Lesson Plan Title:
Grade R Life Skills Lesson Plan: Understanding and Expressing Emotions
Materials Needed:
– Picture cards of various emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, etc.)
– Mirror for each student
– Drawing paper and crayons
– Emotion flashcards
– Book: “The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr (or similar)
– Emotion chart
– Classroom puppet or stuffed toy
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will:
1. Identify and name basic emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised).
2. Understand that everyone has feelings and it is okay to express them.
3. Learn simple strategies to manage emotions like deep breathing.
Vocabulary:
1. Happy – Feeling good and joyful.
2. Sad – Feeling unhappy and wanting to cry.
3. Angry – Feeling mad and upset.
4. Surprised – Feeling something unexpected happened.
5. Emotion – A feeling that you have in response to something.
Previous Learning:
Students have previously discussed and recognised family members and their roles, which included identifying expressions of love and care. They might have also talked about times when they felt happy.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Students may struggle to name their emotions.
Solution: Use the puppet to model how to express emotions.
- Challenge: Some students might be shy or reluctant to share their feelings.
Solution: Create a safe and supportive environment by encouraging all efforts and maintaining a non-judgmental approach.
Beginning Activities (4 minutes):
1. Greeting and settling down.
2. Brief introduction to the day’s lesson and stating the learning objectives.
3. Read “The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr to introduce different emotions.
Middle Activities (32 minutes):
1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
– Use picture cards to introduce and discuss each emotion.
– Show faces and ask students to mimic emotions using mirrors.
– Explain the importance of expressing emotions and that it’s okay to feel different ways.
- Guided Practice (12 minutes):
- Group activity using the puppet to act out different scenarios where the puppet expresses an emotion.
- Ask students to identify the puppet’s emotions and talk about similar times they felt that way.
- Independent Practice (10 minutes):
- Students draw a picture of themselves feeling a specific emotion on their drawing paper.
- Encourage them to share their drawings and explain why they felt that way.
End Activities (4 minutes):
1. Exit Ticket Activity:
– Students select an emotion flashcard that represents how they are feeling at the end of the lesson.
– Place the flashcards on the emotion chart and briefly discuss why they chose that emotion.
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observe students’ ability to recognise and name the emotions displayed on cards.
– Participation during the puppet activity and sharing personal stories.
– Evaluate the drawings and discussions during the independent practice to see if they can express their emotions clearly.
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– For students who need more support: Use one-on-one guidance with picture cards and mirrors. Provide more simplistic scenarios for the puppet activity.
– For advanced learners: Challenge them to describe more complex emotions or explain situations that caused those feelings.
Teaching Notes:
– Emphasise creating a positive and supportive environment to discuss emotions.
– Be mindful of any cultural differences in expressing emotions and be inclusive.
– Reinforce the idea that all emotions are valid and it’s crucial to express them.
– Make sure all materials are accessible for students with disabilities.
Accessibility Considerations:
– Ensure drawing materials and mirrors are within reach of all students.
– Use larger picture cards for those with visual impairments.
– Adapt the puppet activity to include touch-based cues for students with visual impairments.
This lesson plan aims to provide Grade R students with foundational skills in recognising and expressing emotions, setting the stage for better emotional regulation and empathy as they grow.