Lesson Plan
Group Stress Management Plan
Students will collaboratively practice peer-supported stress-relief techniques and design personal calm-corner plans to enhance self-management and reduce anxiety.
Building self-management skills through peer support empowers 8th graders to manage stress actively and create safe, personalized calm spaces at school.
Audience
8th Grade Small Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided small-group activities with hands-on creation and peer sharing.
Prep
Material Setup
10 minutes
- Queue the Creating Calm Corners Slide Deck
- Prepare art supplies (post-its, markers, construction paper) for the DIY Calm Corner Creation Activity
- Print or distribute the Reflection on Safe Spaces Journal
- Arrange seating in a circle and reserve a quiet spot for the Five Senses Grounding Warm-Up
Step 1
Warm-Up: Five Senses Grounding
5 minutes
- Introduce the five senses technique: ask students to identify one thing they can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch in the room
- Guide students through naming each sensation slowly to center attention
- Invite volunteers to share one sense observation with the group
Step 2
Introduction & Peer Norms
3 minutes
- Briefly overview the session’s goals: practice stress-relief techniques and design calm corners
- Establish peer-support norms: active listening, respect, positive feedback
- Remind students this is a safe space for sharing feelings
Step 3
Explore Stress Management Plan
7 minutes
- Display key strategies from the Group Stress Management Plan
- Discuss each technique (deep breathing, positive self-talk, visualization)
- In pairs, students share personal stress triggers and brainstorm which strategies might help
Step 4
Main Activity: DIY Calm Corner Creation
10 minutes
- Explain that each student will design their own calming corner layout
- Distribute paper and art supplies; reference examples on the Creating Calm Corners Slide Deck
- Students sketch or list items (e.g., soft lighting, fidget tools, positive quotes)
- In pairs, students exchange ideas and give supportive feedback
Step 5
Reflection: Journal & Share
5 minutes
- Ask students to complete prompts in the Reflection on Safe Spaces Journal: What aspect of your calm corner feels most helpful? How will you use it?
- Invite volunteers to share one reflection point
- Collect journals or ask students to keep them for ongoing practice
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Slide Deck
Creating Your Calm Corner
A step-by-step guide to designing a space at school where you can feel safe, relaxed, and in control of your stress.
Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today they’ll learn how to create a personal calm corner to manage stress.
Today’s Agenda
- What is a Calm Corner?
- Why It Helps
- Examples in Action
- Key Stress-Relief Techniques
- Design Your Own Corner
- Reflect & Share
Briefly run through the agenda so students know what to expect. Emphasize that participation and creativity are encouraged.
What Is a Calm Corner?
• A dedicated spot for calming down and collecting yourself
• Filled with items that soothe your senses
• A tool to practice self-management and stress relief
Define the concept clearly. Invite students to name any calming spaces they’ve seen or used.
Why Have a Calm Corner?
• Lowers anxiety and stress levels
• Builds self-management skills
• Offers a peer-supported space for sharing strategies
• Creates an ongoing habit of self-care
Highlight benefits and link back to self-management goals. Ask for student ideas on why it matters.
Examples of Calm Corners
• Cozy corner with floor cushion, soft light, and noise-canceling headphones
• Wall of positive quotes and fidget tools
• Table setup with coloring pages and scented items
Show photos or sketches of different calm corner setups (post-its, soft lighting, fidgets). Refer students to explore these ideas when designing theirs.
Key Stress-Relief Techniques
• Deep Breathing Exercises
• Positive Self-Talk & Affirmations
• Guided Visualization
• Five-Senses Grounding
• Simple Fidget Tools
Review techniques from the Group Stress Management Plan. Encourage students to pick at least two to include in their design.
Design Your Calm Corner
Use this template:
• Location & Layout:
• Lighting & Color:
• Sensory Tools (touch, smell, sound):
• Visual Cues (quotes, images):
• Stress-Relief Technique Stations:
Guide students through the template. Remind them to sketch, list items, and note where they’ll place each element.
Reflection & Next Steps
• Which element of your corner feels most helpful?
• How will you use this space when stressed?
• Share one idea with a peer
• Keep your plan for future practice
Prompt students to reflect aloud or in their journals. Encourage sharing one insight with a partner or the group.
Activity
DIY Calm Corner Creation
Materials Needed:
- Calm Corner Template Worksheet (printed or shared digitally)
- Paper & pencils
- Art supplies (markers, colored pencils, stickers)
- Reference: Creating Calm Corners Slide Deck
Activity Steps:
-
Introduction & Instructions (2 minutes)
- Explain the goal: each student will design their own calm corner layout.
- Show the template and highlight sections for lighting, sensory tools, visual cues, and stress-relief technique stations.
-
Individual Design (6 minutes)
- Distribute the Calm Corner Template Worksheet and art supplies.
- Students sketch their layouts and label:
• Location & Layout
• Lighting & Color
• Sensory Tools (touch, smell, sound)
• Visual Cues (quotes, images)
• Stress-Relief Technique Stations (e.g., deep breathing spot, five-senses corner)
-
Paired Feedback (2 minutes)
- Pair students up and have them share designs.
- Use these prompts:
• What do you like most about your partner’s corner?
• What idea could make it even more calming?
• Which technique station stands out and why?
-
Revise & Finalize (2 minutes)
- Students incorporate their partner’s suggestions.
- Add finishing touches (color, labels, small drawings).
- Prepare to share one standout feature with the group.
Journal
Reflection on Safe Spaces
Reflecting on your calm corner can deepen your understanding of its benefits and help you use it effectively. Write thoughtfully in the space below each prompt.
- Describe how you feel when you imagine spending time in your calm corner. What emotions come up, and why?
- Think of a moment during your school day when stress might build. How and when will you use your calm corner in that situation?
- Identify the one item or design element in your corner that you believe will help you most. Explain its importance.
- What challenges might prevent you from using your calm corner regularly? How will you address or overcome those obstacles?
Keep this journal as a reminder of your plan and revisit your reflections whenever you need support. Feel free to add new thoughts or adjustments over time!
Warm Up
Five Senses Grounding
Use this quick grounding exercise to help students focus and calm their minds before beginning.
-
Settle In (30 seconds)
- Ask students to sit comfortably with feet on the floor and hands resting in their lap.
- Close eyes or soften the gaze.
-
See (30 seconds)
- Open your eyes and name one thing you can see in the room.
- Speak it out loud or whisper to yourself.
-
Hear (30 seconds)
- Close your eyes briefly and listen for one sound in the environment.
- Notice it without judgment.
-
Smell (30 seconds)
- Identify one scent you can detect right now (e.g., your own breath, classroom air).
- Take a slow sniff and notice the aroma.
-
Taste (30 seconds)
- Concentrate on one taste in your mouth.
- If nothing specific, take a small sip of water and identify that taste.
-
Touch (30 seconds)
- Focus on one physical sensation (e.g., the chair under you, your clothes on your skin).
- Notice texture, temperature, and pressure.
-
Breathe & Reflect (1 minute)
- Take three slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- After the third breath, notice how you feel and share one word (optional).