Introduction
As educators, we understand that worries can be a common part of life for students, especially for those in Special Education. Some worries can be controlled, while others cannot. It’s essential to teach students how to identify the types of worries they experience and equip them with strategies to manage these concerns and stay calm. This blog post will explore a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help students manage their worries effectively.
No-Prep Activity: The Worry Jar
This activity is designed to help students identify their worries and differentiate between controllable and uncontrollable situations. To begin, have students sit in a circle. Ask them to think about a recent situation where they felt worried. One at a time, encourage students to share their worry with the group. As they share, write each worry on a sticky note and place it in a jar. After every student has shared, pull each sticky note out of the jar and read the worry aloud. As a group, discuss whether the worry is controllable or uncontrollable. For controllable worries, brainstorm possible solutions or actions the student can take. For uncontrollable worries, discuss strategies to stay calm such as deep breathing, talking to a trusted adult, or focusing on positive thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- Can you think of a time when you felt worried about something you could control? What did you do to manage your worry?
- What are some strategies you can use to stay calm when you feel worried about something you cannot control?
- How can understanding the difference between controllable and uncontrollable worries help us manage our emotions more effectively?
- Why is it important to share our worries with others, such as friends, family, or teachers?
- How can we support our peers when they are feeling worried or overwhelmed?
Related Skills
In addition to managing worries and staying calm, there are several related skills that students can benefit from:
- Problem-solving: Teaching students to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and make decisions helps them feel more in control of their lives and reduces anxiety.
- Emotional Regulation: Encouraging students to recognize and express their emotions in a healthy way can help them cope with worries and other challenging situations.
- Resilience: Building resilience in students can help them better handle stress and bounce back from difficult experiences.
- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness techniques can help students stay present and focused, reducing feelings of worry and anxiety.
Next Steps
Now that you have learned about strategies for managing worries and staying calm, along with related skills, it’s time to implement these techniques in your classroom. To get started, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of these skills and others at Everyday Speech. By incorporating Social-Emotional Learning concepts into your teaching practices, you will be better equipped to support your students in Special Education as they navigate through their unique challenges and experiences.
