Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Define anxiety, establish baseline anxiety levels, and introduce a diaphragmatic breathing technique to begin skill-building.

Understanding what anxiety feels like and seeing current triggers helps the student track progress; learning a simple breathing skill gives an immediate, evidence-based tool for self-regulation.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session 1 Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Define Anxiety

10 minutes

Step 3

Baseline Self-Assessment

10 minutes

Step 4

Introduce Breathing Technique

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Discussion

8 minutes

Step 6

Closing & Next Steps

5 minutes

Worksheet

Answer Key

Slide Deck

Session 1: Understanding Anxiety & Breathing

Welcome the student warmly. Introduce yourself and set a calm tone. Outline today’s objectives: define anxiety, complete a self-check, and learn a breathing skill.

What Is Anxiety?

Ask the student: “What do you think anxiety means?” Encourage her to share her own words before showing the definition.

Why Understanding Anxiety Matters

Use examples: test jitters, presentation nerves. Highlight that everyone experiences anxiety sometimes—it becomes a problem when it interferes with daily life.

Baseline Self-Assessment

Introduce the worksheet. Explain that this self-assessment is a snapshot of her current anxiety levels and patterns, not a test of right or wrong answers.

Completing the Worksheet

Prompt the student to complete each section. Walk through the first item together as a demonstration if needed.

Why Deep Breathing?

Explain how deep, diaphragmatic breathing works—slowing the breath activates the body’s relaxation response. Reference physiology briefly if the student is curious.

Deep Breathing Steps

Demonstrate each step slowly. Encourage the student to place one hand on their belly and one on their chest to feel the breath.

Practice Deep Breathing

Guide the student through three rounds, counting aloud. Offer gentle corrections and positive reinforcement.

Reflection & Next Steps

Lead a brief discussion. Note her observations and reinforce any insights about where and when she might use this skill.

Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session 1 Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

Step 2

Define Anxiety

Step 3

Baseline Self-Assessment

Step 4

Introduce Breathing Technique

Step 5

Reflection & Discussion

Step 6

Closing & Next Steps

Worksheet

Answer Key

Slide Deck

Session 1: Understanding Anxiety & Breathing

What Is Anxiety?

Why Understanding Anxiety Matters

Baseline Self-Assessment

Completing the Worksheet

Why Deep Breathing?

Deep Breathing Steps

Practice Deep Breathing

Reflection & Next Steps

Script

Calm Quest

Alyssa