Circle of Control Lesson Plan Circle of Control Fun
Managing Stress & Anxiety
45 Minutes
Grades 6-8
Why This Matters
Students will learn about the Circle of Control, a tool that can help manage stress and anxiety. They will watch a video explaining the concept, followed by interactive activities. This lesson equips students with important coping skills while maintaining an engaging, active learning environment.
Materials Needed
• Paper and pens/pencils
• Markers (coloring)
• Circle of Control Slide Deck
• Personal Circle Worksheet
• Jenga set with Stressor Labels
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction
Greet students and introduce the topic: managing stress and anxiety.
Explain the Circle of Control : focusing on what we can change and letting go of what we cannot .
5m
Video Viewing
Show the video: Circle of Control Activity For Kids .
Prompt: "Watch for examples of things inside and outside the circle."
10m
Class Discussion
Ask for takeaways from the video.
List examples of "Can Control" vs. "Cannot Control" on the board.
Discuss how it feels to focus on things we can't change (frustrating, exhausting).
15m
Stress Jenga Game
Pull a block and read the stressor or coping strategy.
Stressor: Discuss why it's stressful and suggest a strategy.Strategy: Explain how it helps manage stress.Play until the tower falls (the "collapse" of stress).
10m
Circle of Control Activity
Hand out worksheets or blank paper.
Outside: Things they cannot control (weather, others' opinions).Inside: Things they can control (effort, attitude, kindness).Use markers to personalize and decorate.
5m
Closure
Volunteer sharing. Reinforce that this tool is available anytime they feel overwhelmed. Remind them: "Focus on your circle."
Personal Circle Worksheet My Circle of Control
Focus your energy on what you can change and find peace with what you can't.
NAME:
DATE:
Outside the Circle
Write things you cannot control (e.g., the weather, what others think, the past).
Inside the Circle
Write things you can control (e.g., your effort, your kindness, your choices).
Things I Cannot Control
Things I Can Control
The Power of Me
Reflection Question
When you feel stressed about something outside your circle, what is one strategy from inside your circle you can use?
Circle of Control Slides Circle of Control
Mastering the Art of Letting Go
Grades 6-8 SEL Mastery
Ever feel like this?
Overwhelmed
Anxious
Frustrated
A lot of our stress comes from worrying about things we can't change.
Focus Your Energy
We only have a certain amount of "brain power" each day.
Where are you spending yours?
MY
OTHERS
WEATHER
THE PAST
Video: Circle of Control
Pay attention to the examples of things inside and outside the circle.
Click the link provided by your teacher to watch!
Can vs. Cannot
CANNOT
The Weather
How others treat me
Past mistakes
Global events
CAN
My kindness
My attitude
My effort
How I speak
STRESS JENGA!
How to Play
1
Pull a block carefully.
2
Read the Stressor or Coping Strategy .
3
Discuss how it fits into your Circle of Control.
Time to Create!
DRAW
A large circle in the center.
OUTSIDE
Write things you CANNOT control.
INSIDE
Write things you CAN control.
Make it yours! Use markers to decorate.
Remember...
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
Focus on the Inside
Coping Toolkit Reference The Coping Toolkit
Practical ways to handle the things outside your circle.
Move Your Body
Take a 10-minute walk
Do some gentle stretching
Squeeze a stress ball
Drink a glass of cold water
Tense and release your muscles
Reset Your Mind
Use "Box Breathing" (4-4-4-4)
Count backwards from 100
Visualize a happy/calm place
Name 5 things you can see
Listen to your favorite song
Reach Out
Talk to a trusted friend
Write a letter or journal
Play with a pet
Ask for a hug
Help someone else with a task
Shift Perspective
Will this matter in a year?
Focus on "I can" statements
List 3 things you are grateful for
Break a big task into small steps
Remind yourself: "It's okay to let go."
"When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That's where your power is."
Jenga Label Template Jenga Label Template
Print, cut, and tape these labels onto your Jenga blocks.
Teacher Prep Resource
How to Prepare
Print this page (cardstock works best).
Cut out the individual labels.
Use clear tape to attach one label to the side of each Jenga block.
Mix "Stressors" and "Coping Strategies" throughout the tower.
Stressors (Things outside our control)
The Weather
Other's Opinions
Past Mistakes
Global News
Wi-Fi Going Out
Traffic/Bus Late
Test Difficulty
Mean Comments
Family Stress
Physical Injury
Lost Items
Canceled Plans
Coping Strategies (Things inside our control)
Deep Breathing
Positive Self-Talk
Take a Walk
Ask for Help
Journaling
Listen to Music
Count to 10
Focus on Effort
Draw or Color
Drink Water
Stretching
Help a Friend
Custom Labels
Labels sized approximately 2.5" x 0.75" to fit standard wooden blocks.