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Stage-Ready Superhero: Conquering Performance Anxiety

Adriana Verduzco

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Stage-Ready Superhero Lesson Plan

Help the student prepare for their performance, calm anxiety, and develop effective coping strategies for potential rejection by using structured activities and soothing techniques.

This lesson empowers the student with practical skills and emotional resilience, reducing performance anxiety and building confidence.

Audience

Fourth Grade Student

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Individual, step-by-step interactive session.

Materials

Performance Prep Worksheet, Cool Down Audio Clip, Rejection Resilience Game, and Feelings Activity

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Stage-Ready Superhero Lesson Plan for session structure.
  • Familiarize yourself with each material: the worksheet, cool down audio, game, and activity resources.
  • Prepare a quiet, comfortable space to minimize distractions during the session.

Step 1

Introduction and Performance Preparation

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and introduce the theme: becoming a stage-ready superhero.
  • Briefly discuss performance nerves and how common they are.
  • Explain that today's session will include fun activities to help them feel ready and relaxed.

Step 2

Worksheet Activity

5 minutes

  • Use the Performance Prep Worksheet to guide the student through identifying their strengths and what excites them about performing.
  • Ask reflective questions to foster a positive mindset.

Step 3

Cool Down Techniques

5 minutes

  • Introduce and practice calm-down techniques using the Cool Down Audio Clip.
  • Guide the student through deep breathing and mindfulness exercises to reduce anxiety.

Step 4

Interactive Game and Coping Strategies

5 minutes

  • Engage the student with the Rejection Resilience Game to simulate unexpected challenges in a lighthearted way.
  • Discuss coping strategies and validate feelings about possible rejection.
  • Use the Feelings Activity to help the student express emotions and brainstorm positive responses.
lenny

Worksheet

Performance Prep Worksheet

Welcome, Stage-Ready Superhero! This worksheet is designed to help you prepare for your performance and build confidence. Take your time to think about your answers. Remember, your unique strengths make your performance special!

1. My Superhero Strengths

What are three things you are really good at or proud of? These can be talents, personal qualities, or skills you use when performing.








2. What Excites Me About Performing

List two aspects of performing that make you feel excited or happy. Think about what you love and what you look forward to during your performance.







3. Calming My Nerves

Sometimes, feelings like nervousness or anxiety can show up before a performance. Write down one strategy you can use to calm your nerves (for example, deep breathing, thinking of a happy memory, or imagining a success story).






4. Preparing for the Unexpected

Imagine that something doesn’t go exactly as planned during your performance. Describe one way you can respond with courage and continue, even if you face a surprise or a small rejection.






Great job, Superhero! Keep this worksheet and refer back to it when you need a boost of confidence or a reminder of your strengths.

lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Cool Down Audio Clip

This audio clip is designed to help you relax and feel calm before your performance! Listen carefully and follow along with the breathing and mindfulness exercises.

Instructions:

  1. Find a comfortable, quiet space where you won't be disturbed.

  2. Click play and listen as the calming voice guides you through deep breathing and gentle mindfulness exercises.

  3. Close your eyes, take slow and deep breaths, and let each exhale help release any tension or anxiety.

  4. Imagine yourself as a powerful superhero, calm and in control as you prepare to shine on stage.

When the audio clip ends, take a moment to notice how calm you feel. Use these techniques anytime you need to relax or calm your nerves before performing.

Enjoy your cool down and get ready to be the amazing stage-ready superhero you are!

lenny
lenny

Game

Rejection Resilience Game

Welcome to the Rejection Resilience Game, Stage-Ready Superhero! In this fun role-playing game, you'll face some pretend challenges and practice how to beat any surprises that might come your way.

Game Objectives

  • Practice responding in a positive way when things don’t go exactly as planned.
  • Explore different feelings and ways to express them.
  • Build confidence and resilience for your performance.

How to Play

  1. Scenario Role-Play:

    • Imagine a situation where something unexpected happens during your performance. For example, you might forget a line or the music stops suddenly.
    • Think for a moment about how you might feel and what you could do next to stay brave and confident.
  2. Discussion:

    • Share your response with your teacher. Explain what you would do and why it would help you continue performing.


    • Answer these questions:






      a. How did the unexpected event make you feel?






      b. What steps can you take to overcome the situation?






      c. How can you remind yourself that you are a stage-ready superhero even after a challenge?


  3. Positive Reinforcement:

    • After sharing your thoughts, your teacher might offer a few positive points about your response. Remember: Every superhero has ways to bounce back and shine!

Tips for Success

  • Stay Calm: Remember the breathing exercises from the Cool Down Audio Clip to help you relax.


  • Believe in Your Strengths: Look back at your Performance Prep Worksheet to remember your superhero strengths.


  • Keep Practicing: The more you practice, the better you become at handling surprises!

Good luck, hero! Embrace the challenge and shine on stage!

lenny
lenny

Activity

Feelings Activity

Welcome, Stage-Ready Superhero! In this activity, you'll have the chance to express your feelings and brainstorm ways to handle unexpected challenges during your performance. Use drawing, writing, or a mix of both to explore your thoughts and emotions.

1. Express Your Feelings

Take a moment to think about how you feel when you imagine going on stage. Use the space below to draw a picture or write a few sentences about your feelings.





2. Brainstorm Positive Responses

Imagine a moment during your performance when something unexpected happens. Write or draw one creative way you could respond that shows your inner superhero strength.





3. Share and Reflect

Talk with your teacher about your drawing or writing. Explain what your pictures or words represent and how these ideas can help you feel more confident and ready to shine on stage.





Remember: Your feelings are important, and sharing them is a brave step toward becoming an even stronger performer. Great job, superhero!

lenny
lenny