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Anxiety Busters

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Ryan Guild

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Anxiety Busters

Understanding and Managing Anxiety

This lesson aims to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder understand and manage anxiety through engaging activities. By using active, collaborative, and game-based learning strategies, students will explore anxiety triggers and coping mechanisms in a supportive environment. This lesson is important as it empowers students with tools to recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional well-being and resilience.

Audience

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Printable Cards: Anxiety Triggers and Coping Strategies, Discussion: Understanding Anxiety, Video: Circle Of Control Activity For Kids, and Exit Ticket: Reflection on Anxiety Management

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what anxiety is and how it might feel.
  • Explain the importance of understanding and managing anxiety.
  • Show the Circle Of Control Activity For Kids video to introduce the concept of control in managing anxiety.

Step 2

Activity: Anxiety Triggers and Coping Strategies

15 minutes

  • Distribute the printable cards to students.
  • In pairs, have students match anxiety triggers with appropriate coping strategies.
  • Encourage students to discuss why certain strategies might work for specific triggers.

Step 3

Discussion: Understanding Anxiety

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a group discussion using the provided questions.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences in a supportive environment.

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

  • Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
  • Encourage students to practice the coping strategies in their daily lives.
  • Thank students for their participation and openness.
  • Distribute the exit ticket for students to complete.
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Worksheet

Anxiety Triggers and Coping Strategies

These cards are used to help students identify anxiety triggers and match them with effective coping strategies.




Trigger: Loud noises - Strategy: Use noise-cancelling headphones







Trigger: Crowded spaces - Strategy: Find a quiet corner







Trigger: Unfamiliar situations - Strategy: Deep breathing exercises







Trigger: Changes in routine - Strategy: Use a visual schedule







Trigger: Social interactions - Strategy: Practice with a trusted friend




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Discussion

Understanding Anxiety

This discussion helps students explore their understanding of anxiety and share personal experiences in a supportive setting.

What does anxiety feel like to you?

Encourage students to describe physical sensations and emotions associated with anxiety.







What are some common triggers for anxiety?

Guide students to think about situations or environments that might cause anxiety.







What strategies have you used to manage anxiety?

Discuss different coping mechanisms and their effectiveness.







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lenny

Worksheet

Coping Strategies Cards

These cards can be cut out and used by students to practice and remember different coping strategies for managing anxiety.




Deep Breathing







Counting to Ten







Using a Fidget Toy







Listening to Music







Drawing or Coloring







Talking to a Friend







Taking a Walk







Writing in a Journal







Using Positive Self-Talk







Practicing Mindfulness




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Quiz

Exit Ticket: Reflection on Anxiety Management

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