Button Pusher Lesson Plan Button Pusher
Lesson Plan
Target Audience
7th Grade
Duration
49 Minutes
Objective
Students will apply the ABC skill (Accumulating Positives, Building Mastery, and Coping Ahead) to increase emotional resilience and proactively manage big feelings.
Why it Matters
Understanding the ABC skill is crucial for emotional intelligence. It helps students manage emotions effectively, reduce vulnerability to negative feelings, and actively work towards building a life worth living.
Preparation & Materials
Review the Emotional Toolkit Slides .
Print ABC Action Plan Worksheets for all students.
Prepare a jar and slips of paper for the activity.
Estimated Prep: 20 minutes
Instructional Flow
Mindfulness & Check-in
5 MIN
Begin with 1 minute of focused breathing.
Emotional Check-in: "On a scale of 1-5, how are you feeling?" (Silent reflection).
Hook: "Ever felt overwhelmed by an emotion? Today, we learn to handle those big feelings!"
Introduce the ABC Skill
15 MIN
Use the slide deck to introduce the components:
Accumulating Positives: Intentionally seeking short-term and long-term positive experiences.Building Mastery: Doing things that make you feel competent and effective.Coping Ahead: Anticipating challenges and planning your response in advance.
Scenario Analysis
15 MIN
Distribute the ABC Action Plan Worksheet . Have students apply the skills to scenarios (failed test, hurtful friend, class presentation). Facilitate small group or individual brainstorms.
Deep Dive: Coping Ahead
10 MIN
Focus on the "My Own Challenge" section of the worksheet. Guide students to identify a future challenge and map out a specific proactive plan to reduce emotional reactivity.
Closing & Skill Challenge
4 MIN
Introduce the Positivity Jar Activity as the weekly challenge. Reflect: "How might practicing ABCs help you feel more in control?"
Facilitator Note
7th graders often struggle with "long-term" positives. Help them differentiate between scrolling social media (quick hit) and a hobby like drawing or sports (sustained satisfaction).
Button Pusher Slides Emotional Toolkit
What Pushes
Your Buttons?
How are you feeling today? (1-5 check-in)
"Inhale... Exhale... Let's find your center."
The ABCs of Emotions
A
Accumulate Positives
Create positive experiences intentionally.
B
Build Mastery
Engage in things you're good at or learning.
C
Cope Ahead
Plan for challenges before they happen.
Build a life worth living by being proactive.
A
Accumulate Positives
Short-Term
Quick hits to lift your mood right now. (Music, chatting, a snack).
Long-Term
Regular activities that build lasting joy. (Hobbies, sports, volunteering).
Reflect:
What is one thing that actually makes you feel good, even when you're stressed?
B
Building Mastery
Engaging in activities that make you feel competent and effective .
Learning a new instrument
Improving at a sport
Solving a tough puzzle
Mastering a new recipe
The Secret?
Confidence doesn't just happen. It's built through small goals and consistent practice.
What skill do you want to master?
C
Coping Ahead
Anticipating situations that might be emotionally challenging and planning your response in advance.
Superhero Plan
It's like having a manual for your emotions before the storm hits.
Example: Big Test
Study 15 mins a day
Get 8 hours of sleep
Practice box breathing
Remind: "I am prepared"
Your Turn!
Grab your ABC Action Plan Worksheet .
Proactive Problem-Solving
Think about a situation YOU anticipate might be tough this week.
Group Project Family Event Social Conflict Sports Game
How can you plan beforehand to handle your emotions and the situation effectively?
Your Emotional Toolkit
A
Accumulate Positives
B
ABC Action Plan Worksheet ABC Action Plan
Name
Date
A: Accumulate Positives
Do things that create joy.
B: Build Mastery
Feel competent and effective.
C: Cope Ahead
Plan for challenges early.
Part 1: Scenario Practice
Scenario 1: The Big Test
You have a major exam next week and are starting to feel really anxious.
A - Accumulate Positives: (Activities to lift your mood)
B - Build Mastery: (Ways to feel more prepared)
C - Cope Ahead: (Your plan for the day of the test)
Scenario 2: The Hurtful Comment
A friend said something hurtful to you. You feel upset and angry.
A - Accumulate Positives: (Activities to shift your focus)
B - Build Mastery: (Practice expressing yourself or boundaries)
C - Cope Ahead: (Plan for the next time you see them)
Part 2: My Own Challenge
Think about a situation YOU anticipate might be emotionally challenging soon.
My Anticipated Challenge:
A - Accumulate Positives:
B - Build Mastery:
C - Cope Ahead:
Positivity Jar Activity Positivity Jar
Take-Home Skill Project
The Goal
Train your brain to see the good! By collecting positive moments, you reinforce the "Accumulate Positives" skill and build emotional resilience.
Supplies Needed
1
An empty jar or box (decorate it!)
2
Small slips of paper or sticky notes
3
Pens, markers, or colorful crayons
Instructions
01
Find & Decorate
Grab a container at home. Make it look like "you." This is your emotional toolkit in physical form.
02
Capture the Good
Each day, write down one positive experience. Big or small—doesn't matter!
03
Fill it Up
Fold the slip and put it in. Try to add at least one every single day for the week.
04
Reflect & Reset
When you feel down, reach in and read a few. It’s an instant mood-shifter.
Inspiration for your slips
"Ate my favorite snack"
"Laughed with my friends"
"Got a good grade on a quiz"
"Listened to a great song"
"My pet snuggled with me"
"Helped a classmate today"
"Intentionally noticing the good trains your brain to find joy in the everyday."
