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Counseling & Life SkillsSelf-AwarenessBasic Emotion RecognitionComplex Emotion IdentificationEmotional Nuance & Mixed FeelingsBuilding Positive Self-ImageRecognizing Strengths & Growth AreasAccurate Self-AssessmentPersonal Values IdentificationCultural & Individual Identity ExplorationValues-Based Decision MakingSelf-ManagementStop-and-Think StrategiesDelaying GratificationIndependent Impulse ManagementIdentifying Stress TriggersShort-Term Goal SettingSMART Goals DevelopmentGoal Monitoring & AdjustmentBuilding Perseverance & ResilienceInternal Motivation DevelopmentComprehensive Stress Reduction PlanningSocial AwarenessRecognizing Others' FeelingsDemonstrating EmpathyRespecting Individual DifferencesUnderstanding Cultural DiversityComplex Empathetic ResponsesMultiple Viewpoint ConsiderationMulti-Perspective AnalysisChallenging Stereotypes & BiasRelationship SkillsActive ListeningClear Verbal & Nonverbal CommunicationBuilding Positive FriendshipsWorking Cooperatively in GroupsCommunicating Personal BoundariesRespecting Others' BoundariesAssertive ExpressionPeaceful Problem-SolvingContributing to Team GoalsComplex Conflict NavigationMediation & NegotiationHealthy Romantic RelationshipsResponsible Decision-MakingDaily Problem IdentificationBrainstorming Multiple SolutionsEvaluating Pros & ConsRecognizing Risks & ConsequencesApplying Ethical FrameworksInformed Risk-Benefit DecisionsRoot Cause AnalysisMindfulnessMindful BreathingBody Scan MeditationDaily Mindfulness ApplicationDaily Self-Care RoutinesBalancing Life DemandsAdvocating for Wellness NeedsMental Health SupportUnderstanding Anxiety SymptomsWorry Management StrategiesProgressive Muscle RelaxationRecognizing Depression SignsBuilding Mood-Supporting RoutinesBehavioral Activation for MoodUnderstanding Grief StagesHealthy Grief CopingCreative Expression of LossBehavioral SupportDaily Check-In ProceduresDaily Goal Setting & ReviewRecognizing Escalation Warning SignsRequesting Breaks & SupportSelf-Calming During DistressUnderstanding Positive ReinforcementToken Economy ImplementationBehavior Chart TrackingAnalyzing Behavior PatternsIdentifying Antecedents & ConsequencesDetermining Behavior FunctionFunction-Based InterventionsIndividualized Behavior ContractsData-Driven Behavior AdjustmentTherapeutic ApproachesThoughts-Feelings-Behaviors ConnectionRecognizing Thinking PatternsChallenging Negative ThoughtsPositive Self-Talk PracticeThought Record TrackingAdvanced Cognitive RestructuringComprehensive CBT PlansBehavioral Activation TechniquesBuilding Positive ExperiencesExposure Hierarchies for AnxietyPresent-Moment AwarenessNon-Judgmental ObservationSelf-Soothing & DistractionComplex Emotion LabelingReducing Emotional Vulnerability (PLEASE)DEAR MAN CommunicationGIVE Skills for RelationshipsFAST Skills for Self-RespectRadical Acceptance PracticeCrisis Survival Skills (TIPP)Understanding Trauma EffectsTrauma Responses & TriggersIdentifying Trauma FeelingsGrounding TechniquesRegulation During Trauma DistressSafe Place VisualizationProcessing Through NarrativeDeveloping Trauma StoryPersonalized Safety PlanningGroup SupportTurn-Taking & SharingGroup Conversation SkillsSharing in Supportive EnvironmentLearning from Similar ChallengesBuilding Community & BelongingNavigating Peer RelationshipsGroup Skill PracticeGroup Mental Health EducationStress & Anxiety UnderstandingCrisis Support & SafetyKnowing When to Seek HelpIdentifying Mental Health CrisesGrounding During CrisisUsing Crisis HotlinesBuilding Support NetworksAccessing Mental Health ResourcesWarning Signs & Coping StrategiesDeveloping Personal Safety PlansUnderstanding Suicide Warning SignsGatekeeper Skills for PeersDigital LiteracySocial MediaTechnology BasicsProductivity ToolsInternet and Online ResearchWeb Design and PublishingDigital CitizenshipOnline Safety and PrivacyEmerging TechnologiesFinancial LiteracyMaking Financial DecisionsBanking and AccountsConsumer SkillsSaving and InvestingCredit and DebtEmployment and IncomeTaxesInsuranceMajor PurchasesEconomic ConceptsFinancial PlanningCollege & Post-Secondary PlanningCareer ExplorationUnderstanding Post-Secondary OptionsCollege Research & SelectionAdmission RequirementsCollege Application ProcessPersonal Statement WritingFAFSA CompletionScholarship Search & ApplicationsUnderstanding Student LoansContinuing Education PlanningInterview PreparationResearching EmployersCommon Interview QuestionsSTAR Method ResponsesProfessional Interview PresenceVirtual Interview SkillsInterview Follow-UpJob Search SkillsUnderstanding Job PostingsEffective Job Search StrategiesNetworking for OpportunitiesResume Writing BasicsAction Verbs & AchievementsTailoring Resumes to JobsCover Letter WritingProfessional ReferencesProfessional CommunicationBusiness Email EtiquettePhone & Voicemail ProfessionalismMeeting ParticipationPresentation SkillsProfessional Work EthicTime Management & ProductivityTeamwork & CollaborationAdaptability & FlexibilityProblem-Solving at WorkConstructive FeedbackWorkplace RightsUnderstanding Employment LawsPay & Benefits UnderstandingWorkplace SafetyAnti-Discrimination & Harassment

Emotion Explorers

A 10-day emotional regulation unit for kindergarteners focusing on identifying feelings, recognizing physical cues, and practicing 'The Pause' to choose safe reactions. Students learn to navigate their internal world using the 'Emotion Explorers' framework.

Eerin.stephens
Feelings Detective

Introduction to basic emotions (Happy, Sad, Mad) and how to identify them in ourselves and others.

Emotion Expert

Expanding emotional vocabulary to include Scared, Excited, and Calm, focusing on situational context.

Body Buzz

Learning to identify where feelings show up in the body (heartbeat, tummy, hands).

Size of Feeling

Understanding the intensity of feelings using a 'Feeling Scale' from small to big.

The Pause Button

Introduction to 'The Pause'—the critical moment between a feeling and an action.

Notice Now

Practicing the 'Notice Now' technique to name a feeling during the pause.

Choice Power

Differentiating between safe and unsafe physical reactions when experiencing big feelings.

Breath Magic

Learning 'Balloon Breaths' and other physical tools to use during 'The Pause'.

Say It

Using 'I Feel' statements to express needs to teachers and peers.

Explorer Graduation

Reviewing all tools and celebrating growth as Emotion Explorers.

Emotion Explorers

A 10-day emotional regulation unit for kindergarteners focusing on identifying feelings, recognizing physical cues, and practicing 'The Pause' to choose safe reactions. Students learn to navigate their internal world using the 'Emotion Explorers' framework.

Eerin.stephens
Objective:

The Lesson

Feelings aren't just in our heads; they are in our bodies. Tight fists = Mad. Fast heart = Excited or Scared.

Visual

The Body Map. Color where you feel "Hot" (face) or "Wiggly" (legs).

Check-in

"Explorers, scan your body! Do you feel a Body Buzz right now?"

Day 04

Size of Feeling

Objective: Quantify emotional intensity using the 1-5 Feeling Meter.

1: Chill

2: Okay

3: Uh-oh

4: Alert

5: BIG

Practice

Losing a pencil might be a Level 2. Being left out might be a Level 4. We use tools to get back to Level 1.

Emotion Explorers Handbook Page 3 of 6

The Shift

The Power of the Pause

Day 05

The Pause Button

Objective: Learn to stop physical reactions immediately when a big feeling hits.

"When you feel the Body Buzz... FREEZE! Push your invisible Pause Button."

The 3-Step Pause

1. Freeze (Stop hands/feet) | 2. Breathe (One big breath) | 3. Wait (Count to 3)

Day 06

Notice Now

Objective: Name the feeling while paused to reduce its power.

The Skill

Naming it helps us tame it. During the Pause, we say: "I am noticing a MAD feeling."

Activity

The Notice Now Log. Draw a picture of yourself pausing and labeling your feeling.

Emotion Explorers Handbook Page 4 of 6

Week 2

Self-Regulation Tools

Day 07

Choice Power

Objective: Distinguish between safe and unsafe reactions.

Safe Choices

  • • Use Words
  • • Take a Breath
  • • Ask for Space

Unsafe Actions

  • • Pushing/Hitting
  • • Yelling Names
  • • Breaking Things

Day 08

Breath Magic

Objective: Master Balloon Breathing to physically calm the body.

Steps

  1. 1. Hands on head.
  2. 2. Deep breath in (balloon grows).
  3. 3. Let it out with a "Pshhh" (balloon pops).

"Pshhhhh!"

Emotion Explorers Handbook Page 5 of 6

The Finish Line

Mastery

Day 09

Say It

Objective: Use "Power Words" to communicate needs instead of acting out.

Sentence Starters

  • "I feel [Feeling] because [Reason]."
  • "Can I please have [What I need]?"

Day 10

Explorer Graduation

Objective: Demonstrate the full 3-step sequence in role-play.

The Final Mission:

"A friend takes your toy. You feel the Body Buzz. Show me: The Pause... The Breath... The Power Words."

Certified Explorer

Printing Tip

Print this handbook double-sided. Use the Emotion Explorers Overview as a cover. Ensure you have the Worksheets (Days 1, 3, 6, 7, 9) printed in bulk for student use.

Emotion Explorers Handbook Page 6 of 6

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