Activity: Students listen to and discuss the video. Optional: they create actions that go with the rap, or posters that highlight some of the strategies mentioned in the video.

Materials needed: video; materials for poster-making

Directions: Review the definition of courage: the willingness to go beyond fear and face a challenge, even though it could be dangerous, painful, or risky. Explain that one thing that gets in the way of courage is our worries. Our worries block us from having the courage to go beyond fear. Show the video and continue the discussion about courage and worries. Ask students to share examples of how our worries get in the way of having courage to try something new, such as learning how to do something you’ve never done before; challenging, such as dealing with a difficult relationship; or possibly quite painful, such as coping with the loss of someone you love. Be ready to begin the discussion by sharing an appropriate worry you had when you were their age. Provide them with examples of typical worries - use this worries list if you need to give them prompts:

I get really frightened for no reason at all

I am afraid to be alone in the house

It is hard for me to talk with people I don’t know well

When I get frightened, I feel like I am choking

People tell me that I worry too much

I don’t like to be away from my family

I worry that something bad might happen to my parents

I worry about what is going to happen in the future

When I get frightened, I feel like throwing up

I worry about how well I do things

I am scared to go to school

I worry about things that have already happened

When I get frightened, I feel dizzy

I feel nervous when I am with other children or adults and I have to do something while they watch me (for example: read aloud, speak, play a game, play a sport)

I feel nervous when I am going to any place where there will be people that I don’t know well

I think I’m too shy

Explain: “The lyrics of the rap song give us some suggestions of what to do when we’re worried. What are some of the strategies mentioned in the song?” Lead students to the conclusion that there’s a lot we can do about our worries. The lyrics mention:

Instead of asking, “what if?”, ask “what is?” Note to teachers: they might not understand what this means, so it will help to check for comprehension and explain if needed. “What is” means to ask yourself what are the facts about the situation? And, until you try something, you don’t really know what will happen. Remember, you can always ask questions and get more information.

Talk to someone you trust about your worries

Close your eyes and take some deep breaths, listen to the sounds around you

Tell yourself it’s going to be okay

Discuss these strategies and encourage students to try to use them next time they start to get worried about something. Remind them: “It takes courage to face your worries and fears. As you practice these strategies, you will feel more and more confident that you can handle whatever comes your way, and know that I am on your side and will help you - just ask! ”

Optional: Some creative students may enjoy inventing moves to go with the rap song. Others may enjoy making and decorating a poster with some of the lyrics - they can display it to remind the class what to do with their worries.

Wrap it up: Explain: “Famous people who show a lot of courage did amazing things because they were able to overcome their fears about trying something new or difficult. I encourage you to face your worries by talking with someone you trust, get as much information you can about what it is you’re afraid of, and if it’s safe, go ahead and see what happens.”

Note to teachers: This supplementary video may be helpful as an extension to the lesson:

Anxiety For Kids & Teens | Anxiety Symptoms, Triggers, Causes, Coping Techniques (youtube.com)

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Courage · Activity

Managing Worry and Anxiety

5th & 6th Grade

Related resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7g8Atv27Q8&t=127s

I get really frightened for no reason at all

I am afraid to be alone in the house

It is hard for me to talk with people I don’t know well

When I get frightened, I feel like I am choking

People tell me that I worry too much

I don’t like to be away from my family

I worry that something bad might happen to my parents

I worry about what is going to happen in the future

When I get frightened, I feel like throwing up

I worry about how well I do things

I am scared to go to school

I worry about things that have already happened

When I get frightened, I feel dizzy

I feel nervous when I am with other children or adults and I have to do something while they watch me (for example: read aloud, speak, play a game, play a sport)

I feel nervous when I am going to any place where there will be people that I don’t know well

I think I’m too shy

Instead of asking, “what if?”, ask “what is?” Note to teachers: they might not understand what this means, so it will help to check for comprehension and explain if needed. “What is” means to ask yourself what are the facts about the situation? And, until you try something, you don’t really know what will happen. Remember, you can always ask questions and get more information.

Talk to someone you trust about your worries

Close your eyes and take some deep breaths, listen to the sounds around you

Tell yourself it’s going to be okay

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