Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce the concepts of trauma and fear, establish discussion norms, and build initial rapport through a mix of reflective and interactive exercises.
Creating a safe space and defining fear lays the groundwork for future sessions where deeper coping skills will be taught. Early rapport and understanding help the student feel supported and engaged.
Audience
High School Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and reflection activities
Materials
Session 1 Slide Deck, Session 1 Discussion Prompts, Guided Reflection Worksheet, Mindfulness Game Cards, and Pens and Paper
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review the content in Session 1 Slide Deck
- Print enough copies of the Guided Reflection Worksheet
- Cut and organize the Mindfulness Game Cards
- Arrange seating in a comfortable circle to promote open dialogue
- Familiarize yourself with the Session 1 Discussion Prompts
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet the student and briefly explain the purpose of the series
- Do a quick "Check-In": Ask how they’re feeling today on a scale of 1–5
- Set ground rules: confidentiality, respect, and openness
Step 2
Discussion: Defining Fear
8 minutes
- Share slides 2–5 from Session 1 Slide Deck on what fear is and how it relates to past experiences
- Use Session 1 Discussion Prompts:
- “What does fear feel like in your body?”
- “When have you felt afraid because of a past event?”
- Encourage the student to share, validating their responses
Step 3
Guided Reflection
7 minutes
- Distribute the Guided Reflection Worksheet
- Prompt the student to write down:
- One fear they currently experience
- When it began and what triggers it
- How it affects their daily life
- Circulate and offer supportive feedback as they write
Step 4
Mindfulness Game
7 minutes
- Introduce the Mindfulness Game Cards
- The student draws a card and completes the prompt (e.g., deep breathing, grounding exercise)
- Discuss how the quick practice felt and how it might help manage fear
Step 5
Cool-Down
3 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways: definition of fear, reflection insights, mindfulness benefit
- Ask: “What’s one thing you’re taking away from today’s session?”
- Preview next session topic: coping strategies
- Thank the student and remind them of confidentiality norms
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Slide Deck
Session 1: Understanding Fear and Trauma
From Fear to Freedom Series
30 minutes | Tier 3 Individual Support
Welcome the student and introduce today’s session. Explain that this session will explore what trauma and fear are, why they matter, and how our bodies respond to fear. Emphasize confidentiality and that their experiences are valid.
What Is Trauma?
• Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience
• Can be a single event or ongoing situation
• Impacts thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
• Leaves a lasting imprint on our sense of safety
Define trauma in simple, age-appropriate terms. Encourage the student to think of an event that felt overwhelming. Use this slide as a conversation starter.
What Is Fear?
• An emotional and physical response to perceived threat
• Signals our body to protect us
• When linked to trauma, can feel intense or out of proportion
• Common fears: abandonment, judgment, loss of control
Transition from trauma to discussing fear. Explain that fear is a normal response but can become overwhelming when tied to past trauma.
How Trauma Influences Fear
• Trauma heightens vigilance—always looking for danger
• Triggers: sights, sounds, smells reminding us of past events
• Fear responses can feel automatic
• Understanding triggers helps us regain choice
Explain the connection between trauma and fear. Help the student recognize how past events can shape reactions today.
Physiological Responses to Fear
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Muscle tension or shaking
• Sweaty palms or cold chills
• Stomach “butterflies”
Review key physiological signs of fear. Invite the student to notice where they feel these sensations in their own body.
Discussion Prompts
- What does fear feel like in your body?
- When have you felt afraid because of a past event?
- Are there places or situations that trigger fear for you?
Introduce the upcoming discussion activity. Direct the student to the printed discussion prompts worksheet.
Introduction to Mindfulness
• Mindfulness = paying attention on purpose, in the present moment
• Helps us notice fear without reacting immediately
• Techniques: deep breathing, grounding, body scan
Get ready for a quick practice!
Explain that they will use mindfulness techniques to calm the body. Prepare to hand out Mindfulness Game Cards.
Looking Ahead & Cool-Down
• Today’s takeaways: trauma vs. fear, body signals, mindfulness intro
• Next session: Coping Strategies
• Complete the Guided Reflection Worksheet
• Thank you for your honesty and courage!
Summarize what was learned: definitions of trauma, fear, body responses, and mindfulness. Preview Session 2 on coping strategies and distribute reflection worksheets.
Discussion
Session 1 Discussion Prompts
Use these open-ended questions to guide a supportive conversation about fear related to trauma. Encourage the student to elaborate and validate their experiences.
-
What does fear feel like in your body?
• Where do you notice it most?Follow-up prompts:
- Can you describe the sensations in more detail?
- Do these sensations change over time?
-
When have you felt afraid because of a past event?
Follow-up prompts:
- What happened, and how did it make you feel?
- How did you respond in that moment?
-
Are there places or situations that trigger fear for you?
Follow-up prompts:
- What about these situations feels threatening?
- Have you noticed any patterns in your triggers?
-
How do you usually cope when you feel fear?
Follow-up prompts:
- Which strategies have helped you before?
- How might we build on those strategies this series?
Worksheet
Session 1 Reflection Worksheet
Complete the prompts below. Use the space provided to write your responses.
-
Identify one fear you currently experience.
-
When did this fear first begin? Describe the event or circumstances around its onset.
-
What situations, people, places, or thoughts tend to trigger this fear? List at least two and explain why.
-
How does this fear affect your daily life (e.g., your feelings, behaviors, relationships, school)?
-
Where do you notice this fear in your body? Describe any physical sensations you experience.
-
On a scale of 1–5 (1 = very mild, 5 = very intense), how would you rate this fear when it arises? Why did you choose this number?
-
What is one small step you could take this week to begin coping with or facing this fear?
When you’re finished, we’ll discuss your reflections together and start building strategies to transform this fear into strength.
Worksheet
Calm Down Toolkit
Use any of these strategies when you notice fear rising. Try different tools and note which work best for you.
1. Deep Belly Breathing
- Sit comfortably and place one hand on your belly.
- Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 2.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6.
When I’ll try this:
2. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
- Notice 5 things you can see.
- Notice 4 things you can touch.
- Notice 3 things you can hear.
- Notice 2 things you can smell.
- Notice 1 thing you can taste.
Most helpful sense for me:
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Tense one muscle group (shoulders, arms, legs) for 5 seconds.
- Release tension and notice how it feels.
- Move to the next muscle group until you’ve relaxed your whole body.
My favorite muscle group to relax:
4. Positive Affirmations
- Think of 2–3 statements that feel true and strong (for example: I am calm and safe).
My affirmations:
5. Safe Place Visualization
- Close your eyes and imagine a calm, safe place (real or pretend).
- Notice details: colors, sounds, smells, textures.
Describe your safe place:
6. Quick Movement Break
- Stand up and stretch or take 5 gentle marches in place.
- Notice how your body feels after moving.
Movement I choose:
My Calm-Down Plan
Which two strategies will I use most?
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
When will I use them?
- Strategy 1 time/place:
- Strategy 2 time/place: