ANXIETY Small Group Counseling Curriculum ELEMENTARY – Anxiety Coping Skills

Beating My Worries is a research-informed, CBT-inspired curriculum designed specifically for elementary-aged children (5–8 years) to help them understand and manage anxiety in a supportive, small group setting.

Spanning 13 interactive sessions, this engaging program empowers young learners with essential skills for emotional awareness, self-regulation, and resilience. Through creative expression, hands-on activities, and age-appropriate discussions, students learn practical tools to navigate their worries with confidence and care.

THE 13 SESSIONS INCLUDE:

Session 1: Welcome and Introduction to the Group

Session 2: What are Worries?

Session 3: Worry Triggers

Session 4: Worry Monsters

Session 5: Dragon Breathing

Session 6: Worries Jar

Session 7: The Anxious Hedgehog

Session 8: In’s and Out of My Control

Session 9: Positive Self-Talk

Session 10: Coping Strategies Toolbox

Session 11: Mindful Moments

Session 12: Strengths & Resilience

Session 13: Termination and Review

THIS CURRICULUM INCLUDES:

• Note to Counselors
• Objectives & Goals
• Group Session Overview
• ASCA Mindset and Behavior STANDARDS
• Binder Cover Page & Spine Options
• Teacher Nominations and Follow Up Forms
• Parent/Guardian Letter and Consent Form
• Group Planning Sheet
• Name Tags
• Group Member Reminders
• Group Attendance Record
• Student Pre & Post Outcome Measures
• Teacher Pre & Post Outcome Measures
• Additional Data Collection
• Confidentiality Sign
• Passes – Hall, Class, Counselor, Social Worker & Psychologist
• Student Desk Reminders
• Counselor Chats Handout
• Certificates

Our “Beating My Worries Group” curriculum is dedicated to fostering self-awareness, promoting emotional resilience, and equipping participants with lifelong skills to overcome anxiety. In a nurturing and engaging environment, students embark on a transformative journey toward managing their worries effectively and building emotional well-being.

Below are the specific details for each individual session which can be used in isolation or as a comprehensive curriculum.

• Session 1: Welcome and Introduction to the Group In this session, students are warmly welcomed to the Beating My Worries Group .
• Session 2: What are Worries? Children learn about the nature of worries, their effects, and begin to identify their own, personalizing the experience of anxiety.
• Session 3: Worry Triggers This session invites students to recognize and articulate their anxiety triggers through engaging activities, fostering self-awareness.
• Session 4: Worry Monsters A creative exploration of anxiety, where students personify and visualize their worries as ‘monsters’, learning to diminish fear through creativity.
• Session 5: Dragon Breathing Introduces calming breathing techniques, metaphorically referred to as “Dragon Breathing,” to empower children to self-soothe.

1. Session 6: Worries Jar Children create a “Worries Jar,” learning the symbolic act of acknowledging and then setting aside their worries.
2. Session 7: The Anxious Hedgehog: Students discover how anxiety affects our bodies and behaviors, using the hedgehog’s response to threat as a relatable example. A relatable story & Hedgehog craft was completed.
3. Session 8: Ins and Outs of My Control The session focuses on understanding what we can and cannot control, teaching children to direct their energy positively.
4. Session 9: Positive Self-Talk Encourages positive self-talk, guiding children to transform negative thoughts into empowering affirmations.

• Session 10: Coping Strategies Toolkit– Children are introduced to a variety of coping strategies, creating a personalized toolkit for managing stress and anxiety.
• Session 11: Mindful Moments Introduces mindfulness, teaching children to engage fully with the present moment as a way to manage anxiety.
• Session 12: My Strengths and Resilience Personal Treasures: Focuses on identifying personal strengths and past successes, building resilience and confidence in facing worries.
• Session 13: Termination and Review The final session provides an opportunity for reflection and review. Key concepts and skills acquired throughout the Beating My Worries Group are revisited and celebrated.

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► Looking for more SEL workbook topics? We’ve got you covered!

• Behavior and Feelings Workbook
• Gossiping & Rumors Workbook for Teens 
• CBT Workbook – Thoughts Feelings Behaviors for Teenagers
• Self Esteem and Feelings Workbook
• Emotions & Self Care Workbook
• My Anger Management Workbook

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