Welcome students and introduce the topic. Explain that today we’ll learn which brain parts get activated when we’re stressed and how mindful breathing helps calm us down.

Prompt students: “What happens in your body when you feel stressed?” Note responses on board and introduce the general stress response.

Define the amygdala’s role. Use the “smoke detector” analogy: it senses threats and sounds the alarm.

Explain how the prefrontal cortex and vagus nerve work together to calm us down. Use ‘brakes’ and ‘cool-down system’ analogies.

Connect breathing practice to activation of the vagus nerve and reduction of amygdala activity.

Review key concepts and set up the next activity (guided breathing).