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Stress SOS

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Lesson Plan

Stress SOS Lesson Plan

Students will learn what stress is, identify their own stressors, and practice a simple movement-based calming technique to build self-awareness and coping skills.

Helping 6th graders understand and manage stress early promotes emotional well-being, improves focus in class, and equips them with lifelong coping strategies.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, brainstorming, and movement practice.

Materials

Stressors Brainstorm Worksheet, Stress SOS Slide Deck, Calm-Down Movement Cards, Chart Paper and Markers, and Timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Stress

5 minutes

  • Display first slides from the Stress SOS Slide Deck.
  • Ask: “What comes to mind when you hear ‘stress’?”
  • Define stress: the body’s response to challenges or pressures.
  • Note common signs: fast heartbeat, tense muscles, racing thoughts.

Step 2

Brainstorm Personal Stressors

7 minutes

  • Distribute Stressors Brainstorm Worksheet.
  • Students list 3–5 things that cause them stress (schoolwork, games, chores, etc.).
  • In pairs, share one stressor each and discuss why it feels stressful.
  • Volunteers write a few examples on chart paper.

Step 3

Introduce Movement Technique

3 minutes

  • Explain that movement can help calm stress responses.
  • Show one example card from Calm-Down Movement Cards (e.g., arm circles).

Step 4

Movement Practice

10 minutes

  • Spread cards face down on a table or floor.
  • Students take turns drawing a card and demonstrate the movement for the class (e.g., 10 arm circles, shoulder rolls).
  • After each movement, pause and ask: “How do you feel now compared to before?”
  • Repeat with 3–4 cards so everyone can participate.

Step 5

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a quick discussion: “Which movement helped you feel calmer?”
  • Encourage students to practice these moves when stressed.
  • Review key takeaway: recognizing stressors and using simple movements to calm down.
  • Remind students to use these strategies in class and at home.
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Slide Deck

Stress SOS

Welcome to Stress SOS! Today we’ll explore what stress is and learn fun ways to calm down.

Welcome students and introduce the lesson: today we’ll learn about stress, identify our own stress triggers, and practice simple movements to calm down.

What Is Stress?

Stress is your body’s response to challenges or pressures. It helps you react when things feel overwhelming.

Ask: “What do you think stress means?” After responses, share the slide definition.

Signs of Stress

• Fast heartbeat
• Tense muscles
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling irritable or anxious

Briefly describe each sign. Encourage students to share if they’ve felt any of these.

Brainstorm Your Stressors

  1. Grab your Stressors Brainstorm Worksheet.
  2. List 3–5 things that stress you (schoolwork, chores, games, etc.).
  3. Share one stressor with a partner.

Hand out the worksheets. Give students 5 minutes to list 3–5 stressors, then pair-share.

Movement Technique

Movement can help calm stress responses. We’ll use Calm-Down Movement Cards.

Example: Arm Circles (10 slow circles each direction).

Explain that movement can interrupt stress reactions. Show one example card (Arm Circles).

Movement Practice

  1. Spread cards face down.
  2. Each student draws a card and leads the movement.
  3. After each move, notice: “How do you feel now?”

Have students take turns drawing cards and leading the class. After each movement, ask how they feel.

Reflection & Wrap-Up

• Which movement helped you feel calmer?
• Practice these anytime you feel stressed.
• Key takeaway: Recognize stressors and use simple movements to calm down.

Lead a brief discussion on which movements felt best and remind students to use these techniques.

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Worksheet

Stressors Brainstorm Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________

Instructions

List 5 things that make you feel stressed. Think about school, home, games, chores, or other parts of your life.

  1. ___________________________


  2. ___________________________


  3. ___________________________


  4. ___________________________


  5. ___________________________


Partner Share

Which number will you share with your partner? _______


Reflection

Why does this stressor make you feel stressed? Explain in a few sentences:








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Activity

Calm-Down Movement Cards

Use these cards during the “Movement Practice” portion of your lesson. Shuffle them, place face down, and have each student draw one to lead the class. After each movement, ask: “How do you feel now compared to before?”

Cards:

  1. Arm Circles
    • Stand tall with arms extended out to your sides.
    • Make 10 slow circles forward, then 10 circles backward.

  2. Shoulder Rolls
    • Lift both shoulders up toward your ears.
    • Roll them back and down 10 times, then reverse direction 10 times.

  3. Belly Breathing
    • Place both hands on your belly.
    • Inhale slowly through your nose (feel your belly rise), then exhale through your mouth (feel it fall).
    • Repeat 5 times.

  4. Star Jumps
    • Stand with feet together and arms at your sides.
    • Jump up, spreading legs wide and raising arms overhead.
    • Land softly back to start.
    • Repeat 8–10 times.

  5. Neck Stretch
    • Sit or stand tall.
    • Gently tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder, hold for 5 seconds, then switch sides.
    • Repeat twice on each side.

  6. Toe Touches
    • Stand with feet hip-width apart.
    • Slowly bend forward at the hips, reaching for your toes (or shins).
    • Hold for 5 seconds, then roll back up.
    • Repeat 5 times.

  7. Side Bends
    • Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
    • Reach your right arm over your head and bend to the left, hold 3 seconds.
    • Return to center and switch sides.
    • Do 5 bends per side.

  8. Hand Clenches
    • Extend both arms in front of you.
    • Clench your fists tightly for a count of 5, then release and spread fingers wide.
    • Repeat 5 times.

  9. March in Place
    • Lift your knees high and swing your arms as you march in place.
    • Keep a steady pace for 30 seconds.

  10. Butterfly Arms
    • Extend arms out to the sides.
    • Bring elbows together in front of you (like a butterfly flap).
    • Open back out.
    • Repeat 10 times.
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Stress SOS • Lenny Learning