Encourage self-awareness with a lesson that challenges scholars to identify feelings—happy, sad, mad, and scared. Using a feelings thermometer, similar to that of a bar graph, pupils discuss how they would feel in specific scenarios then color their reaction. Small groups work collaboratively to play a feelings card game.

Concepts

expressing feelings, feelings, emotional development, emotions, identifying emotions, social-emotional learning, self-awareness, safety

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Laminate game cards to ensure continued use with minimal wear and tear
• Use the feelings thermometer when speaking with a pupil that has difficulty expressing their emotions
• Create a feelings-themed focus wall that showcases several difference feelings, including the feelings thermometer

Classroom Considerations

• Requires copies of worksheets and game cards
• This lesson is first of three that take a close look at personal safety
• The lesson may be conducted by a counselor or classroom teacher
• Be prepared to take action if learners present signs of worrisome behavior

Pros

• Supports positive expressions of emotions
• Opens a comfortable dialogue for class members to discuss their feelings
• Provides a smooth transition to the next lesson

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.1.6