Understanding Emotions

Mental Health Course Lesson 2

This course is part of a comprehensive 20-lesson programme on mental health, designed
specifically for young people. Each lesson is ready to teach—no pre-planning
required—providing everything you need in one place.
The slides guide you step by step through each topic, incorporating discussion points, quizzes, and interactive activities to promote active learning. With engaging visuals and carefully structured content, these lessons are tailored for KS3 and KS4 students, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all learners.
Each lesson follows a consistent format, making it easy to deliver while maintaining a clear and structured approach. Developed by education and mental health specialists, Church and Lee, this course equips students with essential skills to build resilience, manage stress, and develop a positive mindset.

Lesson 2: Understanding Emotions

This lesson aims to deepen students’ understanding of emotions, their origins, development, and impact on human behavior. Through interactive discussions, activities, and a quiz, learners will explore the role of the brain in processing emotions and develop strategies for managing negative emotions effectively.

Lesson Structure:

• Diagnostic Question – Begin with an opening question to assess students’ prior knowledge about emotions.
• Introduction to Emotions – Define emotions and explore their significance in human experiences.
• Origins of Emotions – Discuss where emotions come from, including biological, psychological, and social influences.
• Emotional Development – Examine how emotions change and evolve throughout human development.
• The Role of the Brain in Emotions – Explain the connection between emotions and brain function, highlighting key areas such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
• Emotions in Different Scenarios – Explore how emotions manifest in various situations and their impact on behavior.
• Understanding Negative Emotions – Identify different negative emotions and their effects on well-being.
• A plenary discussion to gauge learning and take-away points

This lesson provides a strong foundation for further exploration into mental health topics,
fostering awareness and resilience among students.
If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, feel free to contact the
creators through this platform