Expressing Anger Safely
To teach children that anger is a valid emotion and provide safe ways to express it.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Expresses anger safely
- Uses approved strategies
- Calms after anger episodes
- Discusses anger causes
Materials
- Punching cushion
- Ripping paper
- Squeezy stress balls
- Drawing materials
- Anger management visual
Instructions
VALIDATING ANGER: 'It's OKAY to feel angry. Everyone feels angry sometimes. Anger isn't bad—it tells us something isn't fair or right. What's NOT okay is hurting people when we're angry.'
TEACHING SAFE EXPRESSION: 'When you feel angry, you can: stamp your feet on the spot, squeeze the stress ball really hard, rip up paper, punch the punching cushion, or draw an angry picture.'
MODELLING ANGER MANAGEMENT: 'I feel frustrated right now. I'm going to take five big breaths and squeeze my stress ball. There—I feel a bit better. My anger is going down.'
PROCESSING AFTER ANGER: Once calm, discuss: 'You were really angry. What happened? What made you feel that way? Can we fix it? What could we do differently next time?'