Notice when you’re getting mad

Student page

“I can feel myself getting mad. What can I do before I yell?”

Picture this

Cam is building a tower. Someone reaches across the table and knocks it down. Cam’s hands squeeze tight.

1. Spot the clue

What did Cam’s body do? Point to the answer.

Hands

Cam’s hands squeezed tight.

Feet

Cam’s feet started tapping.

Face

Cam’s face felt hot.

2. Try one move before you speak

Unclench

Open your hands and rest them on the table.

Take space

Move back a step if you can.

Ask

Say “I need a minute.”

3. Try it once

Pretend you’re Cam. Pick one move. Show it, point to it, or say it.

Another time to try it

A classmate cuts in line. You feel your face get hot. Pick one move you could use before you speak.

Teacher guide

5 minutes • Show the student page. No supplies.

When to use it

After the class is settled, or in a calm check-in with a student who wants a way to pause when they get mad.

Why this activity

Students practice noticing an early body clue and choosing one response they can remember.

What to say and do

1. Read Cam’s story. Ask “What did Cam’s hands do?”

2. Show one move. Open your hands and say “I need a minute.” Let students point, copy, or pass.

3. Read the line example. Ask students to pick a move they could try there.

What to listen or look for

Cam’s hands squeezed tight. Any of the three pause moves can work. For the line example, “My face feels hot. I’ll step back and ask for a minute” shows both parts.

Background and activity inspiration

https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/anger-thermometer/anger/children