Have the kids assess how they physically and emotionally feel. If they are experiencing angry feelings, have them take a deep breath and "blow out the anger" with a long, strong, exhale. This activity allows kids to gather control and release their frustration in a healthy way. Once they "blow out the mad" they can talk about why it was a better way to deal with anger than yelling or hurting someone.
Substituting acceptable behavior for angry behavior can be shared and practiced through group activities. Kids can convene in a circle and choose a substitute act for angry feelings. For example, counting backwards, imagining a favorite place or doing a quick exercise, like deep knee bends. Each student in the circle can share her chosen substitute and the other children can try their peers’ suggestions.
Kids can draw pictures of what makes them mad. They can be encouraged to use bright, bold colors to express the gravity of their feelings. Once the anger is caught on paper have the child place the drawing in a refrigerator or freezer. This activity is symbolic for cooling down the angry feelings and releasing them in a positive manner.
When kids talk about what makes them angry in advance it can prompt preemptive solutions for handling the provoking events. Discussion activities can allow students to craft their own, positive ways to handle bad situations before they occur. It allows them to recognize anger-inducing events while they are calm and sensible. It also leads to conversations regarding how managing anger versus letting it take control is more beneficial.