What Triggers Me?

At a Glance:

Grades:	4, 5, 6
Subject:
Topic:	Triggers
Lesson Length:	30 - 45 mins

Standards / Framework:

What will students learn in this activity?

Using comic scenarios, students will reflect on what triggers them and how to cope with those triggers.

What should students know before this activity?

Students should know the definition of the word trigger.

How can teachers introduce this lesson?

Read and discuss the comic as a class or independently.
- What does the term trigger mean?
- If you were in any of these situations, how much would it trigger, or upset, you?

What will students do?

Have students reflect on each comic scenario and write down answers to the following questions:
- Does this situation trigger you? Why or why not?
- If it would trigger you, what could you do to cope with the situation? Be specific.
Have students create their own comics showing a “triggering” scenario and include strategies for coping.

How can teachers wrap up the lesson?

In small groups or as a class, have students share specific scenes that would trigger them and why. This is a great opportunity to review compassion and positive intent.
Different situations trigger different people and being mindful of those possibilities will make the classroom environment successful and welcoming to all.

How can teachers differentiate this activity?

Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
Provide reflection questions.
Pair students with a peer model.
Provide sentence frames for reflection questions and closing conversation.

Related Resources:

Comic to print or display: Comic.
Suggested Readings:
- The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee.
- How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick & Marjorie Lisovskis.

Related Content:

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