Anxiety: What's the Fuss? - Teacher Script

Warm-Up & Pre-Test (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today, we're going to dive into a topic that many of us experience, but don't always talk about: anxiety. It's a completely normal human emotion, and learning about it can really help us feel more in control of our feelings. Think of this as adding some important tools to your personal toolkit for life."

Teacher: "Before we get started, I have a quick activity for you. I'm going to hand out a short 'Anxiety Pre-Test.' This isn't for a grade, and I don't expect you to know all the answers. It's just a way for us to see what we already know and what we might learn today. Please complete it individually and silently. When you're done, just flip it over on your desk, and I'll come around to collect them."

(Distribute Anxiety Pre-Test. Allow students a few minutes to complete it. Collect the pre-tests.)

Introduction to Anxiety & Identification (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, now that we've had a chance to think a little about anxiety, let's officially begin. Please turn your attention to the screen. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 2: What IS Anxiety?)"

Teacher: "So, what exactly is anxiety? At its core, anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. It's that feeling of fear or apprehension you get about what's to come. For example, think about how you might feel before a big test, a presentation, or maybe a tryout for a sports team. That nervous energy? That's often anxiety at work. It's like our body's alarm system, but sometimes that alarm can be a little too sensitive, or go off when it doesn't really need to."

Teacher: "It's important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently, but there are some common signs. Let's look at the physical signs first. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 3: How Does Anxiety FEEL? (Physical Signs))"

Teacher: "Take a look at these. Have any of you ever felt a racing heart, sweaty palms, or a 'butterflies' feeling in your stomach when you were worried or stressed? (Pause for brief hands-up or nods if students are comfortable. Reiterate that these are normal responses.) These are all ways our body tells us it's feeling anxious. Our nervous system gets a little excited, ready to respond."

Teacher: "Now, let's consider how anxiety can affect our thoughts and actions. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 4: How Does Anxiety FEEL? (Emotional & Behavioral Signs))"

Teacher: "Anxiety isn't just physical. It can make us feel restless, irritable, or even make it hard to focus on our homework. Sometimes, when we're really anxious about something, we might even try to avoid it altogether. The key here is identification. Recognizing these signs is the first step to managing anxiety."

Teacher: "To practice identifying these signs, we're going to do a quick activity called the Anxiety Episode Identification Activity. I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive some sticky notes or a piece of chart paper. Your task is to brainstorm scenarios where someone your age might experience anxiety, and then list 2-3 physical, emotional, or behavioral signs they might show in that scenario. For example, 'Scenario: Giving a class presentation. Signs: Sweaty palms, difficulty concentrating, avoiding eye contact.' You'll have about 4 minutes for this, then we'll share a few examples."

(Distribute materials for Anxiety Episode Identification Activity and facilitate. Give a 1-minute warning. Have a few groups quickly share an example.)

Coping Strategies & Support Systems (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Great job identifying those signs! Now that we know what anxiety might look and feel like, the really important part is learning how to manage it. Think of these next strategies as tools for your personal 'coping toolkit.' Different tools work for different situations and for different people, so it's all about finding what works for you. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 5: Managing Anxiety: Your Toolkit)"

Teacher: "Let's start with a really simple, yet powerful tool: Deep Breathing. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 6: Coping Tool #1: Deep Breathing)"

Teacher: "When we're anxious, our breathing often becomes shallow and fast. Deep breathing helps to calm your nervous system. Let's try it quickly together. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4... hold for 4... and exhale slowly through your mouth for 6. (Lead one or two rounds of breathing.) See how even a few breaths can start to shift how you feel?"

Teacher: "Another fantastic tool is getting active! (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 7: Coping Tool #2: Get Moving!)"

Teacher: "Physical activity can be an amazing anxiety reliever. Whether it's going for a walk, dancing to your favorite song, or playing a sport, movement helps release built-up energy and even releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel better. Even a quick stretch can help!"

Teacher: "Our third tool is all about Mindfulness and Grounding. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 8: Coping Tool #3: Mindfulness & Grounding)"

Teacher: "Anxiety often pulls our thoughts to the past or worries about the future. Mindfulness is about bringing your attention back to the present moment. One easy way to do this is the '5-4-3-2-1 Senses Activity.' You name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. It helps anchor you to where you are right now."

Teacher: "To help you practice identifying and thinking about these coping skills, we're going to play a quick game called Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game! I'll explain the rules in a moment, but it's a fun way to reinforce what we've just learned. (Explain and facilitate Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game. Refer to Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game Answer Key as needed.)

Teacher: "Excellent job playing the game! You're already building your coping toolkit. Now, for arguably the most important coping tool: Talking It Out! (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 9: Coping Tool #4: Talk It Out!)"

Teacher: "Sometimes, when we're feeling really anxious, one of the best things we can do is talk to someone we trust. It might feel hard to open up, but sharing what you're feeling can make a huge difference. You don't have to face anxious feelings alone. Who are some trusted adults in your life that you could talk to if you felt anxious? (Call on a few students for examples: parent, guardian, teacher, school counselor, coach, mentor, aunt/uncle, etc.) Yes, exactly. These are all great examples. Make sure you know who your trusted adults are, both at home and at school."

Cool-Down & Post-Test (5 minutes)

Teacher: "We're just about out of time, but before we wrap up, let's quickly review the key takeaways from today. (Display Anxiety: What's the Fuss? Slide Deck - Slide 10: Key Takeaways)"

Teacher: "Remember these important points: Anxiety is a normal human emotion. You can learn to identify its signs in your body and mind. You have many tools to cope with anxious feelings, like deep breathing, moving your body, and mindfulness. And most importantly, it's always important to talk to a trusted adult when you need support. Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health."

Teacher: "To see what we've learned, I'm going to hand out one last short assessment, the 'Anxiety Post-Test.' Again, please complete it individually and silently. This helps me understand what resonated with you today. Thank you for your honest participation and for engaging in such an important conversation today."

(Distribute Anxiety Post-Test. Collect the post-tests upon completion.)

Teacher: "You all did a wonderful job today. Remember what we discussed, and if you ever need to talk, please reach out to a trusted adult."

Anxiety Episode Identification Activity

Objective: To help students identify common physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of anxiety in different scenarios.

Instructions:

1. You will be divided into small groups.
2. Each group will receive a piece of chart paper or several sticky notes.
3. As a group, brainstorm 2-3 realistic scenarios where a middle or high school student might experience anxiety. These could be related to school, social life, family, or future plans.
   • Example Scenario: Waiting for test results.
4. For each scenario, identify and list 2-3 specific signs of anxiety (physical, emotional, or behavioral) that the student might exhibit.
   • Example Signs for 'Waiting for test results': Racing heart, worrying a lot, difficulty concentrating.
     
     

Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game

Objective: To reinforce understanding of healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety.

Materials:

• Printed Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game cards (cut out individually)
• Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game Answer Key (for the teacher)

Setup:

1. Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. Shuffle the cards and place them face down in a pile in the center of each group.

How to Play:

1. Students take turns drawing a card from the pile.
2. Each card will describe a scenario where someone might be feeling anxious, or list a potential coping strategy.
3. If the card describes a scenario: The student must name one healthy coping mechanism that could be used in that situation.
4. If the card lists a coping strategy: The student must explain how that strategy helps reduce anxiety or when it might be a good time to use it.
5. After the student responds, the group discusses if they agree with the coping mechanism or explanation. The teacher can use the Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game Answer Key to guide discussion and provide correct answers if needed.
6. The next student draws a card, and play continues.
7. The game ends when all cards are drawn or when time is called by the teacher.

Card Examples (Teacher should print multiple copies of these, and can add more!):

---START CARDS---

Card 1 (Scenario): You have a big presentation in front of the whole class tomorrow, and you can't stop thinking about all the things that could go wrong.

Card 2 (Coping Strategy): Deep Breathing Exercises

Card 3 (Scenario): You're feeling really overwhelmed by all your homework and upcoming tests.

Card 4 (Coping Strategy): Talking to a Trusted Adult

Card 5 (Scenario): You feel restless and jittery, and it's hard to focus in class.

Card 6 (Coping Strategy): Listening to Calming Music

Card 7 (Scenario): You just had an argument with a friend, and now your stomach hurts and you feel tense.

Card 8 (Coping Strategy): Going for a Walk Outside

Card 9 (Scenario): You're at a new social event and feel really awkward and nervous.

Card 10 (Coping Strategy): The 5-4-3-2-1 Senses Activity

Card 11 (Scenario): You're worried about an upcoming doctor's appointment.

Card 12 (Coping Strategy): Doing something you enjoy (hobby)

Card 13 (Scenario): You're struggling to fall asleep because your mind is racing with worries.

Card 14 (Coping Strategy): Stretching or gentle yoga

Card 15 (Scenario): You received a lower grade than you hoped for, and now you're constantly thinking about failing.

Card 16 (Coping Strategy): Writing in a Journal

---END CARDS---

Coping with Anxiety: The Card Game Answer Key

This answer key provides suggested responses for the game cards. Students may come up with other valid coping mechanisms or explanations, so encourage discussion and critical thinking.

Scenario Cards (Student must name a healthy coping mechanism)

• Card 1 (Scenario): You have a big presentation in front of the whole class tomorrow, and you can't stop thinking about all the things that could go wrong.

  • Suggested Answers: Deep breathing, practicing the presentation, talking to the teacher, listening to calming music, imagining success.

• Card 3 (Scenario): You're feeling really overwhelmed by all your homework and upcoming tests.

  • Suggested Answers: Breaking down tasks into smaller steps, creating a schedule, talking to a parent/teacher, taking a short break, prioritizing tasks.

• Card 5 (Scenario): You feel restless and jittery, and it's hard to focus in class.

  • Suggested Answers: Deep breathing, stretching, doodling quietly, going for a quick walk (if permitted), mindful observation (5-4-3-2-1).

• Card 7 (Scenario): You just had an argument with a friend, and now your stomach hurts and you feel tense.

  • Suggested Answers: Talking to the friend to resolve it, talking to another trusted adult, deep breathing, listening to music, writing down feelings.

• Card 9 (Scenario): You're at a new social event and feel really awkward and nervous.

  • Suggested Answers: Deep breathing, focusing on one friendly face, setting a small goal (e.g., talk to one new person), having a pre-planned exit strategy if needed, mindfulness.

• Card 11 (Scenario): You're worried about an upcoming doctor's appointment.

  • Suggested Answers: Asking a parent/guardian questions, deep breathing, bringing a comfort item, listening to music, watching a favorite show beforehand.

• Card 13 (Scenario): You're struggling to fall asleep because your mind is racing with worries.

  • Suggested Answers: Deep breathing, writing down worries before bed, reading a book, listening to calming sounds, progressive muscle relaxation, avoiding screens.

• Card 15 (Scenario): You received a lower grade than you hoped for, and now you're constantly thinking about failing.

  • Suggested Answers: Talking to the teacher, making a plan for improvement, positive self-talk, engaging in a distracting hobby, exercise, journaling.

Coping Strategy Cards (Student must explain how/when the strategy helps)

• Card 2 (Coping Strategy): Deep Breathing Exercises

  • Explanation: Helps to slow your heart rate, calm your nervous system, and bring more oxygen to your brain, which can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Good for any moment you feel overwhelmed.

• Card 4 (Coping Strategy): Talking to a Trusted Adult

  • Explanation: Allows you to share your feelings, get advice, and realize you're not alone. They can offer support, solutions, or just a listening ear. Use when anxiety feels too big to handle alone.

• Card 6 (Coping Strategy): Listening to Calming Music

  • Explanation: Can distract your mind from anxious thoughts, change your mood, and help your body relax. Good for when you need a mental break or to shift your focus.

• Card 8 (Coping Strategy): Going for a Walk Outside

  • Explanation: Physical activity releases tension and endorphins (feel-good chemicals). Being in nature can also be calming. Good for when you feel restless or overwhelmed and need to clear your head.

• Card 10 (Coping Strategy): The 5-4-3-2-1 Senses Activity

  • Explanation: A grounding technique that brings your focus to the present moment, pulling your mind away from anxious thoughts. Use when your mind is racing or you feel detached.

• Card 12 (Coping Strategy): Doing something you enjoy (hobby)

  • Explanation: Distracts you from worries, provides a sense of accomplishment, and allows for positive self-expression. Good for preventative self-care or when you need a mental break.

• Card 14 (Coping Strategy): Stretching or gentle yoga

  • Explanation: Releases muscle tension that often accompanies anxiety, improves flexibility, and can be a form of mindful movement. Good for physical release of stress.

• Card 16 (Coping Strategy): Writing in a Journal

  • Explanation: Helps you process your thoughts and feelings, identify triggers, and gain perspective. Good for when you need to sort through complex emotions privately.