Big emotions, such as anger, frustration, and sadness, can overwhelm a person’s thoughts and negatively impact their decision-making abilities. In this blog post, we will explore a social-emotional learning technique called “Changing the Channel” that can help high school students control their feelings and make better choices. We will also discuss a no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for educators who want to implement this strategy in their classrooms.

Introduction

Changing the Channel is a technique that enables high school students to control their thoughts and emotions, rather than letting them dictate their actions. By recognizing big emotions as they occur and using strategies to shift their focus, students can prevent these feelings from taking over and leading to poor decision-making or hurtful behavior. This skill is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, coping with stress, and achieving success in various aspects of life.

No-Prep Activity

One effective way to teach students how to Change the Channel on their emotions is through a no-prep activity called the “Emotion Switch.” Here’s how it works:

1. Ask students to form pairs and sit facing each other.
2. Explain that one student will be the “emitter” and the other the “receiver.” The emitter will start by displaying a big emotion, such as anger, frustration, or sadness, through facial expressions and body language.
3. The receiver’s task is to observe the emitter’s emotion and then, after a few seconds, ask the emitter to Change the Channel. The emitter must then shift to a different emotion, such as happiness or calmness.
4. After a minute or two, have the students switch roles and repeat the process.

This activity helps students practice recognizing their emotions and shifting their focus to different feelings, which is the core of Changing the Channel.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think it’s essential to learn how to Change the Channel on big emotions?
• What are some strategies you can use to Change the Channel on your emotions when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
• How can Changing the Channel on big emotions help improve your relationships with others?
• Can you think of a time when you successfully Changed the Channel on a big emotion? What was the outcome?
• How can practicing Changing the Channel on emotions support your overall well-being and success in life?

Related Skills

In addition to Changing the Channel, there are several other related skills that can enhance students’ social-emotional learning and personal development. Some of these skills include:

• Mindfulness: Learning to be present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations can help students better manage their emotions and make more conscious choices.
• Emotion Regulation: Developing strategies to cope with and express emotions in a healthy and socially appropriate manner is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being and positive relationships.
• Active Listening: By paying close attention to others and responding empathetically, students can foster more meaningful connections and better understand others’ perspectives.
• Problem-Solving: Cultivating the ability to identify problems, generate solutions, and make informed decisions can help students navigate various challenges and conflicts in life.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in incorporating Changing the Channel and other social-emotional learning techniques into your classroom, we encourage you to explore the free sample materials available at Everyday Speech. By signing up, you’ll gain access to a variety of resources designed to support your students’ personal growth and development, helping them thrive in both their academic and personal lives.