Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
In Session 1, the student will define anxiety, recognize personal signs of anxiety, and learn a diaphragmatic breathing technique to manage stress.
Helping students understand their anxiety and practice a simple, evidence-based breathing strategy builds self-awareness and equips them with a go-to tool for staying calm and focused in class.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Preview Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Reading
5 minutes
Step 3
Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Breathing Activity
10 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
3 minutes
Step 6
Cool-Down
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 1: Understanding Anxiety & Calm Breathing
Warm-Up: Personal Experience
What Is Anxiety?
Signs of Anxiety
Diaphragmatic Breathing Steps
Guided Breathing Practice
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Reading
Worksheet
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
In Session 2, the student will review diaphragmatic breathing, learn sensory grounding and positive self-talk strategies, practice a grounding activity, and plan to use these tools in class.
Building on breathing, adding grounding and self-talk broadens the Calm Toolkit, equipping students with evidence-based methods to interrupt anxiety and refocus in academic settings.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Preview Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up & Review
5 minutes
Step 2
Reading
5 minutes
Step 3
Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Grounding Activity
10 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
3 minutes
Step 6
Cool-Down
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 2: Expanding Your Calm Toolkit
Warm-Up: Reviewing Breathing
Introduction: Grounding & Self-Talk
5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding
Positive Self-Talk Tips
Practice Activity
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Reading
Worksheet
