SEL Lesson for Pre-K: How to Deal With Anger Positively

When not managed positively, angry feelings can encourage negative actions as a reaction to a difficult situation. Often, anger comes with feelings of emotional pain, causing those suffering from it to look for an easy way to relieve themselves, leading to impulsive action.

Learning to manage angry emotions can reduce the chances of acting impulsively, thus preventing negative and unwanted consequences. In this lesson, pre-kindergartners become aware of their anger and learn a strategy they can use to manage their angry feelings.

A relatable puppet show opens this lesson, featuring two beloved hedgehogs, Squeak and Mimi. Here, Mimi turns red with anger. She is hurt by Squeak’s actions as a friend. She confronts Squeak and as soon as he realizes his mistake, Mimi calms down and feels much better.

Mimi sets an example of how to manage the feeling of anger. Anger is another emotion that is too big for pre-kindergartners. If they are not equipped with the right skills on dealing with their anger, it could lead to additional issues affecting their growth, behavior, and mental health.

This fun and colorful lesson helps young students to know how to manage such a big emotion. It begins by defining and identifying anger, then by discussing the ways that anger is expressed. Finally, it teaches the students the positive action of turning angry feelings into good feelings. It uses the "Bright Sider" and “Grumpy Grouch” visual aids to assist with their imagination of how managing and not managing their anger can feel.

The lesson is further reinforced with the song, "Grumpy Grouch/Bright Sider" and some fun activities.

Anger management is an important skill for pre-kindergartners to learn, since unaddressed anger can lead to more serious issues in the future such as bullying, violence, and substance abuse. On the other hand, learning to handle anger properly promotes school safety and improves conflict resolution skills.