Lesson Plan

Catch the Worry Lesson Plan

Teach the student to identify and label anxious feelings, choose a calm thought, and practice the simple ‘Catch the Worry’ strategy by completing a guided worksheet.

Children with autism often benefit from clear visuals and structured practice. This lesson builds emotional awareness and gives a concrete tool to manage worries, promoting self-regulation and confidence.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

1. Welcome & Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

2. Identify Feelings

7 minutes

Step 3

3. Introduce Worry Concept

8 minutes

Step 4

4. Teach Calm Thoughts

5 minutes

Step 5

5. Practice Catching the Worry

3 minutes

Step 6

6. Review & Reinforce

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Catch the Worry

Greet the student warmly. Show the Visual Schedule Strip. Say: “Today we will catch worries like catching butterflies!”

1. Identify Feelings

Point to each face on the [Feelings Faces Chart](#feelings-faces-chart). Say each emotion name clearly. Ask: “Can you point to how you feel right now?”

2. What Is a Worry?

Explain in simple language: “A worry is like a little bug in our head that tickles and makes us feel funny.” Show a bug drawing or point to the bug on the worksheet.

3. Catch Your Worry

Give the student the [Catch the Worry Worksheet](#catch-the-worry-worksheet). Read the prompt: “What bug is in your head? What does it say?” Support writing or drawing.

4. Choose a Calm Thought

Spread out the [Calm Thought Cards](#calm-thought-cards). Read each one. Ask: “Which thought makes you feel safe?” Have the student pick one.

5. Practice Catching the Worry

Set a 1-minute timer. Encourage the student: “Say your calm thought until the timer rings. Catch it, say it!”

6. Great Job!

Praise the student: “You caught your worry—great job!” Give a reward sticker and mark the Visual Schedule as done.

Lesson Plan

Catch the Worry Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

Step 1

1. Welcome & Warm-Up

Step 2

2. Identify Feelings

Step 3

3. Introduce Worry Concept

Step 4

4. Teach Calm Thoughts

Step 5

5. Practice Catching the Worry

Step 6

6. Review & Reinforce

Slide Deck

Catch the Worry

1. Identify Feelings

2. What Is a Worry?

3. Catch Your Worry

4. Choose a Calm Thought

5. Practice Catching the Worry

6. Great Job!

Worksheet

Activity

Activity

Activity

Cool Down

Catch the Worry

Kaytlin