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Are We All Feeling This?

Lesson Plan

Shared Stress Stories

Students will be able to identify common stressors and recognize that stress is a shared human experience, fostering empathy and a sense of community.

Understanding that others experience similar stresses can reduce feelings of isolation and help students develop coping mechanisms and a supportive network.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45-50 minutes

Approach

Through guided discussion and reflection, students will explore shared experiences of stress.

Materials

Normalizing Our Stress (slide-deck), Open Minds, Open Hearts (discussion), and One Word Feelings Exit Ticket (cool-down)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Stress?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear the word 'stress.'
  • Facilitate a brief brainstorm or quick-write. Ask students to keep their responses to themselves for now. (Teacher Note: This is an unlisted warm-up, but it sets the stage for the slide deck and discussion.)

Step 2

Introduction with Slide Deck

10 minutes

  • Present the Normalizing Our Stress slide-deck.
  • Go through each slide, encouraging students to consider the ideas presented.
  • Emphasize that stress is a normal part of life and that everyone experiences it.

Step 3

Open Minds, Open Hearts Discussion

20 minutes

  • Transition to the Open Minds, Open Hearts discussion.
  • Explain the guidelines for respectful and empathetic conversation.
  • Facilitate the discussion using the provided prompts, ensuring all students feel comfortable sharing (but not pressured).
  • Encourage active listening and validate student experiences.

Step 4

Connecting and Reflecting

5 minutes

  • After the discussion, ask students to reflect on what they heard and how it made them feel.
  • Briefly summarize key takeaways about shared experiences and the importance of support systems.

Step 5

Cool-Down: One Word Feelings

5 minutes

  • Distribute or display the One Word Feelings Exit Ticket cool-down.
  • Instruct students to complete the exit ticket silently.
  • Collect the exit tickets to gauge student understanding and emotional state.
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Slide Deck

Normalizing Our Stress: We're All In This Together

Understanding and Sharing Our Experiences

Welcome students and introduce the topic of stress. Ask them to think about what stress means to them personally.

What is Stress, Anyway?

Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand. Everyone experiences stress. It's a natural part of life, but it can feel overwhelming sometimes.

Prompt students to consider different sources of stress in their lives. Emphasize that these can be big or small.

Common Stressors for Teens

  • Schoolwork and grades
  • Friendships and social life
  • Family expectations
  • Future worries (high school, college, etc.)
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Pressure from social media

Ask students to brainstorm quietly for a moment common things that cause stress for people their age. Reassure them there's no right or wrong answer.

You Are Not Alone!

It's easy to feel like you're the only one struggling, but everyone faces challenges. Sharing our experiences can help us feel understood and supported.

Highlight that stress is universal and it's okay to feel it. The goal is to learn how to manage it, not eliminate it.

Let's Talk About It

Today, we're going to create a safe space to talk openly about our experiences with stress. Remember to listen with an open mind and heart.

Transition into the discussion. Explain that this is a safe space to share and listen without judgment.

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Discussion

Open Minds, Open Hearts: Discussing Shared Stress Experiences

Discussion Guidelines:

  • Listen actively and respectfully to others.
  • Share only what you are comfortable sharing.
  • It's okay to pass if you don't want to share.
  • Avoid judgment or interrupting others.
  • What is said here, stays here (confidentiality).

Discussion Prompts:

  1. When you hear the word "stress," what is the first thing that comes to your mind or body?





  2. Can you think of a time recently when you felt stressed? Without going into too much detail, what was the situation?






  3. What are some common things that make students your age feel stressed? (Think about school, friends, family, etc.)






  4. How does it make you feel to hear that others might experience similar types of stress?






  5. Why is it important to talk about stress, even if it feels uncomfortable?






  6. What is one small thing you do that helps you when you feel stressed?






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Cool Down

One Word Feelings Exit Ticket

Think about our discussion today about stress and shared experiences.

In one word, how do you feel right now after our conversation?







Optional: If you feel comfortable, briefly explain why you chose that word.













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