Emotions and Values

Overview

In this 6-minute lesson, students will explore the concepts of identity, morals, values, and personal standards, drawing inspiration from the characters in "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2". Students will identify their character strengths and reflect on their personal emotional experiences.

Curriculum Alignment

• Grade: 6-7
• Subject: Health Education
• Region: Saskatchewan
• Curriculum Areas:
  • Grade 6: Understanding and valuing oneself and others (Outcome: USC6.2)
  • Grade 7: Investigating personal identity, values, and strengths (Outcome: USC7.4)

Objectives

• Identify key character strengths that define personal identity.
• Explore personal emotions and navigate the emotional roller coaster of everyday life.
• Reflect on the importance of morals and values in shaping behaviour.

Preparation

• Materials Needed:
  • Whiteboard and markers.
  • Printed character cards from "Inside Out" (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust).
  • Small sticky notes (one per student).

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction (1 minute)

• Goal: To set the scene and introduce the main themes.
• Explain:
  • "Today, we're going to dive into what makes you unique by exploring your identity, character strengths, and the emotions that guide you every day."
  • "Think about 'Inside Out'. What emotions do you remember from the movie? How do these shape your decisions and actions?"

2. Character Strengths Activity (2 minutes)

• Materials Needed: Character cards
• Instructions:
  • Show the character cards one by one, briefly discussing each character's role and the emotion it represents.
  • Ask students to choose a character they relate to and why.
  • Invite a few students to share their choices aloud, highlighting how these emotions shape their personal values and decisions.

3. Personal Reflection Exercise (2 minutes)

• Objective: Connect personal experiences with values and emotions.
• Instructions:
  • Hand out sticky notes to each student.
  • Ask each student to write down a positive experience they've had recently and the emotion they felt during it.
  • Prompt them to reflect silently on what value of theirs was evident in that experience (e.g., kindness, honesty, bravery).

4. Sharing and Discussion (1 minute)

• Goal: To encourage sharing and listen to diverse perspectives.
• Instructions:
  • Invite a few students to share their sticky notes with the class.
  • Discuss briefly how these experiences and values contribute to their identity.
  • "In what ways do these values guide your actions and decision-making?"

Conclusion

• Emphasize the significance of understanding emotions and character strengths as part of personal growth.
• Encourage students to continue observing their emotions and values outside the classroom.

Assessment

• Observe student participation and engagement during activities.
• Collect sticky notes to understand individual reflections and ensure the objectives are met.

Extension Ideas

• Encourage students to keep a journal reflecting on their emotions and values over a week.
• Plan a follow-up session where students can create their own "emotions" character to share with the class.