Holiday Stress and Behavior

Courtney Fischer

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Holiday Stress and Behavior

Discuss increased stress and behavior issues

This lesson aims to help students understand and discuss the increased stress and behavior issues that often arise leading up to the holidays. By using trauma-informed teaching strategies, students will learn to identify stressors and explore healthy coping mechanisms. This lesson is important as it equips students with the tools to manage stress effectively, promoting better mental health and behavior during a potentially challenging time.

Audience

5-8th grade students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching

Materials

Video: Stress Management Techniques for Kids, Worksheet: Holiday Stress Reflection, Reading: Understanding Holiday Stress, and Pens and paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what stress is and how it can affect behavior.
Ask students to share any feelings or experiences they have about the upcoming holidays.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the video Stress Management Techniques for Kids.
Encourage students to note down any techniques they find interesting or useful.

Step 3

Group Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the questions from the discussion attachment.
Focus on how students can apply the stress management techniques during the holiday season.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

Distribute the "Holiday Stress Reflection" worksheet.
Ask students to complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on their own stressors and coping strategies.

Step 5

Reading and Reflection

5 mins

Provide the reading "Understanding Holiday Stress" to students.
Allow time for students to read and reflect on the content, encouraging them to think about how they can manage stress effectively.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Encourage students to share one new strategy they plan to use to manage stress during the holidays.

Discussion

Holiday Stress Discussion

A guided discussion to explore students' feelings about holiday stress and how they can manage it.

What are some common stressors during the holiday season?

Encourage students to think about both personal and general stressors, such as family expectations, schoolwork, or social events.

How can the stress management techniques from the video help you during the holidays?

Discuss specific techniques mentioned in the video and how they can be applied to real-life situations.

What are some healthy ways to cope with stress that you have used before?

Guide students to share personal experiences and encourage peer learning by discussing effective strategies.

Worksheet

Holiday Stress Reflection

A worksheet to help students reflect on their personal stressors and identify coping strategies for the holiday season.

List three things that stress you out about the holidays.

Think about school, family, and social events.

What are two stress management techniques from the video that you would like to try?

Consider techniques that seem practical and easy to implement.

Describe a time when you successfully managed stress. What did you do?

Reflect on past experiences where you felt stressed but found a way to cope.

Reading

Understanding Holiday Stress

A short reading to help students understand the causes and effects of holiday stress and explore ways to manage it.

Understanding Holiday Stress

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring about stress and anxiety. Many people feel pressure to meet family expectations, manage busy schedules, and find the perfect gifts. This stress can lead to changes in behavior, such as irritability or withdrawal.

To manage holiday stress, it's important to recognize your stressors and develop healthy coping strategies. Techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, and talking to someone you trust can help alleviate stress. Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed.