Lesson Plan
Facing Anxiety Together
Addressing school avoidance
This lesson aims to help students understand the importance of working through anxiety rather than avoiding it. Through a guided discussion and collaborative activity, students will explore the impact of anxiety on school attendance and learn strategies to manage it. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students to face their fears, fostering resilience and improving their overall well-being.
Audience
Grades 8-12
Time
15-30 minutes
Approach
Trauma-Informed Teaching, Collaborative Learning
Materials
Discussion Questions, and Activity Instructions
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief introduction about anxiety and its commonality among students.
- Explain the objective of the lesson: understanding and managing anxiety to reduce school avoidance.
Script:
"Hello everyone, today we're going to talk about something that many of us experience but don't always discuss openly: anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can be mild or severe, and it's something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. In fact, it's quite common among students like yourselves. You might feel anxious about a test, a presentation, or even just coming to school. It's important to know that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many students face anxiety, and it's okay to talk about it. Our goal today is to understand how anxiety can affect us, especially when it comes to attending school, and to learn some strategies to manage it. By working together, we can support each other and find ways to face our fears. Let's explore this topic together and see how we can make school a more comfortable place for everyone."
Step 2
Biological Components of Anxiety
5 minutes
- Explain the biological components of anxiety, focusing on the brain and nervous system.
- Discuss how the amygdala and prefrontal cortex play roles in the anxiety response.
- Highlight the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in regulating mood and anxiety levels.
Script:
"Let's take a moment to understand what's happening in our bodies when we feel anxious. Anxiety is not just an emotional experience; it has biological roots. Our brain plays a big role in how we experience anxiety. The amygdala, a part of the brain, is responsible for detecting threats and triggering the 'fight or flight' response. This is why you might feel your heart racing or your palms sweating when you're anxious. The prefrontal cortex, another part of the brain, helps us think through situations and make decisions. When we're anxious, these parts of the brain can become overactive. Neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain like serotonin and dopamine, also affect our mood and anxiety levels. Understanding these biological components can help us see that anxiety is a natural response, and there are ways to manage it."
Step 3
Discussion
10 minutes
- Use the provided discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about anxiety and school avoidance.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Step 4
Collaborative Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with the activity instructions.
- Each group will brainstorm and list strategies to manage anxiety and improve school attendance.
- Groups will share their strategies with the class.
Step 5
Closure
5 minutes
- Summarize the key points discussed and strategies shared.
- Encourage students to apply these strategies in their daily lives.
- Thank students for their participation and openness.
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Discussion
Discussion Questions on Anxiety
A set of questions to guide a discussion on anxiety and school avoidance.
What are some common reasons students might feel anxious about attending school?
Encourage students to think about personal experiences or observations.
How can avoiding school due to anxiety impact a student's academic and social life?
Discuss both short-term and long-term effects.
What are some ways we can support each other in managing anxiety?
Focus on peer support and community building.
Worksheet
Activity Instructions for Managing Anxiety
Instructions for a group activity to brainstorm strategies for managing anxiety.
Form small groups and discuss the following:
List at least three strategies to manage anxiety related to school.
Consider how these strategies can be implemented in daily life.
Prepare to share your strategies with the class.
Word Bank: Deep breathing, mindfulness, time management, positive self-talk, exercise, seeking support from friends or teachers, breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic goals, taking breaks, practicing gratitude, journaling, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, listening to music, engaging in hobbies, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and using humor to lighten the mood.
Reading
Parent Handout on Anxiety and School Avoidance
A handout for parents providing information on anxiety, school avoidance, and ways to support their children.
Understanding Anxiety and School Avoidance
Anxiety is a common experience for many students, characterized by feelings of worry or fear. It can affect students' ability to attend school and participate in activities. School avoidance can result from anxiety, impacting academic performance and social interactions.
What Parents Can Do:
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and listen without judgment.
- Routine and Structure: Establish a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of security.
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise efforts and progress, no matter how small.
- Model Coping Strategies: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
- Seek Professional Help: If anxiety significantly impacts your child's life, consider consulting a mental health professional.
Supporting your child through anxiety can help them build resilience and improve their overall well-being. By working together, you can help your child face their fears and succeed in school.