6/2/2016 Opening Exercise: Relaxation Techniques (Various) RELAX! You will receive a simple breakdown of these activities in your packet! My Connection A little overview about Stress/ Anxiety Anxiety is the body s natural reaction to stress and stressors It is the body s alarm system whenever we perceive danger or a threat Adrenaline rush= Fight or Flight When does this become a problem? Fight or flight happens instantly whereas it takes a few seconds longer for the thinking part of the brain (i.e. the cortex) to process the situation and decide whether the threat is real, and how to handle it. When the cortex sends the false alarm/ calm down signal, the fight-flight response deactivates and the nervous system starts to chill. *BE WARNED: Counseling/ intervention may be ineffective during fight or flight as the brain is not ready to accept logic and rational thinking patterns! 1
6/2/2016 A little overview of Stress/ Anxiety (Cont.) Anxiety sufferers focus on the what if s There are many different types of disorders that stem from anxiety (Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc.) In many instances, anxiety and depression can occur simultaneously or as a gateway from one condition to the other. Often times, they are referred to as first cousins. SOME level of stress and anxiety is helpful and natural. Anxiety and stress can become problematic when it begins to interfere with ADL s (Activities of Daily Living), normal interests and overall mood. Stress/Anxiety In Children/ Adolescents (My experiences/ observations: Common Themes) Intensifies in 3 rd grade- Wonder WHY? (AHEM STATE TESTING) *State testing begins in 3 rd grade in Virginia Parents (even those that suffer from Anxiety) ALSO need help coping! Frustration Helplessness Can t pinpoint Can t Fix Connection to Psychological Theory Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs New Situations Conflict/ Poor Social Skills Bullying/ Abuse Poverty/ Homelessness Connection to Biology/ Development Children and Adolescents (HELLOOO HORMONES!) are irrational beings By NATURE! It is developmentally challenging to handle anything but the here and now. As counselors, many of the skills we teach them are abstract concepts in that they have to see BEYOND what they are experiencing. This is difficult and takes MUCH practice! Anything you can do to make things MORE concrete (pictures, manipulatives, handouts, props, stories, books, personal disclosure, etc.) the better. These things make it more REAL! 2
6/2/2016 Creating the Space : Room/ Props Lighting: LOW Fidgets : Yes Please! Sound: White noise Machine, Relaxation music, Fountain, etc. Extras: Pillows, ottomans, etc. Classroom Guidance: Test-Taking Lesson or Test ANXIETY Lesson? ADVOCATE!: Teaching children Test-Taking skills is important but so is teaching them to cope with the anxiety of high stakes testing! EDUCATE!: Your packet includes a lesson that will give you the best of both worlds! Worry Warriors: Group Counseling (Included in your packet) Session 1: Welcome Warriors! Warm Up: Anxiety Assessment (Online) (10 Minutes) http://youth.anxietybc.com/anxiety-problem-me-take-quiz Discuss Group Rules/ Logistics (Meeting Days/Dates/ Times) (5 Minutes) Activity: Talk about how stressful it can be to be around people you don t know and transition into a Get to Know You Jenga Game (10 Minutes) Close: In this group, I hope to learn (5 Minutes) Session 2: What is Anxiety/ Stress? Warm Up: What is Stress? Chapters 1 and 2 in Worry Too Much book and briefly discuss what stress/anxiety is (5 Minutes) Activity: Play Stressor Guesser Game (20 Minutes; 5 Minutes to fill out chart and explain rules; 15 Minutes to play) * Tool Box - You could get fancy, but I just had the students use a glue stick Close: My BIGGEST stressor is (5 Minutes) and affix the label (included). I laminated the envelope after they colored and decorated the kits and attached pieces of Velcro on the flap to close. Have students cut out the coping strategies, place them in their kit and discuss the ones they like best/ will work best for them! Session 3: Learning to Deal: My Stress First Aid Kit Warm Up: Read Chapter 3 in Worry Too Much book and briefly discuss (Older Kids) or Wilma Jean the Worry Machine By Julia Cooke (Younger Kids) (10 Minutes) Activity: Discuss different coping strategies; let students color and decorate their Tool Boxes (15 Minutes) Close: My favorite STRESS BUSTER is (5 Minutes) Worry Warriors: Group Counseling (Included in your packet) Session 4: Stress Collages (Older Kids) or Stress Monster (Younger Kids) Warm Up: Write calming words/ draw pictures IN SHAVING CREAM! (5 Minutes) Activity: Create Stress Collages (Older Kids) (Fold a large piece of drawing paper or poster board in half. Half should be stressors, the other half should be coping skills/ things that help them relax) Worry Monsters (Younger Kids) Use empty tissue boxes and let them use wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, paper scraps, etc. to create Worry Monsters to Gobble up their worries after the group is done! (20 Minutes) Close: The most helpful thing I have learned since I became a worry warrior was (5 Minutes) Session 5: PARTY TIME! I always offer a little incentive at the end of each group and try to tie in the theme all at the same time. I usually make certificates for them and have a little awards ceremony along with an afternoon snack and movie. For this group, I used Trevor Romain s Facing Fear Without Freaking Out (PUBLIC LIBRARY!). (1 Hour) Worry Warriors: Individual Techniques (Included in your packet) REBT Approach Rock Worry/ Clay Worry (Handout) Logic Map (from Ed Jacobs school of thought- Handout) Soda Bottle Analogy- Not JUST for Anger! Many techniques that are used to cope with anger can also be used for anxiety Connection? Bonus: Teacher/ Staff Activity Wellness Wheel Let s do it! What parts of your wheel need improvement? ~A wheel cannot turn unless it is properly balanced!~ Better Balance = STRESS REDUCTION! 3
6/2/2016 A Piece About Advocacy: Creating a CULTURE Office Location Defining your Role Education/ Marketing Re-Defining the Stigma: A positive look toward optimal mental health Separation between seeking improvement in mental health/ counseling and punitive/ disciplinary practices. Express positive comments about mental health and those seeking optimal mental health/ those suffering from mental illness. You BREED how they SUCCEED! Prizes! 5 CD s (Electronic/ Editable Versions of ALL Documents) 2 Soothing Sounds CD s 2 Lavender Scented Wax Melts References Information on Anxiety/ Stress: http://www.worrywisekids.org/ http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/anxiety_disorders.html Information on Psychological/ Developmental Theories http://www.impacttherapy.com/ Corey, G. (2004). Theory And Practice Of Counseling And Psychotherapy. Anxiety Pre/ Post Test http://youth.anxietybc.com/anxiety-problem-me-take-quiz Classroom Guidance Lesson Ideas www.savvyschoolcounselor.com Wellness Wheel http://www.nwmissouri.edu/wellness/pdf/shift/balancingyourwellness.pdf http://www.thecuttingveg.com/wellness-counselling/self-assessment.html Books used in group counseling Wilma Jean the Worry Machine By: Julia Cooke What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety By: Dawn Huebner 4
Don't Be a Worry Wart! Be a Worry WARRIOR!: Anxiety and Stress Management Techniques for Elementary & Middle School Students ASCA 2016 Conference New Orleans, LA Monday, July 11, 2016 1:15pm-2:15pm Jentae C. Scott-Mayo. M.Ed. School Counselor- Dumbarton Elementary School; Henrico County Public Schools Packet Features Clay Worry vs. Rock Worry Relaxation Techniques Logic Map Individual Techniques: Group Counseling: Worry Warriors Group Plans (Grades 2-6) Classroom Guidance Lesson: Test Anxiety/ Test Preparation Classroom Lesson Plan (Grades 4-8) Stressbusters 101 Classroom Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8) Wellness Wheel BONUS: Staff Development Activity
~Start Relaxation Music~ Test Taking/ Test Anxiety Classroom Guidance Lesson Grades 4-8 th Duration: 30 Minutes Materials: Relaxation Music Introduction (2 Minutes): Today, we are going to have a lesson to prepare for upcoming testing. Not only are we going to go over helpful tips to help you to do your best on the test, but we are also going to practice some techniques to help you relax as we get closer to the testing date and on the test date itself! Relaxation exercises (15 Minutes): (See the relaxation exercise handout) Go through each of the exercises. Each should take 5 minutes. 5 minutes each x 3 exercises = 15 Minutes Test Chest (10 Minutes): Next, we are going to talk about some important tips to help you to do your BEST on the TEST! I am going to show you each of you clues from the TEST CHEST and you have to guess what each clue represents. Have students guess and elaborate on each item. Muffin Mix- Eat a good breakfast/ Follow directions Baby Clothes Hanger- Hang in there! Don t give up! Baby Pajamas/ Dollhouse Bed- Get a good night s rest! Checkers- Check over your work Glasses- Wear em if you need em / Keep your eyes on your own paper Breath Mints- Take deep breaths if you feel nervous/overwhelmed Watch- Be on time the day of the test/ Use your time wisely Box of Tissues- If you are REALLY sick, stay at HOME and come to school to take your test when you are feeling better! Close (3 Minutes): I am leaving you with a double sided handout with some of the same and also some additional tips to help you to feel as prepared as possible for your test! Good Luck! Supplemental Handouts/ Follow-Up Activities: Va Career View Test Taking Strategies Handout: http://vacareerview.org/resources/pdf/6-8/test%20taking%20strategies.pdf Va Career View 8 Test Taking Tips Handout: http://vacareerview.org/resources/pdf/6-8/test%20taking%20tips.pdf
Session 1: Welcome Warriors! (30 Minutes) Worry Warriors: Anxiety/ Stress Management Group Grades 2 nd -6 th Warm Up: Anxiety Assessment (Online) (10 Minutes) http://youth.anxietybc.com/anxiety-problem-me-take-quiz Discuss Group Rules/ Logistics (Meeting Days/Dates/ Times) (5 Minutes) Activity: Talk about how stressful it can be to be around people you don t know and transition into a Get to Know You Jenga Game (10 Minutes) Close: In this group, I hope to learn (5 Minutes) Session 2: What is Anxiety/ Stress? (30 Minutes) Warm Up: Chapters 1 and 2 in Worry Too Much book and briefly discuss what stress/anxiety is (5 Minutes) Activity: Play Stressor Guesser Game (20 Minutes; 5 Minutes to fill out chart and explain rules; 15 Minutes to play) Close: My BIGGEST stressor is (5 Minutes) Session 3: Learning to Deal: My Stress First Aid Kit (30 Minutes) Warm Up: Read Chapter 3 in Worry Too Much book and briefly discuss (Older Kids) or Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cooke (Younger Kids) (10 Minutes) Activity: Discuss different coping strategies; let students color and decorate their Tool Boxes (15 Minutes) Close: My favorite STRESS BUSTER is (5 Minutes) * Tool Box - You could get fancy, but I just had the students use a glue stick and affix the label (included). I laminated the envelope after they colored and decorated the kits and attached pieces of Velcro on the flap to close. Have students cut out the coping strategies, place them in their kit and discuss the ones they like best/ will work best for them! Session 4: Stress Collages (Older Kids) or Stress Monster (Younger Kids) (30 Minutes) Warm Up: Write calming words/ draw pictures IN SHAVING CREAM! (5 Minutes) Activity: Create Stress Collages (Older Kids) (Fold a large piece of drawing paper or poster board in half. Half should be stressors, the other half should be coping skills/ things that help them relax.) Worry Monsters (Younger Kids) Use empty tissue boxes and let them use wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, paper scraps, etc. to create Worry Monsters to Gobble up their worries after the group is done! (20 Minutes) Close: The most helpful thing I have learned since I became a worry warrior was (5 Minutes) Session 5: PARTY TIME! I always offer a little incentive at the end of each group and try to tie in the theme all at the same time. I usually make certificates for them and have a little awards ceremony along with an afternoon snack and movie. For this group, I used Trevor Romain s Facing Fear without Freaking Out (PUBLIC LIBRARY!). (1 Hour)
Stressor Guesser Game Players: 4-6 and 1 Facilitator Materials: Stress Inventories (Included); One die (Not Included) Goal: To gain confidence in communicating/ expressing stressors to others and to establish commonalities among group members. Directions: DO NOT EXPLAIN RULES UNTIL AFTER THEY HAVE TAKEN THE INVENTORY! 1) Have students complete the brief inventory below. *Remind students/ players that there are no right or wrong answers and that they should respond truthfully and keep their eyes on their own papers. 2) Collect the inventories from the students. 3) NOW EXPLAIN RULES TO STUDENTS! 4) Assign each student a number (1-6 for a standard die) 5) PLAY!: When it is each player s turn, they will roll the die (Player 1). Whichever player belongs to the number rolled (Player 2) is the player that they (Player 1) will have to guess the stress for. For example, Player 1 would say: One of Maria s stressors is talking in front of large groups. Player 2 answers yes or no and you (facilitator) would verify with their inventory. If the Player 1 guesses correctly, they (Player 1) gets a point. If they (Player 1) answer incorrectly, they (Player 2 gets the point). Give each student the opportunity to talk about their stressors and form connections/ find commonalities with other students/ players. You may choose to state, at the beginning of the game, what the ending point would be. Ex. The winner will be the first player to reach 10. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stressor Guesser Mini Stress Inventory Check the 5 items that make you the MOST worried/ anxious: Heights Being Late Getting a Bad Grade Speaking in Front of People Reading Out Loud Doing New Things Being in New Places Meeting New People Getting in Trouble Forgetting Things Family Problems Friendship Problems Crowds
s Stress First Aid Kit Read Take a Power Nap Exercise Watch a Favorite T.V. Show Talk to Someone You Trust Play with a Pet Write about It Listen to music Draw Deep Breathing/ Relaxation Exercises Help a Friend or Family Member
Logic Map (For use with students with challenges with anxiety/ irrational thoughts/ thinking) EXAMPLE: I always get bad grades in math. I must be the dumbest person in the world! My mom and dad say I can t play football if I don t improve my grades in math. They hate me. I may as well quit the team now. True Not True You have gotten some grades that you did not like in math. You ALWAYS get bad grades in math. I am sure there have been at least a few times you got grades you were proud of. You have gotten some D s and F s in math. You are not doing as well in math as you would like to. You are the dumbest person in the WORLD. Your parents are disappointed in your effort/ performance. Math may not be your best subject. You are the only person who struggles in math. Everyone has weaknesses. It is time to give up. Weaknesses require more work. We need to brainstorm some ways to get you the help Your parents hate you. you need to be successful in math Being successful in school is EXTREMELY important in order to continue to be an eligible athlete. Purpose: To establish healthy logical thinking patterns in times of distress. To establish a solution focused approach to a student challenge. To establish a technique that a student can learn and utilize independently over time.
Relaxation Techniques Deep Breathing Close Eyes Create a peaceful space or picture in your mind Take deep breaths in sets of 3 3 Part Breath Close Eyes Create a peaceful space or picture in your mind Take deep breaths in sets of 3 Take deep breaths and concentrate on breaths moving through 3 main venues of the body: o In through the belly, chest, and throat. o Out through the throat, chest and belly. Squeeze and Release Close Eyes Create a peaceful space or picture in your mind Establish a NORMAL breathing pattern Squeeze Purpose: To focus on things that CAN be controlled (body and breath), rather than things that CANNOT be controlled. Relaxation and stress relief.
Clay Worries vs. Rock Worries Clay Worries Things you CAN change. When you change these you feel EMPOWERED. Ex: Effort you put into your school work, your behavior, your actions Rock Worries Things you CANNOT change When you focus on these they can WEIGH YOU DOWN. Ex: The actions/ thoughts of others, relationship between parents, parents in the legal system (jail or court)