Summary: The lesson begins with a self-evaluation of how well students feel they manage stress and how stressed they feel. It then moves into definitions and videos and activities on good versus bad stress, and the problems with chronic stress. Then the lesson moves into stressors, with students identifying common stressors for teens as well as stressors in their own lives– with a focus on stressors being individualized with what is a positive stressor for you being something that can be a negative for someone else. The next section is on physical signs of stress, with students asked to identify some of their own personal signs of stress. Then the lesson pivots to stress management. The students watch short videos and review slides on different stress management techniques before doing a four corners activity on techniques that work for them. The students are then asked to identify stressors, signs of stress, problem solving strategies, and stress management strategies for scenarios of stressed out teens. The lesson ends with an extension where students identify their personal stressors, signs of stress, and management techniques.

Teaching notes: The lesson goes pretty quickly! Sometimes it is helpful to have the students explain their answers in the four corners– but if you need to cut time, just have them move without explaining where they went.

Approximate length: 70-90 minutes

About the curriculum: School success relies on key skills that students are rarely taught. The goal of this curriculum is to level the playing field and to directly teach the executive functioning, self-regulation, and life skills that all students need to succeed in school. Through 20 lessons across four units, this year long curriculum will help students build a foundation for success in school and life– and leave them with an individualized success workbook at the end of the program.