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Understanding and Managing Anxiety

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Lesson Plan

Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Learn about anxiety

This lesson helps students understand what anxiety is and provides strategies for managing it through engaging activities. It's vital as it introduces coping mechanisms and normalizes discussions about mental health, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Audience

Grades 3-5

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Materials

Markers, Paper, Printable cards, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin by asking students if they've ever felt nervous or worried about something. Explain that feeling anxious is normal and that everyone experiences it. Introduce the term 'anxiety' and provide a simple definition: 'Anxiety is when we feel really worried or scared about something, even if there's no danger.'

Step 2

Activity: Drawing Feelings

7 minutes

Hand out paper and markers. Ask students to draw what anxiety looks like to them. It could be a monster, a cloud, or anything they imagine when they're feeling anxious. After drawing, let a few students share their drawings and explain why they chose to draw anxiety that way.

Step 3

Discussion: Coping Strategies

5 minutes

Use the printable cards with different coping strategies written on them. Discuss each strategy (e.g., deep breathing, talking to someone, taking a break) and ask students which ones they think would help them when they feel anxious. Highlight that there are many ways to manage anxiety and it's important to find what works best for each person.

Step 4

Closure

3 minutes

Recap the main points about anxiety and coping strategies. Remind students that it's okay to feel anxious and that they can talk to a trusted adult if they need help managing their feelings. Encourage students to practice the coping strategies discussed.

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Discussion

Coping Strategies Discussion

Discuss various coping strategies for managing anxiety and help students understand which strategies might work best for them.

Have you ever tried any of these coping strategies before? If so, which ones?

Prompt students to think about when they've felt anxious and which coping strategies they've used or would like to try.







Why do you think some strategies work better for some people than others?

Guide students to understand that everyone is different, and different people may find different strategies more effective.







Can you think of any other ways to help manage anxiety that we didn't discuss?

Encourage creativity and sharing of personal experiences. Validate all suggestions to promote an open and supportive environment.







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Worksheet

Coping Strategies Cards

Printable cards with different coping strategies listed to help students identify and remember ways to manage their anxiety.





Deep Breathing








Talking to Someone








Taking a Break








Drawing or Coloring








Listening to Music








Reading a Book








Playing Outside




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Understanding and Managing Anxiety • Lenny Learning