Grade 2 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Emotions and Feelings

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Grade 2 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Emotions and Feelings

Materials Needed:
– Chart paper and markers
– Emotion flashcards
– A feelings wheel printout
– Various coloured paper for art activity
– Scissors and glue
– Storybook about emotions (e.g., “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain)
– Whiteboard and markers
– ICT resources (if available) for videos on emotions (e.g., YouTube clips)

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
1. Identify and name different emotions and feelings.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how feelings can affect behaviour.
3. Express their feelings in a healthy way.
4. Use the feelings wheel to communicate their emotions.

Vocabulary:
1. Emotions – Feelings that we experience such as happiness, sadness, anger, etc.
2. Feelings – The sensations we have that tell us how we are experiencing the world.
3. Happy – A feeling of joy or pleasure.
4. Sad – A feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.
5. Angry – A strong feeling of annoyance or frustration.

Previous Learning:
Students have previously learned about the body and how it works. They discussed basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. This lesson will expand their knowledge by connecting how emotions impact our well-being.

Lesson Structure

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):
– Greet the students and introduce the topic of emotions and feelings.
– Show emotion flashcards one by one and ask learners to identify each emotion shown.
– Briefly explain that it’s okay to feel different emotions at different times.

Middle Activities (32 minutes):
1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
– Read a storybook about emotions (e.g., “The Way I Feel”).
– After reading, discuss the key emotions from the story and ask learners how they would feel in similar situations.

  1. Guided Practice (12 minutes):
  2. Introduce the feelings wheel. Pass out printouts and explain how to use it to identify their own feelings.
  3. Have students work in pairs to share a time they felt happy or sad, using the feelings wheel to help.
  4. Independent Practice (10 minutes):
  5. Students create their own “Feelings Art” by drawing or crafting an emotion that they have experienced recently on coloured paper.
  6. Encourage them to write a sentence about that feeling underneath their artwork.

End Activities (4 minutes):
– Have a “Feelings Sharing Circle.” Invite students to share their artwork and sentences with the class if they feel comfortable.
– Recap the emotions discussed and highlight the importance of expressing feelings in a healthy manner.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Monitor participation during the flashcard activity and discussions.
  • Assess the understanding of emotions through their ability to identify emotions on the feelings wheel during pair work.
  • Review the “Feelings Art” and sentence for comprehension of how to express their feelings.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Some students may struggle to articulate their feelings.
  • Solution: Facilitate small group discussions where they can practice sharing their feelings in a safe environment.
  • Challenge: Active students may dominate discussions.
  • Solution: Use a talking stick to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak in the “Feelings Sharing Circle.”

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • Provide visual aids and use simple language to explain emotions.
  • Pair stronger students with those who may need more support during paired discussions.
  • Allow students to choose between writing, drawing, or speaking about their feelings in the independent activity.

Teaching Notes:

  • Emphasise the significance of emotional literacy for mental health.
  • Encourage students to use “I feel” statements to express their emotions (e.g., “I feel happy when…”).
  • Make sure all materials are accessible, e.g., printouts should be in large font for students with visibility challenges, and provide adaptive scissors for those with fine motor difficulties.

This lesson promotes self-awareness and helps students develop healthy communication skills regarding emotions, ensuring an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.