Grade 1 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Discussing Emotions

Lesson Plan Title:
Grade 1 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Discussing Emotions

Materials Needed:
– Emotions flashcards (happy, sad, angry, scared, surprised)
– Picture book depicting various emotions
– Drawing paper and crayons
– Whiteboard and markers

Learning Objectives:
– Recognise and name different emotions.
– Understand situations that may cause different emotions.
– Express their feelings through verbal and non-verbal means.
– Demonstrate respect for the emotions of others by listening and showing empathy.

Vocabulary:
1. Happy: Feeling joy or pleasure.
2. Sad: Feeling unhappiness or sorrow.
3. Angry: Feeling strong displeasure or hostility.
4. Scared: Feeling fear or being frightened.
5. Surprised: Feeling shocked or astonished at something unexpected.

Previous Learning:
Students have previously discussed family and friends’ roles, and how their actions can impact each other’s feelings. They have some basic understanding of kindness and sharing.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
Challenge: Students may struggle to articulate their emotions.
Solution: Use visual aids (flashcards and picture books) to help students identify and label emotions.

  • Challenge: Some students may feel too shy or uncomfortable to participate.
  • Solution: Create a supportive environment through group activities and allow students to express emotions through drawing if they find it easier.

Beginning Activities: (5 minutes)
1. Introduction: Greet the students and explain that today they will be learning about emotions.
2. Activity: Show emotions flashcards one by one, ask students to name the emotion on each card. Briefly discuss situations that might cause someone to feel that way.

Middle Activities: (30 minutes)
1. Story Time (10 minutes): Read a picture book that depicts various emotions. Stop at different points to ask the students how they think the characters are feeling and why.
2. Group Discussion (10 minutes): Discuss the characters’ emotions from the book. Ask students to share times when they felt happy, sad, angry, scared, or surprised.
3. Drawing Activity (10 minutes): Give each student drawing paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a face showing an emotion they choose. Once completed, let them share their drawings with a partner and explain the emotion they depicted.

End Activities: (5 minutes)
1. Exit Ticket: Ask students to show a thumbs-up if they feel happy, thumbs-down if they feel sad, or neutral thumbs if they feel neither. Ensure each student provides feedback.
2. Review: Summarise the day’s lesson by reminding students the key emotions discussed and the importance of understanding and respecting each other’s feelings.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observing responses during flashcard activity.
– Asking questions during the story to gauge comprehension.
– Review and discussion of students’ drawings.
– Thumbs-up/down exit ticket to check overall understanding.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
Visual Learners: Use of flashcards and picture books.
Auditory Learners: Group discussion and story reading.
Kinesthetic Learners: Drawing activity to express emotions.
Support for Shy/Introverted Students: Allow the use of drawings to express emotions if they are uncomfortable speaking in front of the group.

Teaching Notes:
– Emphasise the non-judgemental nature of the lesson to ensure all students feel their emotions are valid.
– Continuously encourage students for their participation to build confidence.
– Be mindful of any students showing signs of emotional distress and approach with sensitivity and support.

Accessibility Considerations:
– Use large, clear images on flashcards for visually impaired students.
– Ensure the picture book has large, clear illustrations.
– Provide prompt optional assistance for students with motor difficulties during the drawing activity.

This lesson plan should help Grade 1 students understand and express their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy in the classroom.