Stress Management - Say Goodbye to Icky Stress (Ages 5-8)!

For this 40-minute session, we will start with an engaging story that talks about a child having a very stressful day (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst). Then we will define stress and how it impacts us both emotionally and physically. Next, we will discuss five easy strategies that can be used to decrease, and in some cases, even eliminate stress altogether. 

During this class, there will be direct instruction as well as class discussion and hands-on experiences. Direct instruction will occur during story time and while teacher is giving the definition of stress. Class discussion will happen at the beginning of the session, when students are given an opportunity to introduce themself and at the conclusion, where there is time set aside for debriefing of the lesson. In terms of hands-on experiences, students will be able to follow along with the teacher and practice the strategies for decreasing stress within the body and mind. I feel that if students are able to experience the actual decrease in stress, the concept will be reinforced for them, and they will be more likely to use the strategies in the future.