Welcome students! Introduce the lesson title and briefly explain that today we’ll learn what stress is and how to feel calmer when we get stressed.

Ask: “What does the word stress mean to you?” Listen to 2–3 responses, then define stress.

Explain why recognizing stress matters: it helps us stay calm, confident, and ready to learn.

Hand out the Stress Trigger Chart. Ask students to write 2–3 things that make them feel stressed (e.g., tests, noise, big projects).

Display the infographic. Walk students through each step of balloon breathing.

Play a short demo video of balloon breathing. Invite students to breathe along with the video.

Distribute the prompt cards. Read a few examples aloud and model saying them with confidence.

Have students pair up and role-play a scenario (e.g., taking a test) using a positive phrase.

Pass out the reflection worksheet. Circulate and help students choose their favorite strategy.

Summarize the key points and encourage students to use these strategies at home and school.