Lesson Plan

Session 1 Plan

Introduce students to the concept of anxiety, establish shared vocabulary and group norms, and build rapport through an interactive icebreaker game.

Creating a common language around anxious feelings and setting clear group expectations fosters safety and trust, enabling students to engage confidently in future anxiety-management activities.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Introduction

3 minutes

Step 2

Establish Group Norms

5 minutes

Step 3

Introduce Anxiety Vocabulary

5 minutes

Step 4

Icebreaker Activity: Emotion Ball Toss

5 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Reflection

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 1: Understanding Anxiety

Our Group Norms

Anxiety Vocabulary

When Do You Feel…?

Icebreaker: Emotion Ball Toss

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Game

Worksheet

Project Guide

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Plan

Students will identify the physical sensations of anxiety, learn to rate their feelings on an “Anxiety Thermometer,” and practice a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise to calm their body.

Helping girls notice their body’s warning signs allows earlier use of coping strategies. The grounding game builds self-regulation and confidence in managing anxious feelings.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Body Awareness Discussion

5 minutes

Step 3

Introduce Anxiety Thermometer

5 minutes

Step 4

Grounding Scavenger Hunt Game

6 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 2: Noticing Physical Signs of Anxiety

How Does Anxiety Feel?

Anxiety Thermometer

Practice with the Thermometer

Grounding Game: 5-4-3-2-1

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Game

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Plan

Students will learn and practice deep breathing and three simple coping strategies (muscle relaxation, positive self-talk, movement breaks) and apply them in a guided practice game.

Teaching calming breaths and easy-to-use strategies empowers students to manage their anxiety independently, reducing stress and improving focus.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Teach Deep Breathing

5 minutes

Step 3

Introduce Coping Strategies

5 minutes

Step 4

Strategy Spinner Game

6 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 3: Breathing & Coping Strategies

Deep Breathing: Smell the Flower, Blow Out the Candle

Practice Belly Breaths

Three Coping Strategies

Game: Strategy Spinner

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Game

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Plan

Students will review learned coping strategies, reflect on their anxiety triggers, and create a personalized plan outlining when and how to use their favorite tools.

Personalizing and organizing strategies into a clear plan helps students recognize triggers, select effective tools quickly, and build confidence managing anxiety independently.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Personal Coping Plan

4 minutes

Step 3

Worksheet Reflection

5 minutes

Step 4

Coping Plan Puzzle Game

6 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Session 4: Creating Your Coping Plan

About the Personal Coping Plan Worksheet