Lesson Plan
Session 1 Plan
By the end of Session 1, students will identify common anxiety triggers, recognize physiological signs of anxiety, and practice a foundational mindful breathing technique to begin building their personalized anxiety toolkit.
Helping students understand what anxiety feels like and giving them an immediate, practical breathing tool empowers them to better manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Mindful Breathing
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion: Understanding Anxiety
10 minutes
Step 3
Activity: Anxiety Triggers Worksheet
10 minutes
Step 4
Cool-Down: Reflection
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome to Anxiety Armor
What Is Anxiety?
Signs & Symptoms
Common Anxiety Triggers
Activity: Identify Your Triggers
Mindful Breathing (4-7-8)
Discussion Prompt
Reflection & Next Steps
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Plan
By the end of Session 2, students will identify automatic negative thoughts, understand how these thoughts fuel anxiety, and practice a structured cognitive reframing technique to challenge and replace unhelpful thinking patterns.
Automatic negative thoughts can intensify anxiety by creating a cycle of worry. Teaching cognitive reframing equips students with a practical tool to question distorted thinking, develop balanced perspectives, and reduce anxious feelings in real time.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Mindful Breathing Review
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion: Identifying Automatic Thoughts
8 minutes
Step 3
Activity: Complete Cognitive Reframing Worksheet
12 minutes
Step 4
Cool-Down: Reflection & Next Steps
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 2: Cognitive Reframing Techniques
What Are Automatic Negative Thoughts?
Common Thinking Distortions
Why ANTs Fuel Anxiety
Steps to Cognitive Reframing
Modeling a Reframe
Discussion Prompt
Activity: Complete Your Worksheet
Reflection & Next Steps
Worksheet
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Plan
By the end of Session 3, students will learn and practice grounding techniques—engaging their senses and body—to anchor attention in the present moment and interrupt anxious thought loops.
Grounding techniques quickly shift focus from overwhelming anxiety by using sensory and body-based strategies, helping students regain calm, clarity, and control during stressful moments.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Breathing Refresher
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion: Introduction to Grounding
8 minutes
Step 3
Activity: 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding
8 minutes
Step 4
Activity: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
6 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down: Reflection & Next Steps
3 minutes
