Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Script

Warm Up: Buzz Check-In (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start with a quick 'buzz check-in.' Think about a time recently when you felt a little extra energy, a bit nervous, or excited – kind of a 'buzz' feeling inside. It could be before a test, before playing a game, or even before a fun event.

Take a moment to remember that feeling. You don't have to share specifics if you don't want to, but just think about how your body felt. Maybe your heart fluttered, or your hands felt a bit tingly?"

(Teacher): "Can anyone share a general feeling or sensation they noticed? (e.g., 'My stomach felt squishy' or 'I felt really awake!')"

(Allow a few students to share brief, general responses. Reassure them there are no right or wrong answers and it's normal to feel different things.)

Introduction to Anxiety (7 minutes)

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 1): "Today, we're going to talk about a feeling that often gives us that 'buzz' and what it's like. Our lesson is called Anxiety: What's the Buzz?."

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 2): "That 'buzz' feeling we just talked about is often connected to something called anxiety. What do you think anxiety is? Just shout out any words that come to mind."

(Listen to student responses like 'worry,' 'nervous,' 'scared.')

(Teacher): "Great ideas! Anxiety is a natural feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It often happens when we're thinking about something with an uncertain outcome – something we're not sure how it will turn out. It's actually our body's way of trying to protect us, like an internal alarm system getting us ready for something important."

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 3): "So, if it's our body's alarm, how does it actually feel when that alarm goes off? Let's look at some common ways anxiety can feel, both inside our bodies and inside our minds.

Inside Our Bodies:

• Have you ever noticed your heart beating really fast? Thump-thump!
• Or your hands or legs feeling a little shaky, like a gentle tremble?
• Maybe you get that 'butterfly stomach' – a fluttery feeling?
• Sometimes, our palms might get a bit sweaty, or our muscles feel tight or stiff.

Inside Our Minds:

• When we're anxious, our minds can be full of 'worry thoughts,' like thinking 'what if...?' a lot.
• We might just feel generally nervous or uneasy.
• It can even be hard to concentrate or focus on what's happening around us."

(Teacher): "Has anyone felt any of these things before when they were worried or nervous? It's really common!"

What Does Anxiety Look Like? (8 minutes)

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 4): "Now, sometimes, how we feel inside shows up on the outside. We can often tell when someone might be feeling anxious by how they act or 'look.'

• Someone might be fidgeting – tapping their foot, playing with their hair, or fiddling with something.
• They might be avoiding eye contact, looking down or away instead of at someone's eyes.
• They might withdraw – become very quiet, not join in conversations, or move away from a group.
• Sometimes, they might seem irritable or easily annoyed.
• Or they could be restless, finding it hard to sit still.
• And sometimes, people ask many questions because they're looking for reassurance and want to know exactly what's going to happen."

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 5): "Let's try a scenario together using our Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Discussion prompts. Imagine you have to give a presentation in front of the class. It's a normal assignment, but you're feeling a bit nervous. How might anxiety feel or look for you in that situation? Think about both the inside feelings and the outside actions."

(Allow 2-3 students to share. Prompt with questions like: 'Would your stomach feel fluttery?' 'Would you tap your pencil?')

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 6): "Here's another one: You're starting a new after-school club or going to a new place for the first time. It sounds exciting, but also a little unknown. How might anxiety feel or look for someone in this situation? How would it be different or similar to the presentation scenario?"

(Allow 2-3 students to share. Encourage them to think about how different people might show anxiety in different ways.)

Connecting and Coping (5 minutes)

(Teacher - Display Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Slide Deck - Slide 7): "It's really important to remember that anxiety is a normal part of life, and everyone feels it sometimes. It's not a sign of weakness, and it's not something to be ashamed of. We all have our 'buzz' moments.

If you ever feel that intense 'buzz' or anxiety, here are a few things that can help:

• Talk about it: Share your feelings with a trusted adult – a teacher, a parent, a counselor, or another family member. They can help you understand what's happening and support you.
• Practice coping skills: Simple things like taking a few deep breaths, counting to ten, going for a short walk, or listening to calm music can help quiet the 'buzz.'
• Be kind to yourself and others! When you see someone who looks anxious, remember they might be having a 'buzz' moment. A little kindness goes a long way."

(Teacher): "Does anyone have any questions about anxiety or what we talked about today?"

(Answer any questions clearly and reassuringly.)

Cool Down: One Word Buzz (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "To wrap up our lesson, let's do our Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Cool Down. On your way out, or on a small piece of paper, I want you to write or say one word that describes how you feel right now after our discussion, or one word that describes something new you learned about anxiety."

(Collect responses as an exit ticket. Thank students for their participation.)

Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Warm Up

Buzz Check-In

Think about a time recently when you felt a little extra energy, a bit nervous, or excited – kind of a "buzz" feeling inside.

It could be before a test, before playing a game, or even before a fun event.

Take a moment to remember that feeling. How did your body feel? What sensations did you notice?

Share (optional): What was one general feeling or sensation you noticed?

Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Cool Down

One Word Buzz

To wrap up our lesson on anxiety, please write or say one word that describes:

1. How you feel right now after our discussion, OR
2. One new thing you learned about anxiety.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being open today!

Anxiety: What's the Buzz? Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts during the lesson to facilitate student discussion on what anxiety feels and looks like.

Scenario: Presentation Day

Imagine you have to give a presentation in front of the class. It's a normal assignment, but you're feeling a bit nervous.

1. How might anxiety feel for you in this situation (inside your body or mind)?
   
   
   
   
2. What might anxiety look like for you in this situation (observable actions)?
   
   
   
   
3. Would you want to share how you're feeling, or keep it to yourself?
   
   
   
   

Scenario: New Situation

You're starting a new after-school club or going to a new place for the first time. It sounds exciting, but also a little unknown.

1. How might anxiety feel for someone in this situation?
   
   
   
   
2. What might anxiety look like for someone in this situation?
   
   
   
   
3. How is this scenario similar to or different from the presentation scenario in terms of how anxiety might show up?
   
   
   
   

General Reflection

1. Why do you think it's important to understand that anxiety can feel and look different for everyone?
   
   
   
   
2. What's one thing you can do if you notice a friend or classmate might be feeling anxious?