Before we can manage an emotion, we have to recognize it, and that starts with knowing its name. In this lesson, students will learn how labeling emotions can help reduce their intensity and give them the language to process what they're experiencing.
Using a relatable story, guided reflection, and emotional vocabulary practice, students will explore the concept that "naming the feeling is the first step to taming it." They'll learn that naming emotions doesn’t just make them easier to talk about, it makes them easier to understand, express, and regulate.
Lesson Components Include:
Complete lesson plan with learning objectives and step-by-step guidance
Teacher presentation slides for direct instruction
Student workbook pages for guided and independent practice (printable or digital)
A companion story featuring relatable characters and comprehension/reflective discussion questions (printable or digital)
A google form exit ticket to assess understanding
Students will leave the lesson with a new perspective on fear, recognizing when it’s a valuable friend and when it might be acting more like a foe
This lesson supports students in building emotional intelligence, developing self-awareness, and practicing mindful regulation strategies, all through the simple yet powerful act of naming what they feel.
Grade Level: Middle School
