“CALM: Step 3” - Accompanies Lesson: 3
Objectives
Students will:
- Identify “Look for Ways to Feel Better” as the third step in the 4-Step CALM Plan for managing sadness.
Teacher Notes
Looking for an answer generally means “thinking” about what to do; however, in this case, we also mean looking at how our answer “feels.” A felt sense of relief, an experience of “yes, that’s it,” alerts the individual that he or she has found the answer that feels right.
Discussion
Next, Scott looked to his thoughts and feelings for ways to feel better. Point out to students that the ‘L’ in CALM refers to looking for ways to feel better.
Ask: “What are some of the things Scott thought of to do to feel better?” ”When he asked himself how each of these ideas felt, what feelings came to him?”
For example:
- I could stay home and watch TV—that doesn’t feel good, I’d still be sad.
- I could go to the concert alone—that feels better, I’d see the band, but going alone isn’t as much fun as going with someone else
- I could go with a friend—that feels best
Ask: “What are some of the other things he could have done to feel better?”
Important: This discussion reflects only part of the instructional content presented in the LifeFacts: Managing Emotions Teaching Guide. Please carefully read the corresponding lesson(s) in the guide prior to instruction. We recommend that teachers develop their own discussion questions to fit the functioning levels of specific student audiences.