Self-Control Activities for Teens: Stress Management
This session includes self-control activities for teens, helping older students manage stress by noticing early signals like tight shoulders or racing thoughts. They start with a guiding question, watch a short video on techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing, discuss how two students handle mounting stress differently, and play a quick game weighing possible responses to real situations. The payoff is a practical way to check in and feel ready.
Extension activity
- Skill
- Self-Regulation
- Goal
- Using Your Self-Controller
- Grade level
- Middle & High School
Get everything you need to teach the skill
These materials are part of a no-prep session designed by our clinical team, with all the structure, scaffolding, and support you need to teach included.
Engaging materials
Video modeling lessonStress Management Strategies
In this video, students learn practical techniques to manage stress effectively, including using their Self-Controller Scanner to identify stress signals, practicing mindfulness and deep breathing, and seeking support from others.
- Extension activity
Stress Management: Roll and Reflect
Students roll a die to answer questions about stress management, reflecting on strategies they use, physical signs of stress, and how they prioritize tasks when overwhelmed. This activity encourages self-awareness and personal reflection.
Plus everything you need to teach them
Warm-up
- Video: 4-7-8 Breathing2:13
- Video: Obstacles into Opportunities Visualization1:19
- Video: Yoga Pose Library
Session Opener
Guiding Question: What does it mean to use your Self-Controller?
Practice
- Discussion Question
- Role-Play Activity
- Mini Game
How to use it with your students
- 1Watch Play the video modeling lesson so students see the skill in action.
- 2Practice Try the skill together with a discussion prompt, role-play, or mini game.
- 3Extend Use the extension activity to help students carry the skill further.
What's Covered
In this lesson, students learned how to notice stress signals in their body, like tight shoulders or a racing mind, by using their Self-Controller Scanner. They practiced catching that stress early and using calming strategies such as deep breathing and mindfulness. Spotting stress sooner gives them more time to choose how to respond.
Key Terms
- Self-Controller Scanner
- Using your Self-Controller means noticing early signs of strong emotions and choosing strategies before reacting, so you can respond in a safe way.
- Mindfulness
- Paying attention on purpose to what is happening right now, including how you feel and what you are doing.
Sample IEP Goal This Session Supports
-
Using Your Self-Controller
Learner will use their Self-Controller to manage stress responses when triggers arise (e.g., unexpected changes, transitions away from preferred activities) by recognizing stress signals and applying a self-selected strategy before reacting in 4 out of 5 opportunities independently/given X prompt(s).
Send this tip home to support generalization
At home or in the classroom, when a student seems tense, try inviting them to take a slow breath in for four counts and out for six. Naming one thing they notice in their body can make the stress easier to manage.
Ready to teach Stress Management?
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More Self-Regulation Activities
Frequently asked questions
Is this intervention free?
Yes, this ready-to-teach session on Stress Management is free. You can access this intervention free for 14 days through the Everyday Speech Session Library. Every user gets three free sessions, but you can get more or extend your access by sharing the Session Library with friends and colleagues.
What ages is this for?
These materials are designed for middle and high school students.
What's included?
You'll get access to your choice of warm-up videos, a session opener, a core material on Stress Management Strategies, three practice prompts, and an extension activity, Stress Management: Roll and Reflect.
What skill does this intervention teach?
This ready-to-teach session is on self-regulation - more specifically, using your self-controller.
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