Stress-Free Holiday Strategies

Lauren Oldham

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Stress-Free Holiday Strategies

Manage holiday stress

This lesson helps students brainstorm and discuss strategies to manage holiday stress. It encourages students to vocalize their concerns and learn practical approaches to maintain tranquility and joy during the busy holiday season. This lesson is important as it equips students with coping mechanisms that can enhance their emotional well-being and resilience during potentially stressful times.

Audience

Students in Grades 4-5

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Manage holiday stress

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Discussion Guide, and Brainstorming Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin by asking students how they feel about the upcoming holidays.
Introduce the topic of holiday stress and explain that it's normal to feel stressed during busy times.
Explain the objective of the lesson: to learn strategies to manage holiday stress.

Step 2

Guided Discussion

8 minutes

Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about common holiday stressors.
Encourage students to share their own experiences and feelings.
Discuss why it's important to manage stress and how it can affect our well-being.

Step 3

Brainstorming Activity

8 minutes

Distribute the Brainstorming Worksheet to each student.
Ask students to write down simple strategies they can use to manage stress during the holidays.
Encourage them to think about activities that make them feel calm and happy.
Collect the worksheets and share some of the strategies with the class.

Step 4

Closure

4 minutes

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Encourage students to try out some of the strategies during the holiday season.
Thank students for their participation and remind them that it's okay to ask for help if they feel overwhelmed.

Discussion

Discussion Guide

Guide to facilitate a conversation about holiday stressors and coping strategies.

What are some common stressors during the holidays?

Encourage students to think about things like busy schedules, family expectations, and financial concerns.

How do you usually feel during the holiday season?

Guide students to express their emotions and validate their feelings.

Why is it important to manage stress?

Discuss the impact of stress on mental and physical health.

Worksheet

Brainstorming Worksheet

Worksheet for students to brainstorm and write down strategies to manage holiday stress.

List three activities that help you relax during stressful times.

Think about activities like reading, drawing, or playing outside.

Who can you talk to if you're feeling stressed during the holidays?

Consider family members, friends, or teachers.

Write down one thing you can do to help someone else feel less stressed.

Think about acts of kindness or offering help.