Lesson Plan
Taming the Worry Monster
Provide an eight‐session small‐group curriculum that helps 7th graders understand anxiety, identify triggers, practice coping strategies, and build support over 30-minute meetings.
Many middle‐schoolers experience rising worries but lack targeted support. This Tier 2 series builds emotional resilience, reduces barriers to learning, and fosters peer support.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
15 minutes
Step 1
Session 1: What Is Anxiety?
30 min
Step 2
Session 2: Identifying Triggers
30 min
Step 3
Session 3: How Our Brain Reacts
30 min
Step 4
Session 4: Mindfulness Strategies
30 min
Step 5
Session 5: Problem-Solving Skills
30 min
Step 6
Session 6: Positive Self-Talk
30 min
Step 7
Session 7: Building a Support Network
30 min
Step 8
Session 8: Reflection & Action Plan
30 min
Slide Deck
Session 1: What Is Anxiety?
Symptoms of Anxiety
Stress Response Diagram
Session 2: Identifying Triggers
Trigger Worksheet Activity
Session 3: How Our Brain Reacts
Role-Play Scenarios
Session 4: Mindfulness Strategies
Practice & Reflection
Session 5: Problem-Solving Skills
Worksheet Activity
Session 6: Positive Self-Talk
Rewrite Activity
Session 7: Building a Support Network
Map Activity
Session 8: Reflection & Action Plan
Draft Your Worry Plan
Group Commitment
Discussion
