Start with immediate stress relief solutions then build to prevention strategies as students become more familiar with the skill.
Indicators
By the end of the year, students will be able to....
- Accurately fill out an "I am feeling..." Diary independently.
- Take themselves out of a stressful situation without instruction and autonomously use a stress management technique.
- Recognise and employ three effective stress management techniques.
"I am feeling..." Diary
This table is designed for students to address and recognise the
situation and the feelings which have made them feel overwhelmed and
stressed. Students list the situation in the column and their initial negative feelings in the second column. Students are then required to reflect on ways to overcome these
negative feelings and replace them with positive thoughts and actions.
Purpose:
To help students address and recognise the situation and the feelings which have made them feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Content:
Student independently completes a table to develop self regulation skills
Steps: (this needs to be explicitly taught prior to an incident occurring)
1. When student feels stressed they collect their "I am feeling...." diary.
2. Student independently fills out the sections.
3. Brings diary to teacher in a calm manner for discussion.
Purpose:
To help students address and recognise the situation and the feelings which have made them feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Content:
Student independently completes a table to develop self regulation skills
Steps: (this needs to be explicitly taught prior to an incident occurring)
1. When student feels stressed they collect their "I am feeling...." diary.
2. Student independently fills out the sections.
3. Brings diary to teacher in a calm manner for discussion.
Meditation
A whole class approach intended to relieve collective stress. If possible, students are encouraged to find a clear space where they are comfortable and away from arms reach of others. Students are instructed to close their eyes and go into their “calm zone” while the teacher plays relaxing music.
Purpose:
Students learn the process of visual imagery as a technique to help themselves calm down
Content:
Teacher leads students through the process of visual imagery as a relaxation technique Instructions:
Steps:
1. Students sit comfortably for this activity
2. Use a calm, low, slow voice and give sufficient time between each visual suggestion for students to “ease” into the vision and “see” each step
Meditation Example:
Close your eyes
“See” in your mind’s eye a beautiful beach. The sun is shining warmly, the breeze coming from the ocean is soft and warm, palm trees are overhead and a few seagulls circle about. Imagine walking barefoot in the warm sand, feel your feet sink in the sand with each step. Walk toward the water’s edge and let the water roll over your feet. Jump in the water; it is warm, gentle and very refreshing. Come out of the water and walk to your big beach towel, lay down and relax. Rest for a while in all the peace and beauty surrounding you. Imagine how it looks, how it sounds, how it smells. Breathe in deeply the warm ocean air, stay as long as you like.
When you are ready to leave, go to the edge of the water and throw in anything that has been bothering you, anything you wish to be rid of in your life, anything you are feeling sad or angry about, anything you worry about (e.g. problems at home, violence in your neighborhood, bullies, death of a loved one, issues with friends). Picture it as a big rock, a chain, a heavy bag over your shoulders, or any image that helps you see it as undesirable. Throw it in the ocean as far as you can. Watch it sink and get taken by the waves. When the “visit” is done, be thankful for the release of the burden, the problem, the worry; then walk peacefully back through the warm sand and take a rest on your beach towel.
Example of song to be played quietly:
Purpose:
Students learn the process of visual imagery as a technique to help themselves calm down
Content:
Teacher leads students through the process of visual imagery as a relaxation technique Instructions:
Steps:
1. Students sit comfortably for this activity
2. Use a calm, low, slow voice and give sufficient time between each visual suggestion for students to “ease” into the vision and “see” each step
Meditation Example:
Close your eyes
“See” in your mind’s eye a beautiful beach. The sun is shining warmly, the breeze coming from the ocean is soft and warm, palm trees are overhead and a few seagulls circle about. Imagine walking barefoot in the warm sand, feel your feet sink in the sand with each step. Walk toward the water’s edge and let the water roll over your feet. Jump in the water; it is warm, gentle and very refreshing. Come out of the water and walk to your big beach towel, lay down and relax. Rest for a while in all the peace and beauty surrounding you. Imagine how it looks, how it sounds, how it smells. Breathe in deeply the warm ocean air, stay as long as you like.
When you are ready to leave, go to the edge of the water and throw in anything that has been bothering you, anything you wish to be rid of in your life, anything you are feeling sad or angry about, anything you worry about (e.g. problems at home, violence in your neighborhood, bullies, death of a loved one, issues with friends). Picture it as a big rock, a chain, a heavy bag over your shoulders, or any image that helps you see it as undesirable. Throw it in the ocean as far as you can. Watch it sink and get taken by the waves. When the “visit” is done, be thankful for the release of the burden, the problem, the worry; then walk peacefully back through the warm sand and take a rest on your beach towel.
Example of song to be played quietly: