Attendance Matters Lesson Plan Attendance Matters
Classroom Lesson Plan (Tier 1)
Target Grade
5th Grade
Time
30 Minutes
Group Size
Whole Class
Objective
Students will understand the importance of attendance and develop strategies to manage school-related anxiety.
Approach
Project-Based, Trauma-Informed, Collaborative Learning.
Materials Needed
Discussion Guide Handout
Reflection Worksheet
Slide Deck (optional)
Art Supplies (markers, large paper)
Instructional Sequence
5 MIN
Introduction
Begin with a brief discussion on why attending school is important.
Ask students to share their thoughts on how they feel about coming to school today.
10 MIN
Discussion
Use the Discussion Guide to explore benefits of attendance and the challenges of anxiety.
Encourage students to share personal experiences and coping strategies in a safe, non-judgmental space.
10 MIN
Collaborative Activity
Divide students into small groups.
Ask each group to create a "Presence Poster" illustrating the benefits of attending school regularly.
Encourage creativity and collaboration (drawings, catchphrases, etc.).
5 MIN
Individual Reflection
Distribute the Attendance Reflection Worksheet .
Students complete the worksheet individually to solidify their learning and personal strategies.
5 MIN
Closure
Gather students and ask them to share one takeaway or a new strategy to manage anxiety.
Reinforce the key message: Your presence matters to our community.
Attendance and Anxiety Discussion Handout Discussion Guide
Attendance and Anxiety • Group Talk
"Regular attendance is more than just being present; it's about being part of our community. Sometimes, feelings like anxiety can make it hard to be here. Today, we'll talk about why we show up and how we can help each other when it feels tough."
1
Why is attending school important?
Think about how school helps us grow beyond just grades.
Learning & Skills
Consistent attendance helps you master new skills and stay on track with your favorite subjects.
Friendships
School is where we build connections, work together, and support our classmates every day.
2
What are some reasons students might feel anxious about attending school?
It's okay to feel nervous. Identifying the "why" is the first step.
Fear of failure
Social pressure
Personal issues
3
How can we support each other in overcoming anxiety?
We are a team. How do we help a teammate who is struggling?
"I can support my friends by..."
Write or discuss ways to show empathy and kindness.
Attendance Reflection Worksheet Attendance Reflection
Your Presence Matters!
Name:
Date:
1
List three benefits of attending school regularly.
Think about your learning, your friends, and your goals for the future.
A.
B.
C.
2
Describe a time when you felt anxious about coming to school.
What was on your mind? How did you handle that feeling?
3
What is one new strategy you learned today?
Pick a strategy you can try next time you feel nervous or overwhelmed.
You belong here.
Every day you show up, you make our school community stronger. We are glad you're here!
Attendance Matters Slides Attendance Matters
Your Presence Makes a Difference
5th Grade
Morning Check-In
How are you feeling about being at school today?
😊
Excited
😐
Neutral
😟
A Little Nervous
The "Why" Behind Showing Up
Community
Your friends and teachers miss you when you aren't here.
Growth
You learn things today that help you succeed tomorrow.
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out."
Managing Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
It's that nervous feeling in your stomach or a busy mind that makes it hard to focus. It's your body's way of trying to protect you, but sometimes it overreacts.
Strategy 1: Breathing
Box Breathing: In 4, Hold 4, Out 4, Hold 4.
Strategy 2: Naming
Identify 5 things you can see right now.
Presence Posters
Form a group of 3-4 classmates.
Design a poster that shows why coming to school is awesome.
Include at least one tip for handling school nerves.
10 MINUTES
Go for it!
Final Reflection
"Your presence is a present to this class."
Ready to complete your Reflection Worksheet?
