Student Anxiety Signs Checklist

Use this checklist to identify and record anxiety indicators in students. Check all that apply and add observations or notes.

Physical Signs

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Frequent sighing or yawning
• Pale complexion
• Upset stomach, nausea, or headache

Observations/Notes:

Behavioral Signs

• Avoidance of tasks or activities
• Restlessness or fidgeting
• Withdrawal from peers
• Difficulty concentrating
• Perfectionism or over-preparing
• Procrastination

Observations/Notes:

Verbal Signs

• Expressing worry or fear
• Asking repeated reassurance questions
• Negative self-talk
• Complaints about evaluation or performance
• Discussing physical symptoms

Observations/Notes:

Additional Comments

Calm Corner Setup Guide

A calm corner is a designated space where students can self-regulate when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. This guide walks you through creating and maintaining an effective calm corner in your classroom.

Purpose

• Provide a safe, inviting space for students to pause and reset
• Teach and model self-regulation strategies using sensory tools and visuals
• Reduce classroom disruptions by offering an alternative to leaving the room entirely

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

1. Select a quiet, low-traffic area of the classroom (e.g., a corner away from main pathways).
2. Ensure easy access without blocking exits or instructional sightlines.
3. Aim for natural light or soft lighting to create a soothing atmosphere.

Step 2: Gather Essential Materials

• Soft seating (e.g., floor cushions, beanbag, small chair)
• Sensory tools (e.g., stress balls, fidget spinners, tactile strips)
• Noise reduction (e.g., headphones, soft rugs)
• Calming objects (e.g., sensory bottles, soft fabrics)
• Emotion visuals: Visual Emotion Regulation Chart
• Instruction card with steps for using the calm corner

Step 3: Integrate Visual Supports

• Display the Visual Emotion Regulation Chart prominently at eye level.
• Include an instruction card with simple steps:
  1. Pause and take deep breaths
  2. Check the emotion chart and choose a coping strategy
  3. Return to the group when ready

Step 4: Arrange and Decorate

• Use calming colors (blues, greens) and soft textures.
• Add plants or gentle artwork if possible to soften the space.
• Keep the area clutter-free: use bins or baskets to store tools.
• Label each item with a brief usage tip (e.g., “Squeeze the ball slowly, 10 times”).

Step 5: Introduce the Calm Corner to Students

1. Explain the purpose and rules: this is a safe spot to calm down—not a timeout corner.
2. Model each tool and strategy during a brief whole-class lesson.
3. Practice using the corner together: role-play scenarios where students might benefit.

Step 6: Maintain and Rotate Materials

• Check tools weekly for wear and cleanliness.
• Survey students monthly on which items they find most helpful.
• Rotate in new items (e.g., different fidgets, new books, seasonal sensory kits) to sustain interest.
• Adjust visuals or seating based on student feedback and evolving needs.

Tips for Success

• Set clear time limits (e.g., 3–5 minutes) to help students return to learning promptly.
• Pair calm-corner use with a discrete signal (e.g., a colored card) to respect student privacy.
• Collaborate with support staff (counselor, special educator) to enrich resources.
• Document usage patterns to identify students who may need additional support.

Breathing Techniques Handout

Use these three evidence-based exercises to help students calm their bodies and minds. Teachers can model each step, then guide students through practice. Encourage regular use—during transitions, before tests, or anytime students feel overwhelmed.

1. 4-7-8 Deep Breathing

Description: Slows heart rate and promotes relaxation by extending exhalation.

Steps:

1. Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
2. Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
3. Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4.
4. Hold the breath for a count of 7.
5. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8, making a whooshing sound.
6. Repeat this cycle 4 times.

Tips for Classroom Use:

• Model the counts aloud or use a visual timer.
• Practice as a whole class before starting independent work.
• Remind students they can use this anytime they feel tense.

Your Observations or Questions:

2. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

Description: Engages the five senses to draw attention away from anxious thoughts.

Steps:

1. Look around and name 5 things you can see.
2. Notice 4 things you can feel (e.g., your feet on the floor, texture of clothing).
3. Listen and identify 3 sounds in the room.
4. Smell 2 scents (e.g., a pencil, a snack) or imagine your favorite smell.
5. Identify 1 thing you can taste (or imagine a favorite flavor).

Tips for Classroom Use:

• Post the steps on a display or Visual Emotion Regulation Chart.
• Use when students seem distracted or overwhelmed.
• Pair with a brief journaling prompt (“How do you feel now?”).

Your Observations or Questions:

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Description: Tenses and releases muscle groups to reduce physical tension.

Steps:

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes if possible.
2. Starting with your feet, tense the muscles for 5 seconds.
3. Release the tension and notice how your muscles feel for 10 seconds.
4. Move up to calves, thighs, glutes, abdomen, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and face—tensing and releasing each area in turn.
5. Finish with a full-body release and take three deep breaths.

Tips for Classroom Use:

• Lead students through one or two muscle groups at a time.
• Encourage students to notice the difference between tension and relaxation.
• Use this technique quietly during independent work periods.

Your Observations or Questions:

Reflection & Practice Log

Use this log to record when you try each technique and how it helps.

Date: ___________________

Technique Used:

How did you feel before practice?

How did you feel after practice?

Which technique felt most helpful and why?

Visual Emotion Regulation Chart

Use this chart to help students identify their current emotion and choose a coping strategy. Display it at eye level in your classroom or calm corner. Students can point to or circle the emotion and strategy that fits how they feel.

How to Use

1. Notice Your Feeling: Look at the faces in the left column and find the one that matches how you feel inside.
2. Choose a Strategy: In the right column, find a coping idea. Point to or circle the box when you use it.
3. Try It Out: Practice the strategy for 2–5 minutes, then return to learning when ready.

My Additional Strategies

• ________________________________________________
  
• ________________________________________________
  
• ________________________________________________
  

Reflection Notes

How did choosing and using a strategy help you feel better?

Classroom Reflection Worksheet

1. Key Learnings

What are the three most important ideas or strategies you learned today?
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2.







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2. Strategy to Implement

Which calming strategy will you implement first? (e.g., from Breathing Techniques Handout, Calm Corner Setup Guide, or Visual Emotion Regulation Chart)

Why did you choose this strategy?

3. Implementation Plan

• Where in your classroom will you introduce or set up this strategy?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What steps will you follow to implement it?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• When will you schedule this implementation?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

4. Potential Challenges & Solutions

Identify possible barriers to successful implementation and your proposed solutions.

5. Resources and Supports Needed

What additional materials, training, or colleague support will help you? (e.g., co-teacher, counselor)

6. Measuring Impact

How will you assess whether the strategy is effective? (observations, student feedback, engagement data)

7. Next Steps

Outline your plan for follow-up (e.g., review in team meetings, adjust as needed, share successes).

Thank you for reflecting! Use this worksheet to guide your action plan and revisit it after implementation to track progress.