Understanding Emotions GuideUnderstanding Emotions Facilitator's Guide • Grade 1 3 Sessions • 25m Each Lesson Objective Students will learn to identify feelings, recognize empathy, and understand how actions impact emotions through interactive activities and group discussion. Why it Matters Developing emotional intelligence helps children communicate feelings, build healthy relationships, and manage social interactions effectively. Preparation Review the Emotions Slide Deck, Feelings Worksheet, and Empathy Activity Cards. Familiarize yourself with session outlines for smooth transitions. Arrange classroom seating to facilitate small group interaction and open discussion. 1 Session 1: Feeling Identification (25 mins) Introduce the concept of feelings using the Emotions Slide Deck. Explain that feelings are like colors—everyone has different ones at different times. Read a short story or show images depicting emotions. Ask: "How do you think they feel?" Engage students in a "Feelings Circle" where they share times they felt happy, sad, or excited. Distribute the Feelings Worksheet for students to draw and express their own emotions. 2 Session 2: Understanding Empathy (25 mins) Briefly review Session 1. Ask students to name three different feelings they remember. Introduce Empathy: "Caring about how someone else feels inside." Model role-play scenarios. Ask: "If my friend is crying, how might I feel? What can I do?" Use the Empathy Activity Cards for small group practice and discussion. 3 Session 3: Impact of Actions (25 mins) Reinforce the link between Feelings and Empathy. Emphasize that our words and choices affect others. Discuss real-life examples: "What happens when we share? What happens when we use unkind words?" Facilitate a sharing circle where students suggest "Kind Action" fixes for the scenarios on the cards. Reflection: "How can one small act of kindness change someone's whole day?"
Emotions Slide DeckWelcome to Emotions! Today we'll explore different feelings. How do you feel today? Teacher Note Introduce the topic of emotions. Explain that feelings are like colors, and everyone feels different feelings at different times. Happy A happy face shows joy and smiles. Teacher Note Show a big smiley face. Ask the children to share times when they felt happy. Sad A sad face can show tears. It's okay to feel sad sometimes. Teacher Note Display an image of a sad face. Encourage students to talk about a time they felt sad and what made them feel better. Angry An angry face might have a frown or furrowed eyebrows. Let's think about ways to feel better. Teacher Note Present an image for angry emotions. Ask students how they can calm down when they're angry. Excited When you're excited, you might jump, clap, or talk fast! Teacher Note Introduce excitement with a vibrant, energetic image. Ask questions to understand what makes them feel excited. All Emotions Matter Every feeling is important. Let's be kind to our friends and help them when they feel different emotions. Teacher Note Wrap up by reinforcing that every emotion is important and it's good to share how you feel with friends and family.
Feelings WorksheetFeelings Worksheet Welcome, First Graders! Let's explore our emotions. Name: Date: 1. Show Your Happy Face Think of a time when you felt very happy. Draw a picture of yourself smiling and include anything that made you happy! 2. What Makes You Sad? Draw or write about something that makes you feel sad. Then, think of one thing that helps you feel better! Something to make me feel better... 3. Let's Share Our Emotions Circle how you feel today. Then draw a small picture next to your choice! Happy Sad Angry Excited 4. Draw Empathy! Draw a friend who is feeling a different emotion than you. Write or draw one kind action you can do to help. Kind Action: It's okay to feel all these emotions. Our feelings help us understand ourselves and each other!
Empathy Activity CardsEmpathy Activity Cards How to Play 1 Pick a card from the deck. 2 Read the scenario on the card carefully. 3 Discuss in your group: How can you help them feel better? 4 Share your kind words and actions with the class! Card 1 Missing Toy "Jamie feels sad because they lost their favorite toy." Talk About It: • What feelings might Jamie be having? • How can you show empathy to Jamie? • What is one kind action you could take? Card 2 Recess Rules "Alex feels left out during recess because the other kids are playing a game without him." Talk About It: • How do you think Alex feels? • What could you do to help Alex feel included? • Can you think of a kind word to share? Card 3 Scary Storm "Taylor is scared during a thunderstorm and feels unsafe at home." Talk About It: • What kind of feelings might Taylor have? • How can you help Taylor feel more secure? • What comforting action might you suggest? Card 4 Big Test "Jordan feels worried because they have a big test coming up and are unsure if they will do well." Talk About It: • What feelings might Jordan be experiencing? • What could you say to help them feel better? • How can you show Jordan that you care? Card 5 Broken Crayon "Sam is upset because a friend accidentally broke their favorite crayon." Talk About It: • What feelings might Sam be feeling? • How can you help Sam feel understood? • What is one kind thing you could do to cheer them up? Remember! Practicing empathy makes our classroom a happy place for everyone!
