Lesson Plan
Stress-Busting Toolkit
Students will be able to identify a personal stressor and choose a healthy coping strategy to manage it.
Learning to identify and manage stress is crucial for 3rd graders. This lesson provides them with practical tools to handle challenges, build resilience, and maintain their emotional well-being, both in and out of school.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and hands-on activity.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Slide Deck Presentation, Markers or pens, Design a Stress-Less Plan Worksheet, and Crayons/colored pencils
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Stress-Busting Toolkit Lesson Plan and all generated materials, making any necessary adjustments.
* Print one copy of the Design a Stress-Less Plan Worksheet per student.
* Prepare the Slide Deck Presentation for display.
Step 1
Welcome & Warm-Up: What Makes You Grumpy?
5 minutes
- Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something that everyone feels sometimes: stress. But don't worry, we're also going to learn how to deal with it! Let's start with a quick warm-up. Think about something that makes you feel a little grumpy, annoyed, or worried. It could be a big test, a disagreement with a friend, or even just a super messy room. Take a moment to think about one thing."
* Teacher: "Now, quickly share with a partner one thing that sometimes makes you feel that way. Just a quick share, then we'll come back together." (Allow 2 minutes for partner sharing).
Step 2
Introduce Key Concept: Stress Signals & Coping Strategies
7 minutes
- Teacher: "Great sharing, everyone! It sounds like we all have things that can make us feel a little stressed or grumpy. Today, we're going to learn about 'Stress Signals' – how our bodies tell us we're stressed – and 'Healthy Coping Mechanisms' – smart ways to deal with those feelings."
* Teacher: "(Display Slide 2: What Are Stress Signals?) Stress signals are like clues our bodies give us. They can be things like a fast heartbeat, a tummy ache, feeling tired, or even getting easily frustrated. Has anyone ever felt any of these? (Allow a few quick shares)."
* Teacher: "(Display Slide 3: Healthy Coping Mechanisms) Now for the good news! We can learn healthy ways to 'bust' that stress! These are called coping mechanisms. They are positive things we can do to feel better. Let's look at some examples: taking deep breaths, talking to a grown-up, drawing, playing outside, or listening to music."
* Teacher: "(Display Slide 4: Your Personal Stress-Buster!) We're going to create our own 'Stress-Busting Toolkits'! You'll think about a stressor and pick a healthy coping strategy that works for you." (Introduce the Design a Stress-Less Plan Worksheet).
Step 3
Guided Practice: Design Your Stress-Less Plan
5 minutes
- Teacher: "Now it's your turn! I'm going to hand out a worksheet called Design a Stress-Less Plan Worksheet. On this worksheet, you'll think about one specific thing that makes you feel stressed or grumpy. Then, you'll choose one of the healthy coping strategies we talked about – or another healthy one you know – and draw or write about how you'll use it."
* Teacher: "I'll walk around and help if you get stuck. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer, just what works best for YOU!" (Distribute Design a Stress-Less Plan Worksheet and allow students to work).
Step 4
Reflect & Share: Our Stress-Busting Powers!
3 minutes
- Teacher: "Time is almost up! Who would like to share their 'Stress-Less Plan' with the class? What's one thing that stresses you out and one way you plan to cope with it?" (Call on a few volunteers).
* Teacher: "Excellent job, everyone! Remember, it's okay to feel stressed, but it's even better to have a plan to deal with it. You all have amazing 'Stress-Busting Toolkits' now! Keep practicing these strategies, and you'll be stress-busting pros in no time!"
* Collect worksheets.
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Our Stress-Busting Mission!
Ever feel a little...grumpy? 😬
Sometimes, things make us feel worried, annoyed, or even a little sad. That feeling is often called stress.
Today, we're going to learn how to be Stress-Busting Superheroes!
Warm-Up Activity:
- Think about something that makes you feel a little grumpy or worried.
- Draw a quick
Welcome students and introduce the concept of stress in an age-appropriate way. Explain that everyone feels stress sometimes. Guide them through the warm-up activity, encouraging them to think about things that make them feel worried or grumpy. Observe their drawings and listen to their partner discussions to gauge prior understanding and emotions.
What Are Stress Signals?
Your Body's Clues! 🕵️♀️
Our bodies are super smart! They often give us clues when we're feeling stressed.
These clues are called Stress Signals.
Common Stress Signals:
- Fast heartbeat ❤️🩹
- Tummy ache or butterflies in your stomach 🦋
- Feeling tired 😴
- Getting easily frustrated or annoyed 😠
- Headache 🤕
Have you ever felt any of these when you were worried or grumpy?
Introduce the idea of stress signals as clues from our bodies. Give clear, relatable examples like tummy aches or fast heartbeats. Ask open-ended questions to encourage student participation and help them connect with the concept.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Your Stress-Busting Toolkit! 🛠️
Good news! We can learn healthy ways to feel better when we're stressed. These are called Healthy Coping Mechanisms.
They are like tools in your personal stress-busting toolkit!
Some Awesome Tools:
- Deep Breaths: Take 3 slow, deep breaths. 🌬️
- Talk it Out: Share your feelings with a trusted grown-up. 🗣️
- Get Moving: Play outside, dance, or stretch! 🏃♀️
- Be Creative: Draw, color, or listen to music. 🎨🎶
- Quiet Time: Read a book or just relax quietly. 📖
Which tool sounds good to you?
Present various healthy coping mechanisms using simple language and visuals. Emphasize that these are positive actions. Briefly discuss why each strategy is helpful. Encourage students to think about which ones they might like to try.
Design Your Stress-Less Plan!
Create Your Own Plan! 📝
Now it's YOUR turn to be a Stress-Busting Superhero!
We're going to fill out the Design a Stress-Less Plan Worksheet.
Here's what you'll do:
- Identify Your Stressor: What makes you feel grumpy or worried?
- Choose a Coping Strategy: Pick a healthy way to deal with that stress.
- Draw or Write: Show how you will use your chosen strategy.
Let's get started!
Explain the upcoming worksheet activity. Guide students to understand that they will identify a personal stressor and choose a coping strategy. Reiterate that the goal is to find what works for them. Be ready to answer questions and circulate to offer support.
You're a Stress-Busting Pro!
Awesome Job, Stress-Busters! 🎉
Remember:
- Everyone feels stress sometimes.
- Your body gives you Stress Signals.
- You have amazing Healthy Coping Mechanisms in your toolkit!
Keep practicing your Stress-Less Plan!
You've got this! 💪
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main message: it's okay to feel stressed, and there are healthy ways to cope. Encourage students to practice their strategies and remind them that they have their own personal stress-busting toolkits. Facilitate sharing if time permits.
Worksheet
Design a Stress-Less Plan!
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Part 1: My Stress Signal
Think about a time when you felt grumpy, worried, or annoyed. What was happening?
What did your body tell you? (e.g., fast heartbeat, tummy ache, feeling tired, easily frustrated)
My Stress Signal:
Part 2: My Personal Stressor
What is ONE thing that sometimes makes you feel stressed or grumpy?
Part 3: My Stress-Busting Toolkit!
Now, choose ONE healthy way to deal with that stress. This is your Stress-Busting Strategy!
Draw a picture or write about how you will use this strategy to feel better.