Amygdala Script: Taming Your Worry Brain

Warm-Up: What's On Your Mind? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought.
What's something that makes you feel a little nervous or worried sometimes? It could be anything – a big test coming up, trying a new sport, speaking in front of the class, or even just a spider!


(Pause for a few student responses. Acknowledge and validate feelings.)

"It's completely normal to feel nervous or worried! Everyone, even adults, feels this way sometimes. Today, we're going to learn about a super interesting part of our brain that plays a big role in these feelings, and how we can be in charge of it!"

Introduction to the Amygdala (Slide Deck & Script) (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's look at our first slide in the Amygdala: Taming Your Worry Brain Slide Deck."
(Display Slide 1: Taming Your Worry Brain)

Teacher: "Think of your brain like an amazing super-computer that helps you do everything – learn new things, play games, and even feel emotions. It has different parts, and each part has a special job. (Display Slide 2: Your Amazing Brain!)"

Teacher: "Today, we're going to focus on a very tiny, but very important part, called the amygdala. Can everyone try to say that with me? Uh-MIG-duh-luh. Great! (Display Slide 3: Meet Your Amygdala!)

"You can think of your amygdala as your brain's alarm system or your very own worry brain. Its main job is to keep you safe. If you see something dangerous, like a fast-approaching car, your amygdala quickly sounds the alarm and tells your body to react – maybe to jump out of the way! It's like a superhero trying to protect you."

Teacher: "But here's the thing about our alarm systems: sometimes, they can get a little too excited! (Display Slide 4: When the Alarm Rings TOO Loud...)

"Your amygdala might ring the alarm bell really loudly even when there isn't any real danger. Like if you're about to give a presentation and your amygdala says, 'Oh no, everyone will laugh!' Or if you have a big test and it screams, 'You're going to fail!' These are often what we call negative thoughts or worries. It's trying to protect you, but sometimes it overreacts."

Teacher: "Has anyone ever felt their 'worry brain' ringing an alarm for something that turned out to be not so scary?


(Pause for a few student responses. Acknowledge and relate to the idea of overreaction.)

"

Teacher: "The fantastic news is that you have the power to help your amygdala calm down! You have superpowers to quiet that alarm when it rings too loudly. (Display Slide 5: You're In Charge! Calm Your Amygdala)

"We're going to learn some awesome strategies to do just that!"

Activity: Calming Your Amygdala (Worksheet & Activity Cards) (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, everyone, let's get ready for our activity. I'm going to hand out these Amygdala Worksheets and some Amygdala Activity Cards. (Display Slide 6: Calming Strategies Activity!)

"Each card has a different calming strategy – like taking deep breaths, talking to a trusted adult, drawing, listening to music, or going for a walk. In your small groups, I want you to look at these cards and discuss them. Which ones do you already do? Which ones look interesting to try?

"Then, choose 2-3 strategies that you think would work best for you when your worry brain starts ringing. On your worksheet, I want you to either draw a picture of yourself using that strategy or write a sentence or two about how you would use it. You have 7 minutes for this, then we'll share a few!"

(Circulate and provide support and encouragement. Give a 1-minute warning.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's hear from a few groups. Who wants to share one strategy they chose and why?"

(Allow 2-3 students to share.)

Game: Amygdala Busters! (Game Cards) (5 minutes)

Teacher: "That was fantastic! Now, let's put our skills to the test with a quick game called 'Amygdala Busters!' (Display Slide 7: Game On! Amygdala Busters!)

"I'm going to give each group some Amygdala Game Cards. On each card, there's a scenario where your 'worry brain' might go off – maybe you made a mistake, or you're trying something new. Your goal, as a group, is to quickly pick a card and shout out a calming strategy you could use to 'bust' that amygdala's overreaction! The faster you can name a strategy, the more you're showing that you're in charge.

"Ready? Let's go!"

(Facilitate the game, encouraging quick, fun participation. Keep it fast-paced.)

Cool Down: One Calming Strategy (Cool Down) (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Excellent job, Amygdala Busters! You've all done a great job learning about your 'worry brain' and discovering ways to calm it down. (Display Slide 8: Your Calm Superpower!)

"For our cool-down today, I'm handing out these Calming Strategies Cool Down tickets. On your ticket, I want you to write down one new calming strategy you learned or reinforced today, and how you plan to use it this week. It could be something from the cards, or something we discussed.

"When you're done, you can hand me your cool-down ticket as an exit ticket for today. Thank you all for being such amazing brain explorers!"

My Amygdala Calming Plan

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

What is the Amygdala? (Your Worry Brain!)

In your own words, what is the job of the amygdala? Why is it sometimes called the "worry brain" or "alarm system"?

Calming Strategies: Choose Your Superpowers!

Look at the Amygdala Activity Cards. Choose two or three calming strategies that you think will work best for you when your amygdala (worry brain) gets too excited. Then, either draw a picture of yourself using the strategy or write a sentence about how you would use it.

Strategy 1:

Strategy 2:

Strategy 3:

My Challenge!

Think about a time this week when your worry brain might try to ring its alarm. How will you use one of your calming strategies to help it calm down?

Amygdala Activity Cards: Calming Superpowers!

(Cut these cards out for students to use in groups.)

Deep Breathing Dragon

Take 3-5 slow, deep breaths. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth like you're blowing out a candle.

Talk it Out Turtle

Find a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counselor) or a friend and tell them how you're feeling. Sharing your worries can make them feel smaller.

Creative Cloud Artist

Draw, doodle, or color! Focusing on art can help calm your mind and express feelings without words.

Musical Mind Traveler

Listen to your favorite calm or happy music. Let the rhythm and melody help you relax and shift your focus.

Move Your Body Bear

Go for a short walk, stretch, or do some jumping jacks. Moving your body can release tension and clear your head.

Nature Nurturer

Step outside for a few minutes if possible, or look out a window. Notice the trees, sky, or sounds of nature. Connecting with nature can be very calming.

Cozy Corner Kid

Find a quiet, comfortable spot to sit and just be. Sometimes a few moments of peace can make a big difference.

Positive Thought Power-Up

Think of three good things that happened recently or three things you are good at. Focusing on positive thoughts can change your mood.

Water Break Wave

Get a drink of water. Sometimes a simple physical act can help reset your focus and calm your nervous system.

Journal Journeyer

Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Getting them out of your head and onto paper can help you understand and manage them better.

Amygdala Game Cards: Bust That Worry Alarm!

(Cut these cards out for students to use in groups during the game.)

Scenario 1: Pop Quiz Panic

You hear your teacher say, "Pop quiz time!" and your heart starts racing. Your worry brain is screaming, "You don't know anything!"

Strategy?

Scenario 2: Friend Drama

You see two of your best friends whispering and looking at you. Your worry brain tells you, "They're talking about you! They don't want to be your friend anymore!"

Strategy?

Scenario 3: Big Presentation Jitters

It's your turn to present your project to the class. Your worry brain is yelling, "Everyone is staring! You're going to forget what to say!"

Strategy?

Scenario 4: Made a Mistake

You accidentally spilled juice all over your art project right before it was due. Your worry brain says, "Now it's ruined! You always mess things up!"

Strategy?

Scenario 5: New Challenge Nerves

Your coach asks you to try a new position in the game you've never played before. Your worry brain whispers, "You're not good enough! You'll look silly!"

Strategy?

Scenario 6: Disagreement Dilemma

You had a small argument with your sibling or a friend this morning. Your worry brain keeps replaying it and making you feel upset and guilty.

Strategy?

Scenario 7: Unfamiliar Food Fright

Your family is trying a new restaurant with food you've never seen before. Your worry brain says, "What if you don't like anything? What if it tastes weird?"

Strategy?

Scenario 8: Scary Movie Scene

You accidentally saw a scary scene from a movie your older sibling was watching. Your worry brain keeps making you think about monsters under your bed.

Strategy?

Scenario 9: Lost Item Loop

You can't find your favorite toy or book anywhere, and you've searched everywhere. Your worry brain insists, "It's gone forever! You'll never see it again!"

Strategy?

Scenario 10: Performance Pressure

It's the school talent show, and you're about to go on stage. Your worry brain is buzzing with thoughts like, "What if I forget my lines/steps? What if I'm not good enough?"

Strategy?

Calming Strategies Cool Down: My Superpower Pledge!

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

My Amygdala Superpower!

Today, we learned about the amygdala, our "worry brain," and how we can help it calm down. Think about all the strategies we discussed (deep breathing, talking, drawing, moving, etc.).

What is one new calming strategy you learned or were reminded of today that you want to try this week?

How Will You Use It?

Briefly describe how and when you plan to use this calming strategy to help your worry brain.