Jealousy is a common but challenging emotion that many middle schoolers experience. It can affect friendships, self-esteem, and academic performance. As a middle school counselor or teacher, you play a crucial role in helping students develop healthy coping strategies for jealousy. One effective tool is the animated video “Coping with Jealous Feelings” from Everyday Speech, which teaches students to cope with big feelings. This blog post will guide you through a lesson plan and no-prep activity ideas for helping middle schoolers cope with jealousy, focusing on recognizing the emotion, talking about it, focusing on strengths, practicing empathy, and setting personal goals.
Understanding Jealousy in Middle Schoolers
Jealousy can arise from various situations, such as comparing oneself to peers, feeling left out, or desiring something someone else has. It’s important to address jealousy early, as it can lead to negative behaviors and affect emotional well-being. By teaching students to cope with jealousy, we can help them develop resilience, improve their social interactions, and build a positive self-image.
Introducing “Changing the Channel”
The “Changing the Channel” video from Everyday Speech introduces a valuable skill for managing big feelings like jealousy. It teaches students to recognize their emotions, shift their focus, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. The steps to cope with jealousy are:
- Recognize it.
- Talk about it.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Practice empathy.
- Set goals for yourself.
Lesson Plan: Coping with Jealousy
Objective
By the end of the lesson, students will understand the steps to cope with jealousy and apply the “Changing the Channel” skill to manage their feelings.
Materials Needed
- Coping with Jealous Feelings video from Everyday Speech
- Whiteboard and markers
- Journals or notebooks
Duration
30-40 minutes
Activity Steps
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Begin the lesson by discussing jealousy. Ask students if they’ve ever felt jealous and what situations might trigger these feelings. Explain that jealousy is a normal emotion, but it’s important to manage it healthily.
2. Watch the Video (5 minutes)
Show the “Coping with Jealous Feelings” video. After watching, ask students to summarize the key points and the steps mentioned in the video.
3. Discuss the Steps (10 minutes)
Write the five steps to cope with jealousy on the whiteboard:
- Recognize it.
- Talk about it.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Practice empathy.
- Set goals for yourself.
Discuss each step in detail, providing examples and encouraging students to share their thoughts.
4. Reflective Journaling (10 minutes)
Ask students to write in their journals about a time they felt jealous. Prompt them to reflect on how they handled the situation and how they could apply the “Changing the Channel” steps in the future.
5. Group Discussion (10 minutes)
Have students share their journal entries (voluntarily) and discuss how they can use the steps to manage jealousy. This open dialogue helps normalize the emotion and reinforces coping strategies.
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Conclusion
Helping middle schoolers cope with jealousy is an essential part of their emotional development. By using the “Changing the Channel” video from Everyday Speech and the steps outlined in this lesson plan, counselors can provide students with practical tools to manage their feelings. These skills not only help with jealousy but also contribute to overall emotional intelligence and resilience. Implement these strategies in your counseling sessions to support your students in navigating their emotions healthily and constructively.
Sample Video
Try out this sample animated video lesson.
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Related Blog Posts:
Navigating Middle School: Enhancing Social Skills Through Videos
Teaching Middle School Students to Stay Calm and Solve Problems
Promoting Mental Well-being: SEL Lessons for Middle School Students
