Sad or Mad, I've Got a Plan! Written by Levana Ho and Karina Jaber
Minds On
What makes you happy?
What are some things that make you happy at home, in school, or in another place? Why does it make you happy?
Let’s explore the following video that shows a group of friends having fun.
In the video, how are the children feeling? How do you know?
Pause and Reflect
Think
How do you show that you are happy?
Record your thoughts. If possible, share your thinking with a partner.
As you work through this learning activity, you can record your ideas in many ways.
Listen to the following audio recording to learn more about how to record your ideas.
How to Record Your Ideas
Action
Feelings
We just explored what makes us happy. What are some other feelings or emotions that people might have?
For example, when we smile, this may mean we are happy.
Facial expressions
A facial expression is what our faces do to show how we feel.
Check out the images for some different facial expressions!
We might smile when we are happy.
We might cry when we are sad.
Our eyes and mouth might go wide if we are surprised.
Body language or gestures
Our bodies can show our emotions just like our faces.
When we use our body to show an emotion, it is called body language.
Explore the following images for different gestures and body language!
Showing your feelings
Now it’s your turn to show different feelings with your face and your body.
Check the following list of feelings, and pretend to feel each of the different emotions.
Some feelings:
Everyone shows their feelings in different ways.
How might you show that you are happy? Press the Happy Example button to find out what being happy might be like.
How might you show that you are sad or mad? Press the Mad Example button to find out what being mad might be like.
How might you show that you are surprised? Press the Surprise Example button to find out what being surprised might be like.
Let's take a look at some more examples. What are they doing in the picture? How do you think they are feeling?
What can you do if you feel sad or mad?
Explore the following book for some ideas you can try.
Sad or Mad, I've Got a Plan!Sad or Mad, I've Got a Plan!
When I feel sad or mad, I can try different ways to feel better.
I can talk to someone I trust like a friend or adult.
I can practice deep breaths in a quiet space.
I can dance or listen to music.
I can read a book.
I can draw a picture.
I can play outside.
Try it
Try it
Let’s try a breathing exercise together!
You can take deep breaths and give yourself a big hug to help you feel calm.
- If you are able, start by standing or sitting.
- Slowly take a deep breath in through your nose.
- Hold your breath for three seconds.
- Breathe out through your mouth.
- Repeat this three times.
- Take your arms and wrap them around your body to give yourself a big hug!
What other ways can you feel better?
Exploring feelings
Check out the following short video clip from the How Do You Feel? series called “Art Therapy,” where our friend Akin tells us how he uses art to express how he feels. When Akin is feeling sad, he writes and draws the things that make his heart feel full.
As you explore the video, think about some ways that you can share how you feel.
- What do you do to feel happy?
- What can you do if you feel sad?
- What can you do if you feel mad?
- What makes your heart feel full?
Record your thoughts. Share with someone else, if possible.
Consolidation
Let's be actors!
Possible materials
- puppets, dolls, action figures, etc.
Using puppets, dolls, or yourself, act out how you could help someone who is scared.
Remember to use body language, gestures, voice, and facial expressions.
Pause and Reflect
How did you feel?
How did you feel when you were doing this activity? Why?
If possible, share what you felt and why with an adult.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Press the button next to the sentence that matches how you feel.
