Understanding Our Emotions

Lesson Plan Overview

• Subject: PSHE
• Year Group: Year 1
• Lesson Duration: 35 minutes
• Class Size: 24 students
• Curriculum Area: Relationships and Health Education (PSHE)
• Specific Focus: Recognising and expressing emotions

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Identify different emotions and describe how they feel.
2. Discuss situations that make them feel sad.
3. Express emotions through spoken discussion and creative artwork.

Resources Needed

• Images of Inside Out emotion characters
• The book Everybody Feels Sad by Jane Bingham
• A3 paper and crayons/coloured pencils
• Emotion flashcards (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – Recognising Emotions (5 minutes)

• Begin by showing images of the characters from Inside Out (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust). Ask the class:
  • "Who recognises these characters?"
  • "What do you think their emotions are?”
  • "How do you feel when you experience these emotions?"
• Encourage full-class participation, prompting pupils with guided questions such as:
  • "Can you think of a time when you felt like one of these characters?"
• Explain that today's focus is on Sadness, and reassure the children that feeling sad is a normal emotion that everyone experiences.

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2. Storytime – Exploring Sadness (10 minutes)

• Read Everybody Feels Sad by Jane Bingham aloud to the class.
• As you read, pause to ask:
  • "Why do you think this character is feeling sad?"
  • "What could their friends or family do to help?"
• After reading, discuss key moments in the story and how the character managed their sadness.

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3. Circle Time – Sharing Feelings (10 minutes)

• Gather pupils in a circle and create a safe, inclusive space for sharing.
• Ask:
  • "Can you think of a time when you felt sad?"
  • "Did someone help you feel better? What did they do?"
• Provide sentence starters for support, e.g., "I felt sad when…", "I was happy again because…"
• Gently guide the discussion to highlight ways to cope with sadness, such as talking to friends, seeking comfort from a family member, or engaging in something they enjoy.

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4. Creative Activity – Drawing Emotions (8 minutes)

• Hand out A3 paper and crayons/coloured pencils.
• Instruct pupils to draw a picture of a time when they felt sad.
• Encourage them to add details – who was there, what happened, and what helped them feel better.
• Provide individual support to pupils who may need help expressing their emotions visually.

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Plenary – Reflection and Positivity (2 minutes)

• Pupils hold up their drawings (if comfortable) and explain their picture in small groups.
• End with a closing thought:
  • "It’s okay to feel sad sometimes, and talking to someone can help."
  • "What are some ways we can help friends when they feel sad?"

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Assessment for Learning

• Observe pupil participation in discussions.
• Listen to responses during circle time for understanding of sadness and coping strategies.
• Assess creativity and expression in drawings.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• EAL Pupils: Use picture prompts and sentence starters to assist discussion.
• SEND Pupils: Offer 1:1 support in circle time and with drawing tasks. Alternative options include creating a feelings chart.
• More Able Pupils: Encourage deeper thinking through questions like, "How might sadness feel different for different people?"

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Storytelling and comprehension of Everybody Feels Sad.
• Art & Design: Expression through drawing.

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Teacher Reflection

• Did pupils engage with discussing emotions?
• Were pupils able to articulate a time they felt sad?
• How can this lesson be expanded into future emotional literacy sessions?

This structured and interactive lesson gives Year 1 pupils a safe space to explore sadness, express emotions, and develop empathy towards others.