combine drawings with text. Create a comic or an illustrated journal page that captures both images and thoughts.
Step 2: Project Components
TITLE
Give your project a name that reflects your emotional journey.
INTRO
A short description or scene explaining why you chose this medium.
BODY
The main part of your project where you express emotions, coping strategies, and comfort.
REFLECTION
Summarize what you learned. How did this project help you understand your grief?
My Planning Space
Use this area to brainstorm and sketch out your ideas before starting your final piece.
Brainstorm (Key Emotions & Coping)
Initial Sketches / Layout
Sharing is Voluntary: You have the option to share your project with the class at the end of the week. You only share if you feel comfortable. Need help? Let your teacher know if you need additional time, materials, or a one-on-one check-in.
