Middle school is a time when many students struggle with anxiety. This inhibits their ability to learn. 
In this course students will be armed with  knowledge about the brain and stress response. They will be introduced to the the three main parts of the brain and learn, through a variety of illustrations, what causes the brain to move from executive functioning to stress functioning. 
Each week, the class will follow this basic format:

-  Fun ice breaker activity

- Mini lesson about the brain

- Introduction of a new technique for calming the brain

- Short assignment.  Examples: Draw a picture or chart of what 
   goes on in the brain during stress; create a comic strip with characters representing 
   the 3 parts of the brain; write a short story or poem about anxiety; make a poster 
   showing one of the strategies.

Students will be encouraged to keep a private journal of their own stress journeys.

A kind, respectful learning environment will be maintained at all times.

This club is not intended in any way to be a form of therapy.