Session 1 Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Words Not Fists
Session 1: Naming Feelings
Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Introduce the student to basic emotions and practice non-aggressive ways to express them through interactive games and a guided cool-down routine.
Details
Time: 30 minutes
Audience: Tier 3 (Individual)
Approach: Visual/Role-Play
Why this matters:
Helping the student identify feelings and learn replacement words builds self-regulation, reduces physical outbursts, and lays the groundwork for safer social interactions.
Teacher Prep
Print and cut out all Emotion Flashcards .
Laminate and display the Feeling Thermometer Chart .
Prepare the Token Reward Chart with stickers or markers.
Arrange a quiet calm-down spot following the Calm-Down Corner Guide .
Session Materials
Emotion Flashcards
Feeling Thermometer Chart
Token Reward Chart
Calm-Down Corner Setup Guide
Instructional Steps
1
Warm-Up and Emotion Introduction
5 min
Welcome the student and explain today’s goal: naming feelings and using words instead of fists.
Show each Emotion Flashcard , ask the student to name the feeling it shows.
Provide positive praise for correct answers.
2
Emotion Identification Game
10 min
Shuffle the Emotion Flashcards and place them face down.
Student flips one card, names the emotion, and describes a time they felt it.
Award a token on the Token Reward Chart for each correct identification.
Offer hints or model answers if needed.
3
Teaching Communication Alternatives
10 min
Introduce simple sentence starters: “I feel ___ when ___,” “Can you help me ___?”
Role-play scenarios using flashcards (e.g., “You take my toy,” “I feel upset when you do that. Please give it back.”).
Coach student to use calm words, reinforce with tokens.
4
Cool-Down and Reflection
5 min
Guide student to the calm-down corner; use the Feeling Thermometer Chart .
Lead 3 deep breaths and brief stretching to reduce tension.
Ask student to state one word or phrase they’ll use next time instead of hitting.
Praise efforts and award remaining tokens for participation.
Emotion Flashcards Student Tool Emotion Flashcards
Cut along the dotted lines. Use for naming games and role-play.
Happy
Sad
Angry
Frustrated
Calm
Scared Feeling Thermometer Chart Reference How do I feel?
Use a marker or clothespin to show your feeling level.
5
Boiling
Very angry, out of control
4
Heating Up
Frustrated, heart is fast
3
Unsettled
Annoyed, feeling "grumpy"
2
Okay
A little tired or just fine
1
Calm
Relaxed, happy, ready
"When I am at a 4 or 5, I need to use my calm strategies like deep breathing or taking a break."
Token Reward Chart Incentive Tool My Reward Road
Earn a token for using your words!
Student Name
FINISH!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
GOAL!
I am working for:
(Write or draw reward here)
How to earn tokens:
Naming a feeling correctly
Using a "Words Not Fists" sentence
Staying calm during the game
Calm-Down Corner Setup Guide Resource Calm-Down Corner Setup
Creating a Safe Space for Self-Regulation
The Purpose
A calm-down corner is not a "time-out" or punishment. It is a proactive, positive space where the student can go to manage big emotions and regain control before returning to learning or social interaction.
Physical Setup
Quiet Location: Away from high-traffic areas but within teacher sight.Comfort: Include bean bags, pillows, or a soft rug.Boundaries: Use a small rug or tape on the floor to define the "safe zone."
Visual Aids
Feeling Thermometer: Displayed at eye level for the student.Breathing Posters: Simple diagrams showing "In" and "Out" breaths.Choice Board: Options for what to do in the corner (draw, read, squeeze ball).
Recommended Sensory Tools
Stress Ball
Sand Timer
Drawing Pad
Noise Muffs
Facilitator Tips
1
Practice when calm: Introduce the corner when the student is regulated. Walk through the steps together.
2
Use a timer: Set a 5-minute timer so the student knows when it is time to check in and try to rejoin the group.
3
Validate the exit: "I see you're feeling at a Level 4. Let's take 5 minutes in the corner to find our Level 1."
Emotion Flip Game Instructions Emotion Flip
A Game of Naming & Sharing
Time 10 Minutes
Your Goal
Identify the emotion on the card and share a story about a time you felt that way. Earn tokens for every correct match!
Needed Items
Emotion Flashcards
Token Reward Chart
How to Play
1
Set the Stage
Shuffle the cards and place them face down in a grid on the table. Keep your token chart nearby!
2
Flip and Name
Flip one card. Look at the face and name the emotion (like "Happy" or "Angry").
3
Tell a Story
Tell your teacher about a time you felt that emotion. For example: "I felt sad when I dropped my ice cream."
4
Earn Your Token!
If you name the feeling and tell a story, you earn one token on your chart!
Speed Rounds & Challenges
Speed Run
Flip and name as many cards as you can in 60 seconds!
Partner Play
Teacher flips a card and YOU guess. Then switch!
Session 1 Cool-Down Reflection Tool Time to Cool Down
Finishing our session strong and calm.
1 Find Your Space
Move quietly to the calm-down corner. Sit comfortably and relax your body.
2 Check the Thermometer
Place your marker on the Feeling Thermometer. How do you feel right now?
3 Take 3 Deep Breaths
In
4 Counts
Hold
2 Counts
Out
6 Counts
• Reach your arms high overhead
• Roll your shoulders back
4 Your New Plan
What word or sentence will you use next time you feel angry instead of hitting?
"I will say..."
Great Job!
You used your words today.
Session Complete
Session 2 Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Words Not Fists
Session 2: Calm Strategies
Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Introduce and practice three specific "Calm Down" tools (Square Breathing, Squeeze & Release, and Using the Corner) to replace physical reactions when feeling frustrated.
1
Warm-Up: Thermometer Check
5 min
Review the Feeling Thermometer. Ask: "Where are you right now?" Remind them that Session 2 is about staying at Level 1 or 2.
2
Activity: The Calm Toolbelt
15 min
Square Breathing: Draw a square in the air while breathing (In, Hold, Out, Hold).Squeeze & Release: Squeeze a stress ball or hands tightly, then let go.Break Time: Practice asking, "Can I have a 2-minute break?" and walking to the calm corner.
3
Cool-Down: Choice Board Setup
10 min
Have the student pick their favorite 2 tools from today to put on their personal Calm-Down Choice Board . Award tokens for active participation.
Calm Choices Board Student Tool My Calm Choices
When I feel Level 3 or higher, I can choose a tool:
Square Breath
In for 4, Hold for 4, Out for 4, Hold for 4.
Squeeze & Relax
Squeeze my hands or a ball as hard as I can, then let go.
Calm Corner
Go to my safe spot for 2-5 minutes to find my calm.
Use My Words
Say: "I am frustrated. Can you help me?"
Draw your favorite calm tool here: Session 3 Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Words Not Fists
Session 3: Power of Words
Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Equip the student with three verbal "Power Phrases" to use during common points of conflict: wanting a turn, feeling overwhelmed, and being bothered by others.
1
Warm-Up: Review Calm Choices
5 min
Briefly review the Calm Choices Board . Ask: "Which tool did you use this week?" Praise any attempts at self-regulation.
2
Activity: Power Phrase Role-Play
15 min
Phrase 1: "Can I have a turn after you?" (Use when wanting a toy)
Phrase 2: "I need space right now." (Use when feeling crowded)
Phrase 3: "I don't like that. Please stop." (Use when bothered)
Role-play these scenarios with the student. Award 2 tokens for each successful verbal attempt.
3
Cool-Down: The "I Can Say" Sheet
10 min
Complete the Power Phrase Cards . The student will keep these in their pocket or desk as a reminder.
Power Phrase Cards Reference Tool My Power Phrases
Carry these with you! Use your words to solve problems.
When I want a toy:
"Can I have a turn after you?"
When I feel crowded:
"I need some space right now."
When I am bothered:
"I don't like that. Please stop."
When it's too hard:
"Can you help me with this?"
Cut along the thick borders to create individual cards.
Session 4 Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Words Not Fists
Session 4: Winning Words
Graduation Plan
Learning Objective
Review and demonstrate mastery of identifying emotions, using calm strategies, and applying "Power Phrases" in various social scenarios. Celebrate the student's success with a graduation certificate.
1
Review Game: Master of Emotions
10 min
Shuffle all flashcards and power phrase cards. The student must match an emotion to a power phrase (e.g., matching "Frustrated" with "I need space right now").
2
Final Challenge: The Big Scenarios
10 min
Present 3 challenging scenarios (e.g., losing a game, being bumped into, having to wait). Student must choose a calm strategy AND a power phrase to use. Award final tokens.
3
Graduation Ceremony
10 min
Present the Communication Champion Certificate . Take a photo if allowed. Discuss how the student can keep using their "Words Not Fists" tools in the classroom and at home.
Communication Champion Certificate Award Certificate of Achievement
This award is proudly presented to
For mastering the Words Not Fists program, demonstrating excellence in naming feelings, using calm strategies, and choosing kind words to solve problems.
Teacher Signature
Communication Champion
Date
