Handling+Feelings

Submitted by: Lynn Mayberry-Burke, Grade 2 Feelings Standards: 1A, 3A, & 3C

When Taught: I have taught this lesson before or after I have taught lessons using Oliver Button is a Sissy, Chrysanthemum, and William's Doll. These are great books about feelings, individual differences, and respect. The kids easily make text-to-text and text-to-self connections using these books. There are other lessons using these books posted on the Wiki. Materials: Book __Ira Sleeps Over__ by Bernard Waber Writing journal or response sheet Time: 30-45 minutes Goals: Students will learn about how to handle their feelings. Lesson Description: Gather the students to the meeting area. Introduce the book title. The teacher introduces the lesson by asking the children if they have ever been afraid or embarrassed. Have the students turn to a shoulder partner and share a time that they felt afraid or embarrassed. Ask the students if they have a special toy, blanket, or stuffed animal that they use to comfort themselves. Have the students share this with their shoulder partner. Tell the students that we will be reading a story about a little boy who is going to spend the night at his friend’s house. He is embarrassed to tell his friend that needs to bring his stuffed animal with him to comfort him because he is afraid of the dark. Read Aloud the Book: While reading the story stop at the appropriate times to discuss how Ira is feeling and to make predictions about what they think will happen. Stop before the ending and ask the students to put themselves in Ira’s position (i.e., What would they do if they were Ira? What would they say?). Share with their shoulder partners how they think the story will end. Activity/Assessment: Have students write a journal response to the question: Have you ever felt afraid? Describe a time when you were afraid. What do you do when you are afraid? Share response with a partner or with the class if time allows.