Implications of Moods on the Choices Kids Make

This unit introduces mood. Students will learn that their feelings and emotions put them in a mood and that their mood influences their choices. Four essential concepts form an understanding of mood:

1. Mood (along with recharge) is a key influencer of fit choices.
2. Mood is your motivation. Mood can be "I will make a healthy choice," or "I won't make a healthy choice."
3. Self-motivation strategies can help you motivate your mood.
4. Your mood can change throughout the day.

If you've ever found yourself in front of the TV after a bad day, mindlessly digging ice cream out of the container with a spoon, you know that mood and food are sometimes linked. But, did you know that all the choices you make throughout the day are connected to your mood as well?

Now that your students have learned to identify their moods, they are ready to find out how to make better choices.

Follow along with the slideshow as you continue the lesson.

To use this with your students click here.

Revisit Mood's Influences

Take a look at each slide and ask students to identify the different feelings and emotions that may have influenced each child's mood and choices. Use student responses to add words to the Feelings and Emotions Chart.

Compare Choices

Explain that to influence is to affect choices. Our mood influences our choices. Compare and contrast each kid's choice and talk about how it helped manage their moods. Highlight that when kids decide to motivate their mood, they make healthier food and move choices.

Check for understanding: How are mood and choices connected?

Practice Making Healthy Choices

Remind students that if they are feeling bad, frustrated, bored, tired, etc., they can decide to motivate their mood and make a fit choice. Ask students to identify a health helper (a trusted adult) who can help if needed.

Hand out the Healthy Choices Maze printable for students to discover healthy choices they can make.

Ask children to begin noticing how they feel when they are making choices. Talk out loud about how you feel as a way to model self-awareness. Say, “I feel a little frazzled today, so I will decide to motivate my mood and take a walk around the playground after lunch.”