Amygdala: Fight, Flight, Freeze!

James Kelliher

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Amygdala: Fight, Flight, Freeze! (Revised)

Students will identify the amygdala's function in fear responses and practice at least two coping strategies for anxious feelings.

Understanding how our brain reacts to stress helps us manage big emotions. This lesson gives students tools to feel more in control when they experience anxiety.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, engaging activities, and a fun game to reinforce coping strategies.

Materials

Amygdala: What Is It? Warm Up, Slide Deck, My Calm Toolbox Activity, Amygdala Superpower Shield Activity, Brain Battle Royale Game, and My Mind Matters Cool Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review all generated materials: Amygdala: Fight, Flight, Freeze! (Revised) Lesson Plan, Amygdala: What Is It? Warm Up, Amygdala: Fight, Flight, Freeze! Slide Deck, My Calm Toolbox Activity, Amygdala Superpower Shield Activity, Brain Battle Royale Game, My Mind Matters Cool Down.
Ensure projector or smartboard is ready for the Slide Deck.
Prepare any necessary writing supplies for the My Calm Toolbox Activity and Amygdala Superpower Shield Activity.
Familiarize yourself with the rules of the Brain Battle Royale Game.

Step 1

Introduction: Brain Basics (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Begin with the Amygdala: What Is It? Warm Up to gauge prior knowledge and introduce the brain.
Use the first few slides of the Slide Deck to briefly introduce the brain and locate the amygdala.

Step 2

Understanding the Amygdala (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Explain the amygdala's role using slides from the Slide Deck, focusing on the 'fight, flight, freeze' response.
Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts like: "When have you felt your 'amygdala alarm' go off? What did it feel like?"

Step 3

Coping Strategies Activity (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Introduce coping strategies using the Slide Deck.
Guide students through the My Calm Toolbox Activity or the Amygdala Superpower Shield Activity, where they identify and practice strategies. Choose the activity that best suits your students and available time.
Optionally, play the Brain Battle Royale Game if time permits to reinforce strategies in a fun way.

Step 4

Wrap Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Review key takeaways about the amygdala and coping strategies.
Administer the My Mind Matters Cool Down to assess student understanding and provide a moment for reflection.
Encourage students to use their new strategies in daily life.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Activity

Amygdala Superpower Shield Activity

Instructions: Imagine you are a superhero, and your amygdala is your trusty sidekick. Sometimes, your sidekick gets a little overexcited and sets off an alarm! Your job is to create a 'Superpower Shield' with strategies to calm your amygdala sidekick down.

My Superpower Shield

Draw or describe your shield below. On your shield, include:

Your Superhero Name: (What is your name when you're mastering your emotions?)
Your Amygdala Sidekick: (Draw or describe your amygdala alarm! Is it a tiny dragon? A buzzing bee?)
Superpower Strategies (at least three!): These are your special moves to calm your sidekick.
- Superpower 1: (e.g., Deep Breathing Blast)
- Superpower 2: (e.g., Talking Tornado)
- Superpower 3: (e.g., Movement Missile)
Your Shield's Mantra: A short, powerful phrase you can say to yourself to feel strong and calm.

Share Your Shield!

Be ready to share your Superpower Shield with a partner or the class! Explain your superhero name, your amygdala sidekick, and your awesome superpower strategies.