Begin a series of lesson plans for expressing emotions with a discussion about feelings. Some younger students may need to be taught the names of feelings and what they mean. Draw faces with expressions to help demonstrate the meaning of emotions. Read a story where a character goes through a series of emotions and ask your students to identify the emotion the character feels at different parts of the story. You can also ask students to use lines or other shapes to draw what emotions look like. Teach the importance of an "I" message when talking about emotions; students should use "I feel...when" phrases instead of accusing another person.
The use of musical activities is an ideal way of talking about emotions. Have students bring in a song they feel an emotional tie to and discuss the lyrics in class. Alternatively, the teacher can choose the songs that are to be discussed. In addition to talking about the lyrics, think about the beat or rhythm and general mood of the music. Use musical instruments to express emotions; hand out a variety of drums or other instruments and ask your students to play what a specific emotion sounds like. Transition from a sad emotion to a happy emotion to help lift the mood.
Writing is a very therapeutic activity. Encourage your students to journal or to free-write, which means to write what they are thinking without stopping until time is up. When talking about emotions, ask your students to write things down. For instance, students can write a list of things they find stressful or a list of positive and negative emotions. Seeing the list can make it more real. Students can write a letter to someone else or to themselves, write a poem or story, or write a script for a skit to be performed in class.
Another way to boost mood is through physical activity. Many students are required to complete some classes in physical fitness, and it is important that the teacher communicate how different exercises and games can help relieve stress. Physical activity also leads to a more generally healthy lifestyle. Playing games in a group helps improve cohesion and sense of community. Exercising itself releases chemicals in your brain that lift your mood. Encourage students to go for a walk if they are feeling stressed.