Overcoming School Anxiety

Amy Lilavois

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Overcoming School Anxiety

Address anxiety and school refusal

This lesson aims to help students who are experiencing anxiety and refusing to attend school by using experiential and game-based learning strategies. Through a combination of activities, discussions, and multimedia resources, students will explore their feelings, learn coping strategies, and develop a plan to manage their anxiety. This lesson is important as it provides a supportive environment for students to express their concerns and equips them with tools to overcome their challenges.

Audience

School refusal students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning, Project-Based Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Anxiety Reflection, Activity: Coping Strategies Game, Video: Behaviors of Those With High Functioning Anxiety, Reading: Understanding Anxiety, and Discussion: Overcoming School Refusal

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Welcome the student and create a safe, supportive environment.
Briefly discuss the purpose of the session: to explore feelings of anxiety and develop strategies to manage them.
Introduce the video Behaviors of Those With High Functioning Anxiety and explain its relevance.

Step 2

Video Viewing

10 mins

Watch the video Behaviors of Those With High Functioning Anxiety.
Encourage the student to take notes on any behaviors or feelings they relate to.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Use the 'Overcoming School Refusal' discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about the video.
Encourage the student to share their thoughts and feelings about the content.
Discuss any personal experiences with anxiety and school refusal.

Step 4

Reading and Reflection

10 mins

Provide the 'Understanding Anxiety' reading material.
Ask the student to read and reflect on the content.
Use the 'Anxiety Reflection' worksheet to guide their thoughts and document their reflections.

Step 5

Coping Strategies Activity

15 mins

Introduce the 'Coping Strategies Game' activity.
Explain the rules and objectives: to identify and practice different coping strategies for managing anxiety.
Engage the student in the game, encouraging them to try out various strategies.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed and learned during the session.
Encourage the student to continue practicing the coping strategies.
Discuss any next steps or follow-up actions, such as setting goals for attending school.

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Discussion

Overcoming School Refusal

A guided discussion to help students express their feelings about school refusal and explore strategies to overcome it.

What feelings or thoughts did you have while watching the video?

Encourage the student to share openly and validate their feelings.

Can you relate to any of the behaviors mentioned in the video?

Discuss specific examples and how they impact the student's life.

What are some challenges you face when thinking about going to school?

Identify specific barriers and explore underlying causes.

What strategies do you think could help you manage your anxiety about school?

Brainstorm practical solutions and coping mechanisms.

Worksheet

Anxiety Reflection

A worksheet to help students reflect on their feelings of anxiety and identify personal triggers and coping strategies.

Describe a recent situation where you felt anxious about going to school.

Think about what happened, how you felt, and what you did.

What thoughts or beliefs do you have about school that might contribute to your anxiety?

Consider any negative or fearful thoughts.

List three coping strategies you can use when you feel anxious about school.

Think about techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, or seeking support.

How can you remind yourself to use these strategies when you need them?

Consider setting reminders or creating a visual cue.

Reading

Understanding Anxiety

A reading material that provides an overview of anxiety, its symptoms, and coping strategies.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress and can be experienced by anyone. It becomes a concern when it interferes with daily life, such as attending school. Common symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Coping Strategies

Deep Breathing: Helps calm the nervous system.
Positive Self-Talk: Replaces negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Mindfulness: Focuses on the present moment to reduce stress.

Understanding and managing anxiety is crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being. By recognizing symptoms and employing effective coping strategies, individuals can better navigate their daily challenges.