What Triggers Me?

Subject:

Lesson Length: 30 - 45 mins

Topic: Triggers

Grade Level: 4, 5, 6

Standards / Framework:

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

Know Before You Start: Students should know the definition of the word trigger.

Hook:

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?

Activity:

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.

Closure:

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.

Differentiation:

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.

Suggested Content Packs:

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