Anxiety Detectives

Siobhan Shaw

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Anxiety Detectives

Identify somatic symptoms of anxiety

In this lesson, students will learn to identify somatic symptoms of anxiety through a game-based approach. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize physical signs of anxiety, which is a crucial step in managing and addressing their emotional well-being. By understanding these symptoms, students can better communicate their feelings and seek appropriate support.

Audience

Grade 5 students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Anxiety Symptom Cards with Visuals, Scenario Cards, Coping Strategies Handout, Whiteboard and Markers, and Read-Aloud Video: The Frightened Lion

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to anxiety and its physical symptoms.
Explain the importance of recognizing these symptoms in ourselves and others.

Step 2

Discussion

10 mins

Use the Discussion Questions to facilitate a conversation about anxiety and its physical manifestations.
Encourage students to share any experiences or knowledge they have about anxiety.

Step 3

Read-Aloud Video

5 mins

Show the video The Frightened Lion to the class.
Discuss the story and relate it to how anxiety can make things seem scarier than they are.

Step 4

Interactive Symptom Matching Game with Scenarios

10 mins

Distribute the Anxiety Symptom Cards with Visuals, Scenario Cards, and Coping Strategies Handout to students.
Explain the rules: Students will work in pairs to match symptoms with their descriptions and corresponding visuals, and then apply them to scenarios.
Encourage students to discuss and identify coping strategies for each scenario using the handout.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Review the matched symptoms and scenarios as a class.
Discuss any new insights or questions students might have.
Encourage students to reflect on how they can use this knowledge and strategies in their daily lives.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Anxiety

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the physical symptoms of anxiety.

What are some physical symptoms you might feel when anxious?

Encourage students to think about common symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or stomachaches.

Why do you think it's important to recognize these symptoms?

Discuss how recognizing symptoms can help in managing anxiety and seeking help.

Can you think of a time when you felt anxious? What did you notice about your body?

Allow students to share personal experiences if they feel comfortable, emphasizing the normalcy of anxiety.

Worksheet

Anxiety Symptom Cards with Visuals

Cards with different somatic symptoms of anxiety for a matching activity, including suggested visuals for each symptom.

Racing Heart - Visual: A heart beating fast

Sweating - Visual: Drops of sweat

Stomachache - Visual: A person holding their stomach

Headache - Visual: A person holding their head

Shaking - Visual: Hands trembling

Shortness of Breath - Visual: A person struggling to breathe

Dizziness - Visual: A person looking unsteady

Muscle Tension - Visual: Tensed muscles

Worksheet

Scenario Cards

Cards with different scenarios for students to identify symptoms and discuss coping strategies.

Scenario 1: Before a big test, you feel your heart racing and hands shaking. What symptoms are these and how can you cope?

Scenario 2: During a presentation, you start sweating and feel dizzy. Identify the symptoms and discuss strategies to manage them.

Scenario 3: You have a stomachache and headache before a sports event. What might these symptoms indicate and what can you do to feel better?

Reading

Coping Strategies Handout

A handout listing various coping strategies for managing anxiety symptoms.

Coping Strategies for Anxiety

Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to calm your body.
Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
Visualization: Imagine a peaceful place or situation.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax different muscle groups.
Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment without judgment.
Physical Activity: Engage in exercise to release tension.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to process them.
Talking to Someone: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or adult.