An SEL Lesson on Emotional Intelligence for Grade 1 Students

In Grade 1 classrooms, emotions are as present as ABCs and 123s. Amidst the giggles, tears, and occasional tantrums, Grade 1 students grapple with many emotions that shape their experiences and interactions. Recognizing the significance of emotional management at this formative stage is incredibly important for helping them build a positive self-concept and achieve academic and personal success.

With Positive Action, schools can equip young learners with the tools and strategies to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. Evidence-based lessons throughout this SEL program empower young learners to navigate the complexities of their inner world and establish healthy relationships with their peers.

In this lesson on managing feelings, the teacher starts by capturing the students’ attention with the "Feelings Gift Card" visual aid and the “Birthday poster.” The teacher writes the word “Feelings” along with its definition on the board and asks the first graders to recite it together several times for better recall and understanding.

Once the definition is imprinted on these young minds, the teacher initiates a lively discussion. The teacher explains that everyone experiences emotions and that different things can evoke various feelings in different individuals. Managing one's feelings is emphasized as a positive action that makes one feel good about oneself.

With the stage set, the teacher introduces eleven key feelings to Grade 1 students: anger, worry, jealousy, sadness, fear, excitement, pride, loneliness, discouragement, thankfulness, and love. Each feeling is defined, and examples are discussed to illustrate the circumstances that might elicit these emotions. To further engage first graders, they are encouraged to make facial expressions that convey these feelings, fostering a deeper connection with their emotional experiences.

In the next lessons, the feelings mentioned above are discussed in greater detail. Students are encouraged to share their experiences of dealing with these emotions, and strategies for managing them positively are introduced. Through various SEL activities and games, students develop an emotional vocabulary, learn to recognize their feelings, and practice self-regulation.

By emphasizing emotional intelligence in the early years of education through Positive Action lessons, schools help shape a generation of empathetic, self-aware, and emotionally resilient individuals. Teaching Grade 1 students to identify and understand their emotions and providing them with effective strategies for emotional regulation lays the groundwork for lifelong emotional well-being. These skills extend beyond the classroom, enabling them to navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and contribute positively to their communities.