Sara Townes

Explore the evolutionary origins of anxiety and its role in survival. This lesson helps students understand anxiety as a natural and sometimes beneficial response, reducing stigma and fostering empathy. Designed for an 8th-grade class, this 45-minute session will engage students in a thoughtful discussion about the nature of anxiety and its impact on human behavior.

This lesson uses a game-based approach to teach a second-grade student skills for coping with opposition and defiance. Through a modified version of 'Defiance Dodgeball,' the student will learn to identify and manage their emotional responses to challenging situations. This lesson is important as it equips the student with practical strategies to handle defiance constructively, promoting emotional resilience and better interpersonal relationships.

This lesson introduces 3rd grade students to coping skills for managing difficult emotions through active and experiential learning. Students will engage in a discussion to explore different emotions and coping strategies, participate in a game-based activity to practice these skills, and complete an exit ticket to reflect on their learning. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential tools to handle emotional challenges, promoting emotional intelligence and resilience.

This lesson introduces 5th grade boys to the concept of a growth mindset, helping them understand how their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. By engaging in collaborative and experiential activities, students will learn to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth. This lesson is crucial in fostering resilience and a positive attitude towards learning, which can significantly impact their academic and personal lives.

This lesson focuses on teaching accountability through a game-based learning approach, using the video 'A Social Experiment on Honesty' to illustrate real-world applications of honesty and accountability. Students will engage in a collaborative activity to explore the concept of accountability, discuss its importance, and reflect on personal experiences. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the value of being accountable for their actions, fostering a sense of responsibility and integrity.

In this lesson, students will create a 'mindfulness snow globe' using a jar, water, glitter, and decorations. This activity will help students practice mindfulness by observing the glitter settle, serving as a metaphor for calming their minds. The lesson is important as it provides students with a tangible tool to manage stress and develop mindfulness skills, which are essential for emotional regulation and mental well-being.

This lesson focuses on teaching 3rd grade students the importance of including others and maintaining friendships through engaging activities. By using a combination of reading, video, and a collaborative game, students will learn how to be considerate and inclusive in their interactions. This lesson is crucial for developing social skills and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

This lesson introduces 5th grade students to coping skills for managing anxiety through active and collaborative learning. Students will engage in a project-based activity to explore different coping strategies, participate in a discussion to share personal experiences, and complete a worksheet to reinforce their understanding. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to handle anxiety, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

This lesson helps students differentiate between friends, close friends, acquaintances, and strangers through engaging activities and discussions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for social development and safety, especially for students with ASD, as it aids in navigating social interactions and building healthy relationships.

This lesson is designed to help 7th-grade students build self-esteem through experiential and collaborative learning activities. Students will engage in a group discussion, complete a worksheet, participate in an activity, and reflect on their learning with an exit ticket. This lesson is important as it encourages students to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and support each other in a positive environment.

This lesson focuses on improving students' public speaking skills through techniques such as voice modulation and body language. Students will engage in practice speeches and peer feedback sessions to build confidence and effectiveness in public speaking. This lesson is crucial for developing communication skills that are essential for academic and professional success.

This lesson focuses on teaching empathy to 6th-grade students through interactive and collaborative activities. By engaging in a game-based learning experience, students will explore the concept of empathy, understand its importance, and practice empathetic behaviors. This lesson is crucial as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.

This lesson aims to create a safe space for 8th grade male students to discuss and address their struggles with eating at school. By using trauma-informed teaching strategies, the lesson will help students feel supported and understood, encouraging them to share their experiences and learn coping strategies. This approach is crucial in fostering a positive relationship with food and promoting mental well-being.

This lesson aims to address the issue of school refusal among 8th-grade students by using restorative practices and collaborative learning strategies. Through discussion, reading, and activities, students will explore the reasons behind school refusal and develop strategies to overcome it. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the impact of school refusal on their education and well-being, and encourages them to seek support and solutions.

This lesson focuses on helping students identify and build on their personal strengths through a series of engaging activities. By recognizing their unique abilities, students can boost their self-esteem and improve their academic and social skills. This lesson is important as it encourages self-awareness and personal growth, which are essential for success in both school and life.

This lesson is designed to help 5th-grade students develop essential stress management skills through a combination of collaborative learning and experiential activities. Students will engage in a discussion to share their experiences and strategies, participate in an activity to practice these skills, and complete a worksheet to reinforce their learning. A video will be included to provide additional insights and tips. This lesson is important as it equips students with the skills needed to manage stress effectively, leading to improved emotional well-being and academic performance.

This lesson helps third-grade students understand the importance of using kind and respectful words. Through a video, discussion, and engaging activities, students will learn how words can affect others and how to communicate positively. This lesson is important for building empathy and kindness in young learners, fostering a supportive classroom environment.