Emotional Regulation Activities for Kids

Lesson 1 – Identifying Triggers

Students will learn to recognize what triggers different emotions in themselves and others.

• Emotion Trigger” cards
• My Emotion Triggers
• Reading “The Color Monster”

Lesson 2 – Coping Strategies

Help young learners practice techniques for coping with difficult emotions

• Coping Skills Toolbox
• Stress balls
• Coping strategy cards
• Calming jar

 Lesson 3 – Mindfulness Practices

Children will learn basic mindfulness techniques and how to incorporate them into their daily routine.

• Mindfulness exercise cards
• Mindfulness journals
• “Mindful Minute” sand timer activity

 Lesson 4 – Expressing Emotions Appropriately

Focus on healthy ways to express their emotions and practice these methods through role-play.

• “Emotion Expression” activity cards
• “Emotion Charades” game cards
• “My Emotion Expression Plan” worksheet

Lesson 5 – Building Resilience

Students will learn about resilience and develop strategies for bouncing back from setbacks.

• “Bounce Back Buddy”
• “Resilience Scenario” cards
• “My Resilience Toolkit” worksheet
• “Growth Mindset” posters

Inside the 5 weekly SEL Plans you will find: 

• Objective, materials list, and suggested lesson duration
• Book suggestion
• Greeting & Warm Up: Welcome the new SEL lesson, review previous lessons, and share goal for new lesson.
• 4 different activities: Includes reading books, using different printables, journals, games, and more.
• Conclusion & Wrap Up: Summarize the different activities practiced and the emotions learned.
• Assessment: Observe students’ participation and engagement during activities.
• Extensions for Home Connection and Follow Up Activities:  Send a note home with a brief summary of the lesson and suggestions for parents to continue the topic covered.

In this Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) unit on emotional regulation, young children with learn to recognize their emotions, how their reactions can differ based on situations and develop healthy reactions and plans for big feelings. We will teach children how to understand their emotional triggers and develop appropriate responses through different coping skills that include action plans,  breathing techniques, and strategy cards. Learning regulation skills will help children to be better equipped for big emotions.