Template Instructor Script

Slide 1: Title Slide (“Anxiety Avengers Session [#]: [Skill Name]”)

Teacher says:
“Hello, [Student Name]! Welcome to Session [#] of our Anxiety Avengers program. Today we’re going to learn about [Skill Name], a new way to help when you’re feeling really anxious. I’m so glad you’re here and ready to work together.”

(Pause, smile.)
“Ready to get started? Let’s move on.”

Slide 2: Warm-Up Check-In (“How are you feeling right now?”)

Teacher says:
“First, let’s check in on how you’re feeling right now. On a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means very anxious and 5 means very calm, what number would you choose?”

(Wait for response.)

Teacher says:
“Thank you for sharing that with me. It takes courage to notice how you’re feeling. I’m here to help.”

(Optional: “You can jot that down in your Reflection Journal if you like.”)

“Alright, let’s see what we’re working on today.”

Slide 3: Today’s Objective (“By the end of this session, you will be able to…”)

Teacher says:
“Here’s our goal for today’s 15 minutes. By the end, you will:
• Identify one step in our problem-solving process
• Practice using a coping strategy when you feel anxious

Does that make sense? If you have any questions, let me know.”

(Confirm understanding.)
“Great! Let’s put our heads together.”

Slide 4: Activity Instructions (“Coping Skills Card Game”)

Teacher says:
“Now we’re going to play a quick game using the Coping Skills Card Game. Here’s how it works:

1. Shuffle the deck and draw one card.
2. Read the scenario aloud.
3. Tell me which coping strategy is on the card.
4. We’ll talk about how you would use that strategy in the scenario.
5. We’ll do this for 2–3 cards.”

Teacher models one round:
“I’ll draw the first card: ‘Take three deep breaths when you start to feel your heart race.’
In our scenario of sitting down for a math test, I would pause, inhale slowly through my nose, count to three, then exhale. That helps calm my body.”

Teacher says:
“Okay, now you try. Go ahead and draw our first card.”

(Guide student through 2–3 cards, offering praise: “Nice job!” or “Good thinking!”)

Slide 5: Skill Practice (Worksheet Step-by-Step)

Teacher says:
“Next, let’s use our Session Worksheet to practice problem-solving step by step. We’ll follow these four steps:

1. Describe the problem or situation.
2. List possible solutions.
3. Choose the best solution.
4. Plan your first action.”

Teacher prompts for Step 1:
“Can you think of a recent situation at school that made you feel anxious? Describe that problem for me.”

(After student answers.)
Teacher says:
“Great. Now, Step 2: list all the possible solutions you can think of, even silly ones are okay!”

Teacher continues through Steps 3 & 4, asking:
“Which of those feels most helpful? And what’s one small action you could do first?”

(Reinforce with “That sounds like a solid plan.” or “I like how you thought of that!”)

Slide 6: Reflection & Closure (“What did you learn today?”)

Teacher says:
“We’re almost done! Let’s reflect on what just happened:
• What did you learn about solving problems today?
• Which coping step will you try first this week?
• How might this help you feel less anxious at school?”

(After reflection.)
Teacher says:
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You did wonderful work!”

(Optional: “Write any final thoughts in your Reflection Journal.”)

Slide 7: Next Session Preview (“We’ll add a relaxation technique!”)

Teacher says:
“Before we finish, here’s a quick look at our next session: we’ll add a new relaxation technique to your coping toolbox. Keep practicing the skill we learned today, and notice any times it helps you at school.”

Teacher closes:
“I’m proud of you for showing up and trying your best. See you next time, Anxiety Avenger!”

Session Worksheet: Problem-Solving Steps

Student Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

1. Describe the Problem

Think of a recent situation at school that made you feel anxious.
What happened? Where were you? Who was involved?

2. List Possible Solutions

Brainstorm as many ideas as you can—even silly ones!

1. ____________________________________
   
   
2. ____________________________________
   
   
3. ____________________________________
   
   
4. ____________________________________
   
   
   

3. Choose the Best Solution

Which solution seems most helpful?
Why do you think this will work?

4. Plan Your First Action

What’s one small step you can take first?
When and how will you do it?

Optional Reflection:
How did you feel after trying this solution?
(Write more in your Reflection Journal if you like.)

Coping Skills Card Game

Use this deck to reinforce coping strategies through real-life scenarios. Shuffle the cards and draw one at a time. Read the scenario aloud, identify the coping strategy on the card, and discuss how you would use it.

Cards:

1. Scenario: You’re about to give a class presentation and feel your heart racing.
   Coping Strategy: Take three deep breaths slowly, counting in and out.

1. Scenario: You get stuck on a difficult math problem during a test.
   Coping Strategy: Use positive self-talk: “I can break this down step by step.”

1. Scenario: You feel overwhelmed looking at a long to-do list of homework.
   Coping Strategy: Break the list into small chunks and tackle one task first.

1. Scenario: You’re waiting for the teacher to pick names for a reading aloud.
   Coping Strategy: Ground yourself with 5–4–3–2–1: name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, etc.

1. Scenario: You worry about asking a question in class and being judged.
   Coping Strategy: Visualize a calm place for 30 seconds before raising your hand.

1. Scenario: You’re feeling tense in your shoulders after a long study session.
   Coping Strategy: Do a quick progressive muscle relaxation: tense and relax each muscle group.

1. Scenario: You made a mistake in front of classmates and feel embarrassed.
   Coping Strategy: Talk to yourself as you would a friend: “Everyone makes mistakes.”

1. Scenario: You get unexpected feedback on an assignment that upsets you.
   Coping Strategy: Pause and write one thing you can learn from the feedback.

1. Scenario: You feel restless and can’t focus on reading.
   Coping Strategy: Stand up and do 10 quick stretches or jumps.

1. Scenario: You’re nervous about lunchtime in a crowded cafeteria.
   Coping Strategy: Plan and role-play one calming phrase to use if you feel anxious.

1. Scenario: You keep worrying about a future test while doing other work.
   Coping Strategy: Set a timer for 2 minutes to worry, then switch to work when it dings.

1. Scenario: You feel sad and don’t want to finish your assignment.
   Coping Strategy: Reach out to a trusted adult or friend and briefly share how you feel.

Supplemental Podcast Episodes

Explore these kid-friendly podcast episodes to learn new coping strategies for anxiety. Listen to one episode before your next session and reflect on what you learned. Then use the discussion questions to guide a deeper conversation during your one-on-one coaching.

Episode 1: Calm Kids Club – “The Worry Whale”

Podcast: Calm Kids Club
Description: Join host Lily as she tells the story of a magical whale who collects children’s worries and shows them how to turn each worry into a friendly bubble. You’ll practice a simple bubble-breathing exercise to let go of tension.

Reflection Prompts:

1. What part of the bubble-breathing exercise did you like best?
   
   
   
2. When might you use this exercise at school?
   
   
   

Discussion Questions:

• How did you feel before and after trying bubble breathing?
• What challenges did you notice when focusing on bubbles and breathing?
• Can you think of a moment this week to try bubble breathing?

Episode 2: Brave Voices – “Facing the First Day”

Podcast: Brave Voices
Description: In this episode, three kids share how they felt before starting at a new school. Hear their tips for asking questions, meeting friends, and using positive self-talk.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Which tip for making new friends resonated with you?
   
   
   
2. Write one positive phrase you can say to yourself on a new day.
   
   
   

Discussion Questions:

• What worried you most about a new situation, and how could self-talk help?
• Which friend-making tip would you try first, and why?
• How could you remind yourself of these tips when you feel nervous?

Episode 3: Mindful Minutes – “The Five-Sense Grounder”

Podcast: Mindful Minutes
Description: Host Marco guides you through the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, naming things you see, hear, and feel to bring calm in a busy moment.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Describe one thing you noticed in each sense category.
   
   
   
2. How did naming these things change how you felt?
   
   
   

Discussion Questions:

• Which sense (#5, #4, etc.) was easiest or hardest to notice?
• How can grounding help you when you feel distracted in class?
• Can you think of a situation where you’d use this technique?

Episode 4: Superhero Heart – “Turning Fear into Fuel”

Podcast: Superhero Heart
Description: Learn how your body’s “fear signal” can become a superpower. Coach Aisha shows you how to channel nervous energy into confidence, just like a superhero gearing up for action.

Reflection Prompts:

1. What superhero image did you imagine when you felt nervous?
   
   
   
2. How can you use that image before a challenging task?
   
   
   

Discussion Questions:

• What qualities did your superhero have?
• How does thinking like a superhero change how you feel?
• When could you “gear up” like a superhero this week?

Episode 5: Growth Mindset Kids – “Mistakes Are Your Friend”

Podcast: Growth Mindset Kids
Description: Discover why making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Host Ben interviews classmates who turned mistakes into moments of growth using curiosity and humor.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Recall a recent mistake you made. What did you learn?
   
   
   
2. How can you respond with curiosity next time you slip up?
   
   
   

Discussion Questions:

• How did the story change your view of mistakes?
• What is one question you can ask yourself when you make a mistake?
• How can you remind yourself that mistakes help you grow?

How to Use These Episodes

1. Choose one episode per week and listen with a parent, guardian, or on your own.
2. Pause and try each coping strategy when it’s taught.
3. Complete the reflection prompts and bring your responses to your next one-on-one session.
4. Use the Discussion Questions to guide your conversation in session.

Happy listening, Anxiety Avenger! You’re building your toolbox one episode at a time.

Podcast Integration Guide

Use this guide to weave podcast episodes into your one-on-one Anxiety Avengers sessions. Podcasts reinforce coping skills, model real-life examples, and deepen reflection.

Why Use Podcasts?

• Introduce diverse voices and stories beyond the session.
• Provide audio practice of breathing, grounding, and self-talk techniques.
• Encourage independent learning and reflection between sessions.

Preparation (5 minutes)

1. Review the student’s progress and current skill focus.
2. Select one episode from Supplemental Podcast Episodes that aligns with the student’s needs.
3. Share the episode link and reflection prompts with the student (or their guardian) ahead of the next session.
4. Prepare to discuss both the reflection prompts and the Discussion Questions included with each episode.

Session Agenda (15 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Check-In (2 minutes)

• Greet the student and ask: “On a scale of 1–5, how are you feeling right now?”
• Briefly ask if they were able to listen to the episode.

2. Episode Recap (3 minutes)

• Invite the student to summarize the episode in their own words:
  • What was the main story or technique taught?
  • Which moment stood out to you?

3. Share Reflection Prompts (3 minutes)

• Ask the two reflection questions from the episode:
  1. (e.g., “What part of the bubble-breathing exercise did you like best?”)
  2. (e.g., “When might you use this exercise at school?”)
• Encourage the student to write brief notes in their Reflection Journal or say them aloud.

4. Guided Discussion (4 minutes)

• Choose 2–3 Discussion Questions from the episode. For example:
  • “How did you feel before and after trying bubble breathing?”
  • “What challenges did you notice when focusing on bubbles and breathing?”
• Follow up with “Why do you think that happened?” or “How could you overcome that challenge next time?”

5. Connect to Coping Skill (2 minutes)

• Link the episode’s technique to the current skill in your session plan.
• Ask: “How could you use bubble breathing (or grounding) during our problem-solving steps?”
• Have the student role-play or mentally rehearse applying the strategy in a school scenario.

6. Closure & Next Steps (1 minute)

• Praise the student for their insights.
• Preview the next session’s skill (e.g., adding a relaxation technique).
• Assign a new episode or encourage re-listening to reinforce learning.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• If listening was missed, play a 1-2 minute clip together to catch key points.
• Encourage the student to use headphones or a quiet space for better focus.
• Adjust episode length if attention is short—stop and discuss in smaller chunks.
• Document any new ideas or questions in the Reflection Journal to revisit later.
   
   

By following this guide, you’ll turn podcast episodes into interactive learning moments, strengthening each student’s coping toolkit and confidence. Happy integrating, Anxiety Avenger!