Navigating Emotions

Overview

This unit plan is designed for Year 6-7 students with a focus on identity, personal standards, morals, values, and character strengths. It connects to the Saskatchewan Health Curriculum, exploring the complexities of emotions as represented in "Inside Out" (1 and 2). The aim is to foster emotional intelligence, respect for diversity, and self-awareness.

Curriculum Connections

Grade 6 Health Education

• USC6.1: Analyze personal eating practices in a variety of contexts.
• USC6.3: Assess how identity and self-esteem are enhanced through technology and media.
• USC6.6: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance for safety, including respecting boundaries and values.

Grade 7 Health Education

• USC7.1: Evaluate personal standards and morals.
• USC7.3: Analyse factors affecting emotional health.
• USC7.6: Develop respectful behaviours in interactions with others.

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Lesson Plan Structure

• Duration: 5-6 lessons, each 50-60 minutes
• Class Size: 27 students

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Lesson 1: Understanding Identity

Objective: Explore the concept of identity and how it is shaped by various factors.

• Introduction (10 mins): Discuss the concept of identity. What makes each person unique?

• Activity (30 mins): "Identity Collage" - students create a visual representation of their identity using magazines, colours, and words.

• Discussion (10 mins): Share collages and discuss how different factors contribute to identity.

• Reflection (5 mins): Write a journal entry on one new thing learned about self-identity.

Lesson 2: Personal Standards and Values

Objective: Understand personal standards and values through the lens of family, culture, and experiences.

• Introduction (10 mins): Briefly recap identity. Discuss what 'values' and 'standards' mean.

• Activity (30 mins): "Values Tree" - students draw a tree where roots are core values, branches are personal standards.

• Discussion (10 mins): Reflect on how personal standards can influence decisions and behaviours.

• Reflection (5 mins): Reflect in journals how their values impact daily life.

Lesson 3: Morals in Movies

Objective: Explore morals portrayed in "Inside Out."

• Introduction (15 mins): Discuss how movies can teach us about morals.

• Viewing (20 mins): Watch a selected scene from "Inside Out" focusing on moral lessons.

• Discussion (15 mins): Group discussion on what moral lessons they learned from the scene.

• Reflection (5 mins): Write about which character they relate to most and why.

Lesson 4: Emotions Roller Coaster

Objective: Describe the range of emotions and how they affect behaviour and decision-making.

• Introduction (10 mins): Discuss different emotions. Demonstrate the concept of an "emotional roller coaster."

• Activity (30 mins): "Emotion Charades" - students act out different emotions while others guess.

• Discussion (10 mins): Debrief on how it felt to act out emotions and how they influence actions.

• Reflection (5 mins): Record in journals one emotion they struggle to manage and why.

Lesson 5: Character Strengths Exploration

Objective: Identify personal character strengths and how they contribute to self and community.

• Introduction (10 mins): Define 'character strengths.'

• Activity (30 mins): "Strengths Sort" - Small groups sort cards of character strengths to identify personal and shared strengths.

• Discussion (10 mins): Discuss how different strengths contribute to group success.

• Reflection (5 mins): Reflect on which strength they wish to develop further.

Optional Lesson 6: Creative Expression of Self

Objective: Use creative arts to express understanding of self, values, and emotions.

• Introduction (10 mins): Discuss using art as a form of expression.

• Workshop (40 mins): "Emotion Art Gallery" - Students create an art piece representing their journey of self and emotions learnt throughout the unit.

• Gallery Walk & Discussion (10 mins): Share and discuss artworks with peers.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Formative: Observe participation in activities, group discussions and individual contributions.
• Summative: Evaluate reflection journals for depth of understanding and application of concepts.

Resources

• "Inside Out" movies (selected scenes)
• Chart paper, magazines, markers, art materials
• Values and Strengths cards

Concluding Thoughts

This unit plan provides students an enriching journey into understanding themselves and others, promoting emotional intelligence and a supportive classroom environment. It encourages self-reflection, empathy, and mutual respect among students, aligning with educational standards and preparing students for future societal interactions.