Emotions
Name three physical signs that someone might be getting angry.
A racing heartbeat, clenched fists, tense muscles, or a hot face.
Name two healthy ways to calm down when you're angry.
Deep breathing, walking away, drawing, listening to music, or talking to someone.
What is a conflict?
A disagreement or problem between people who have different needs, opinions, or expectations.
What does it mean to pause before reacting?
Stop briefly to think about what might happen before deciding what to do.
What is an I-statement?
A way to express feelings and needs without blaming someone else.
A friend ignores you at lunch. What are two emotions you might feel besides anger?
Hurt, sadness, embarrassment, rejection, or confusion.
Demonstrate taking three slow, calming breaths.
Breathe in slowly and exhale gently three times.
Someone cuts in front of you in line. What could you say calmly?
I was waiting here. Can you please get behind me?
Someone bumps into you in the hallway. What is another explanation besides 'they did it on purpose'?
It may have been an accident or they may not have seen me.
Change 'You always make me mad!' into an I-statement.
I feel frustrated when this happens, and I need some space.
What is an emotional trigger? Give one example.
Something that brings up a strong emotional reaction, such as teasing, feeling disrespected, or being excluded.
What can you do if you're too angry to talk respectfully?
Ask for a break, move to a safe space, and return when calmer.
A peer calls you a name. What is one response that won't make things worse?
I don't like being called that. Please stop. Then walk away or seek help.
You want to yell at someone. Name one possible consequence and one better choice.
Yelling may escalate conflict. A better choice is calmly stating a boundary or taking a break.
What does active listening look like?
Facing the speaker when comfortable, not interrupting, and checking that you understand.
Someone laughs after you answer a question incorrectly. What is the difference between a fact and an assumption?
Fact: someone laughed. Assumption: they were laughing at me or trying to embarrass me.
Someone keeps provoking you after you've asked them to stop. Name three ways to stay in control.
Use calming self-talk, create distance, and ask a trusted adult for support.
Two people blame each other for an argument. What could help them solve it?
Listen to both perspectives, identify the problem, and find a fair solution.
What is the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is acting immediately on emotion. Responding means choosing an action after thinking.
Someone tells you that you hurt their feelings. What could you say even if you disagree?
I didn't realize that hurt you. Can you tell me more about what happened?
You feel angry, but underneath you feel rejected. Why is identifying the deeper emotion helpful?
It helps you understand what you need and communicate feelings rather than reacting aggressively.
Create a personal five-step plan for handling intense anger.
Notice warning signs, pause, breathe, choose a safe response, and reflect afterward.
A peer keeps trying to fight you. Explain how you can protect yourself without escalating the conflict.
Keep distance, avoid threats or retaliation, move toward safety, and immediately involve staff or another trusted adult.
You are angry because someone embarrassed you. Walk through STOP: Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed.
Demonstrate stopping, breathing, identifying feelings and thoughts, and choosing a safe, respectful response.
Role-play setting a respectful boundary with someone who keeps teasing you.
I don't like those comments. Please stop. If it continues, I'm going to leave and ask for help.