Recognizing Sad Feelings

Emotional Intelligence

Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Learning Objectives

Understand what it means to feel sad
Identify common reasons for feeling sad
Recognize body signs and behaviors that may show sadness
Observe sad expressions, posture, and voice in others
Describe ways to support someone who feels sad
Learn strategies for managing personal feelings of sadness
Acknowledge that sadness is a normal emotion that doesn’t last forever

Aligned Common Core Standards

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2 – Confirm understanding by asking and answering questions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6 – Use words and phrases acquired through conversations

Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2 – Ask and answer questions about key details in spoken information
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.6 – Use words and phrases acquired through conversations

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.2 – Recount or describe key ideas from oral presentations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.6 – Use acquired words and phrases to describe feelings and experiences

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2 – Determine main ideas and supporting details from spoken content
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.6 – Use academic and domain-specific words to discuss emotions

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Engage effectively in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.2 – Paraphrase spoken information and express understanding
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.6 – Use precise language to describe emotional states and actions

Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Participate in discussions, building on others’ ideas
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.2 – Summarize spoken and visual information
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.6 – Use grade-appropriate vocabulary to express thoughts and emotions

Grade 6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 – Participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 – Interpret messages and emotional meaning in spoken content
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.6 – Use vocabulary for emotional expression and interpersonal understanding

Grade 7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 – Analyze emotional tone and intent in spoken and multimedia sources
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.6 – Acquire and use emotional and academic vocabulary appropriately

Grade 8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 – Initiate and participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2 – Evaluate emotional content and nuance in spoken material
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.6 – Use vocabulary to describe, discuss, and reflect on emotional experiences

SMART Goal Ideas Bank

The student will name at least two physical or behavioral signs of sadness (e.g., frowning, quiet voice) in 4 out of 5 structured activities by [date].
The student will identify one reason someone might feel sad (e.g., missing someone, losing something) in 4 out of 5 opportunities by [date].
The student will describe a way to support someone who is feeling sad (e.g., sitting nearby, being kind) in 4 out of 5 role-play activities by [date].
The student will describe a personal calming or coping strategy for sad feelings in 3 out of 4 therapy sessions by [date].
The student will express that sad feelings are normal and temporary in 3 out of 4 discussions using sentence starters or visual supports by [date].
The student will recognize sad expressions in others using pictures or video examples in 4 out of 5 trials with 80% accuracy by [date].