Big or Small Feelings
What do we call it when we describe how strong or intense a feeling is?
A: The size of the feeling — big or small.
Name one physical sign that someone might be feeling angry.
A clenched jaw or fists, tense shoulders, a hot face, or a faster heartbeat.
What is the first step to managing a big feeling?
Notice what your body is telling you.
What are the two parts of thinking positively about a hard situation?
Thinking of one good thing about the situation, and one good thing you could do.
What is a negative thought someone might have after losing a board game?
A: “I'm terrible at this, I never win anything.”
Give an example of a “big” feeling.
Any strong emotion, e.g., rage, panic, or huge excitement.
Name one physical sign that someone might be feeling sad.
A heavy chest, a lump in the throat, watery eyes, or low energy.
What is the “Feeling Scanner” used for?
To check in with yourself and name how you're feeling.
Why does it help to think of “one good thing” about a hard situation?
It balances out the negative thought and makes the moment feel less overwhelming.
What is a positive reframe for losing a board game?
“I didn't win this time, but I had fun playing, and I'll get more chances to try again.”
Give an example of a “small” feeling.
Any mild emotion, e.g., slight annoyance or a little worry.
Name one physical sign that someone might be feeling frustrated.
A tight chest, a warm face, restless energy, or a held breath.
Why is it important to be aware of how a feeling starts?
So you can catch it early, before it builds up too much.
Is thinking positively the same as pretending everything is perfect?
No — it means finding something real and helpful, not ignoring the problem.
What is a positive reframe for being picked last for a group?
“It doesn't mean people don't like me — I can still be a great partner to whoever I work with.”
Why is it helpful to notice if a feeling is big or small?
It helps you decide how much help or which strategy you need to calm down.
What's one difference between how anger feels in the body and how sadness feels?
Anger tends to feel tense, hot, and full of fast energy; sadness tends to feel heavy, slow, and low-energy.
True or False: Big emotions usually get weaker over time if you give yourself time.
True.
Give an example of “one good thing you could do” if you're struggling with a hard task.
Ask for help, take a short break, or keep practicing a little at a time.
What is a positive reframe for making a mistake in class?
“Everyone makes mistakes sometimes — that's how people learn. It doesn't mean I'm bad at this.”
Can the same emotion, like anger, ever be both a big feeling and a small feeling?
Yes — the same emotion can range in intensity depending on the situation.
Why is it helpful to notice how your body feels before you're fully angry, sad, or frustrated?
You can catch the feeling early and use a coping strategy before it gets too big.
After noticing your feeling and giving yourself time, what's the next step?
Choose a strategy.
Why might a positive action be especially helpful, not just a positive thought?
It gives you something you can actually do, not just a feeling to sit with.
What is a positive reframe for struggling with a new skill everyone else seems to get quickly?
“This is hard right now, but I'm still learning. I can get better with practice.”