CSC–COA–DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2025: A Complete Guide for Government Agencies and Public Schools

Strong feelings can push you to act fast and regret later. In this lesson, you will learn how emotions like anger, embarrassment, jealousy, and fear can shape moral choices. You will practice simple ways to calm down, think clearly, and choose actions that protect dignity and fairness. By the end, you will have a personal plan for handling emotional moments with respect and responsibility.

• Subject: Values Education 8
• Grade: 8
• Day: 3 of 4

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

1. Name at least four emotions that commonly affect moral choices and describe how each can change behavior.
2. Use a Calm–Think–Choose routine to respond to a challenging situation with respect and responsibility.
3. Create a short personal coping plan that includes two calming strategies and one repair step when mistakes happen.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

• Emotion – a strong feeling that influences thoughts and actions.
• Trigger – something that quickly starts a strong emotion (words, events, memories).
• Impulse – a sudden urge to act without thinking.
• Self-regulation – managing emotions and behavior to make wise choices.
• Cooling-off time – a short pause that helps you calm down before responding.
• Repair – making amends after harming someone (apology, correction, changed behavior).
• Empathy – understanding and caring about how others feel.
• Respectful response – words or actions that protect dignity even during conflict.

🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge

1. What are the two key decision guides from Day 2?
   Show Answer

   Respect (protect dignity) and responsibility (own actions and outcomes).

2. Why is pausing before acting helpful?
   Show Answer

   Pausing prevents impulsive actions and gives time to think about consequences.

3. Name one moral issue that often becomes emotional.
   Show Answer

   Examples: teasing, gossip, online conflict, unfair group work, or arguments with friends.

📖 Explore the Lesson

Work through each checkpoint. Write brief notes in your notebook before opening the answers.

Checkpoint 1: Emotions Change How We See a Situation

Mini-goal: Notice how emotions can make a moral issue look bigger or smaller than it is.

Emotions are not “bad.” They are signals. Anger can signal that something feels unfair. Fear can signal danger. Embarrassment can signal that you feel exposed. But emotions can also distort your judgment. When you are angry, you may focus only on what the other person did wrong. When you are embarrassed, you may want to protect your image at any cost. When you are jealous, you may assume you are being treated unfairly even without proof.

Moral challenges often appear right when emotions rise. That is why emotional awareness is a values skill. If you can name your feeling, you can slow it down. Try this simple question: “What am I feeling right now?” Then add: “What is this feeling pushing me to do?” The second question is powerful because it shows you the impulse. Once you see the impulse, you can choose a better action.

Real-life tie-in: A friend ignores your message. You feel rejected and angry. The impulse is to post something rude or to spread a rumor. But the moral issue is about respect and fairness. You do not know the full story yet. Naming the emotion helps you avoid harming someone based on a guess.

Mini-summary: Emotions are signals, but they can distort judgment. Naming feelings helps you see impulses and choose wisely.

• Name one emotion that often leads to impulsive words.
  Show Answer

  Anger, embarrassment, jealousy, or frustration often lead to impulsive words.

• What is the difference between a feeling and an action?
  Show Answer

  A feeling is what you experience inside. An action is what you choose to do. You can feel strongly and still choose a respectful action.

• Write one sentence: “When I feel ______, I usually want to ______.”
  Show Answer

  Answers vary. The goal is to identify a common impulse, like shouting, avoiding, insulting, or posting online.

Checkpoint 2: Common Triggers in School and Online

Mini-goal: Identify triggers that often lead to poor moral choices.

A trigger is something that quickly causes a strong emotion. Triggers can be words (“You always…”), actions (being laughed at), or situations (being left out). Many triggers happen in school: being corrected in front of others, losing a game, getting blamed in group work, or being compared to someone else. Online triggers can be even stronger because messages are short and easy to misread.

Triggers often push you toward quick choices: insulting back, joining gossip, blaming others, or refusing to listen. When you recognize a trigger, you can choose a different path. Think of triggers as a warning light: “Careful—this moment needs self-control.”

Real-life tie-in: In a comment thread, someone mocks your opinion. Your trigger is feeling disrespected. Your impulse is to reply with an insult. But a respectful choice might be to pause, reply calmly, or stop the conversation before it becomes harmful.

Mini-summary: Triggers are warning lights. Recognizing them helps you protect dignity and avoid impulsive harm.

• List two triggers that happen often in school.
  Show Answer

  Examples: public embarrassment, teasing, unfair blame, exclusion, or harsh criticism.

• Why are online triggers risky?
  Show Answer

  Online messages are easy to misread, spread fast, and can last a long time. People also feel braver behind a screen.

• What is one “warning light” sign your body gives you when you are triggered?
  Show Answer

  Examples: fast heartbeat, hot face, tight chest, shaky hands, or tense jaw.

Checkpoint 3: Calm–Think–Choose Routine

Mini-goal: Practice a simple routine for emotional moments.

When emotions rise, your brain wants to act quickly. A routine helps you return to your values. Use this three-part routine: Calm (cooling-off time), Think (options and consequences), and Choose (the most respectful and responsible action).

Calm: Take a short pause. Breathe slowly for 10 seconds. Count down from 10. Drink water. Step away from the chat or move to a quieter place. Your goal is not to erase emotion. Your goal is to lower it enough to think.

Think: Ask: “What are my options?” “What will each option cause?” “What choice protects dignity?” If you cannot think clearly, extend the pause. You can say, “I need a moment.”

Choose: Select the action that matches your values. Often, the best choice is calm honesty: explain your feeling without attacking. If safety is involved, your best choice may be to seek adult support.

Real-life tie-in: During group work, someone blames you for being slow. You feel angry and want to shout. Calm: breathe and pause. Think: you can shout, stay silent, or speak calmly. Choose: “I want to do well too. Let’s divide tasks clearly so we finish on time.”

Mini-summary: Calm–Think–Choose helps you lower emotion, consider consequences, and select a respectful response.

• Which calming strategy is easiest for you to use in real life?
  Show Answer

  Answers vary: breathing, counting, stepping away, drinking water, or asking for time.

• Why is “I need a moment” a responsible sentence?
  Show Answer

  It prevents harm by giving time to calm down and choose better words or actions.

• Write one respectful sentence you can use when you feel attacked.
  Show Answer

  Examples: “I feel upset. Let’s talk calmly.” “Please don’t speak to me that way.” “I want to understand. Can we slow down?”

Checkpoint 4: Handling Anger Without Harm

Mini-goal: Learn safe ways to express anger with respect.

Anger is a common emotion in moral challenges. Anger can help you stand up against unfairness, but it can also lead to harm. The goal is to express anger without disrespect. Start by separating the person from the behavior. Instead of “You are terrible,” try “That action was hurtful.” Use “I” statements: “I felt disrespected when…” This keeps the focus on the issue, not on insults.

If your anger is too strong, a cooling-off time is the respectful choice. Walking away is not weakness. It is self-control. You can return later with calmer words. Also, choose safe outlets: writing feelings in a notebook, doing a short physical activity, or talking to a trusted adult.

Real-life tie-in: You find out someone used your name in a joke online. You want to reply publicly. A safer choice is to pause and talk privately, or report it if it is bullying. Protecting dignity includes protecting your own dignity.

Mini-summary: Anger can be expressed with “I” statements, calm words, and cooling-off time. Self-control prevents moral harm.

• What is one difference between expressing anger and attacking a person?
  Show Answer

  Expressing anger explains the feeling and the problem. Attacking uses insults, humiliation, or threats.

• Why can public replies online make conflict worse?
  Show Answer

  Public replies invite spectators, increase embarrassment, and can spread the conflict faster.

• Write one “I” statement about a school conflict.
  Show Answer

  Example: “I felt embarrassed when my idea was laughed at. I want us to speak respectfully.”

Checkpoint 5: Repair After an Emotional Mistake

Mini-goal: Learn how to make amends when emotions lead to poor choices.

Even with practice, you may sometimes react poorly. Responsibility means repair. Repair has three parts: (1) name what you did, (2) acknowledge the impact, and (3) change what you will do next time. A strong apology sounds like: “I shouted at you. That was disrespectful. I’m sorry. Next time, I will pause before I speak.” Avoid excuses like “I was angry, so…” Anger explains, but it does not cancel harm.

Repair can also include fixing the damage: correcting a rumor, deleting a harmful post, replacing something broken, or checking on the person you hurt. Over time, people trust those who repair. That trust is part of a healthy community.

Real-life tie-in: You post a rude comment in a moment of anger. Later you regret it. A responsible repair is to delete the comment, apologize privately, and commit to a pause rule before posting.

Mini-summary: Repair restores trust. A good repair names the action, acknowledges impact, and commits to change.

• Why are excuses not the same as responsibility?
  Show Answer

  Excuses avoid ownership. Responsibility admits harm and works to repair it.

• What is one action you can take after spreading misinformation?
  Show Answer

  Correct it publicly or privately, apologize, and share the accurate information.

• Write a 3-sentence repair statement for a situation where you spoke harshly.
  Show Answer

  Example: “I spoke harshly to you earlier. That was disrespectful and unfair. I’m sorry, and I will pause before I speak next time.”

Checkpoint 6: Your Personal “Pause Plan”

Mini-goal: Create a simple plan you can use when emotions rise.

A plan helps you act with values even when you feel overwhelmed. Build a personal pause plan with three parts: (1) your top triggers, (2) your best calming strategies, and (3) your best respectful response sentence. Add one repair step too, because mistakes can happen.

Write this in your notebook: My triggers: (choose 2). My calming strategies: (choose 2). My respectful sentence: (write 1). My repair step: (write 1). Keep it simple so you can remember it. A small plan used often is better than a perfect plan used once.

Real-life tie-in: If your trigger is public embarrassment, your calm strategy could be breathing and stepping aside. Your respectful sentence could be: “I need a moment. I will talk after I calm down.” Your repair step could be apologizing if you raise your voice.

Mini-summary: A pause plan prepares you for emotional moments with calm strategies, respectful words, and a repair step.

• Which two triggers will you include in your plan?
  Show Answer

  Examples: teasing, unfair blame, exclusion, harsh criticism, or online mockery.

• Which two calming strategies will you use?
  Show Answer

  Examples: slow breathing, counting down, stepping away, drinking water, journaling, or talking to a trusted adult.

• Write your respectful sentence.
  Show Answer

  Examples: “I feel upset. Let’s talk calmly.” “I need time to think.” “Please speak respectfully.”

💡 Example in Action

Study these examples. Notice how calm actions lead to better moral choices.

1. Trigger: A classmate laughs at your answer.
   Better choice: Breathe, then say, “I feel embarrassed. Please be respectful.”
   Show Answer

   This choice protects dignity and sets a respectful boundary without insulting anyone.

2. Trigger: Someone posts a rude comment about you.
   Better choice: Step away, do not reply immediately, report or message privately if needed.
   Show Answer

   A cooling-off time prevents a public fight and reduces harm.

3. Trigger: You are blamed for a group delay.
   Better choice: “I want to help us finish. Let’s divide tasks clearly and set a time.”
   Show Answer

   This response shows responsibility and improves teamwork instead of escalating conflict.

4. Trigger: You shout at a sibling while stressed.
   Better choice: Apologize, explain your stress, and plan a calmer response next time.
   Show Answer

   Repair restores trust and shows responsibility for your impact.

5. Trigger: You feel jealous of a friend’s success.
   Better choice: Name the feeling, avoid gossip, and choose a kind message.
   Show Answer

   Jealousy can push harmful choices. Naming it reduces its control.

📝 Try It Out

Write your answers in your notebook before checking the suggestions.

1. List four emotions that can affect moral decisions.
   Show Answer

   Examples: anger, fear, embarrassment, jealousy, frustration, sadness.

2. Write two triggers that often affect you.
   Show Answer

   Examples: being teased, being blamed unfairly, public correction, exclusion, rude online comments.

3. Use Calm–Think–Choose for this scenario: “A friend calls you a name in front of others.”
   Show Answer

   Calm: breathe, pause. Think: options include insulting back, staying silent, or speaking calmly. Choose: “Please don’t call me that. Let’s talk respectfully.”

4. Write one respectful sentence you can use when you feel angry.
   Show Answer

   Examples: “I need a moment.” “I feel angry, but I want to speak calmly.”

5. Write a 3-sentence repair statement for a time you hurt someone’s feelings.
   Show Answer

   Example: “I spoke harshly earlier. That was disrespectful and hurtful. I’m sorry, and I will pause next time before I speak.”

6. Create your personal Pause Plan (2 triggers, 2 calming strategies, 1 respectful sentence, 1 repair step).
   Show Answer

   A complete plan includes specific triggers, specific calming actions, a clear sentence, and a repair step like apologizing and correcting harm.

7. Explain why stepping away can be a responsible choice.
   Show Answer

   It prevents harm and gives time to calm down and choose better words.

8. Describe one safe outlet for strong emotions.
   Show Answer

   Examples: journaling, deep breathing, short exercise, or talking to a trusted adult.

9. Why is “I” language often more respectful than “You” language?
   Show Answer

   “I” language explains feelings and needs without blaming or insulting the other person.

10. Write one long-term consequence of reacting impulsively online.
    Show Answer

    Examples: damaged reputation, broken friendships, disciplinary action, or lasting screenshots.

✅ Check Yourself

1. True/False: Emotions never affect moral choices.
   Show Answer

   False.

2. Multiple choice: A trigger is…
   a) a rule b) a quick cause of strong emotion c) a reward d) a punishment
   Show Answer

   b)

3. Short answer: What is the first step in Calm–Think–Choose?
   Show Answer

   Calm (pause and lower the emotion).

4. Multiple choice: Which sentence is most respectful when angry?
   a) “You are the worst!” b) “Shut up!” c) “I need a moment to calm down.” d) “Everyone hates you!”
   Show Answer

   c)

5. True/False: Repair includes admitting impact and committing to change.
   Show Answer

   True.

6. Short answer: Give one reason why public online replies can worsen conflict.
   Show Answer

   They invite spectators and increase embarrassment, making anger grow.

7. Multiple choice: Self-regulation means…
   a) never feeling emotions b) managing emotions and behavior c) always winning arguments d) ignoring others
   Show Answer

   b)

8. Short answer: What is one safe outlet for strong emotion?
   Show Answer

   Breathing, journaling, exercise, or talking to a trusted person.

9. True/False: Walking away for a short time can be a respectful choice.
   Show Answer

   True.

10. Reflection check: Which part of your Pause Plan will help you most?
    Show Answer

    Answers vary. A good answer names the strategy you can truly use under pressure.

🚀 Go Further

1. Keep a two-day “trigger log” and note what helped you calm down.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Remind learners to focus on actions and feelings, not naming other people.

2. Practice three respectful “I” statements with a partner.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Model calm tone and clear boundaries.

3. Create a small “pause reminder” (note card) for your bag or notebook.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Encourage short phrases like “Breathe. Think. Choose.”

4. Write a short dialogue showing a conflict that ends respectfully.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Look for calming step, respectful sentence, and fair solution.

5. Ask a trusted adult what they do to calm down before making a hard decision.
   Show Answer

   Teacher guidance: Have learners summarize the strategy and how it supports respect and responsibility.

🔗 My Reflection

Notebook task: Write 8–10 sentences.

• Describe a situation where emotions made it hard to choose what was right.
• Explain what your trigger was and what impulse you felt.
• Use Calm–Think–Choose to describe the better choice you will make next time.
• Write one repair action you will take if you make a mistake.

Lesson Sections

• 🎯 Learning Goals
• 🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
• 🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
• 📖 Explore the Lesson
• 💡 Example in Action
• 📝 Try It Out
• ✅ Check Yourself
• 🚀 Go Further
• 🔗 My Reflection

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