Fair Facilitator Guide Plan Stress Less, Smile More
Calm & Strong Fair Guide
3rd - 4th Grade
Objective
Students will describe stress and its physical/emotional effects, identify personal stress triggers, and apply practical strategies like deep breathing, mindful movement, and positive affirmations to manage stress effectively within a fair event setting.
Why This Matters
Empowering 3rd and 4th graders with stress management skills fosters emotional resilience, improves focus, and enhances overall well-being. This fair provides engaging, interactive stations for students to explore essential tools for navigating daily challenges.
Time
60 Minutes
(Flexible for station rotation)
Prep Time
45 Minutes
Event Preparation
Set up 6-8 stations around the event area, each clearly labeled.
Gather materials for Calm Jars (glitter glue, water), Affirmation Cards (markers), and Gratitude Jars .
Prepare props for Emotion Charades , Scavenger Hunt clues, and Calmness Catch (soft balls).
Print enough copies of worksheets: My Stress Triggers and Mindful Maze Mania .
Fair Instructions
1
Welcome & Fair Overview (10 mins)
Begin with the Stress Check-In Warm Up to gauge student feelings. Use the slide deck and facilitator script to introduce the concept of stress as a "natural superpower signal." Explain the station rotation process.
2
Station Rotation (40 mins)
Divide students into small groups. Rotate through 4-6 stations, spending 5-7 minutes each.
Understanding: Reading & Stress Triggers Worksheet
Creation: Calm Jars & Affirmation Cards
Movement: Mindful Listening Walk & Obstacle Course
Social: Emotion Charades & Storytime Game
3
Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 mins)
Gather for the Calm Down Cool Down . Use discussion prompts to share favorite strategies. Introduce the Personal Calm Kit Project as a take-home opportunity.
Station Materials Checklist
Jars, Glitter Glue, Warm Water
Soft Balls or Beanbags
Index Cards & Markers
Printed Maze Sheets
Story Dice or Cubes
Cones for Obstacle Course
Stress Less Fair Slides STRESS LESS,
SMILE MORE!
Welcome to the Calm & Strong Fair
LET'S FIND OUR CALM SUPERPOWERS
What is Stress, Anyway?
Stress is how your body and mind react to challenges, changes, or worries.
It's like a built-in alarm system! 🚨
"Everyone feels it sometimes. It's totally natural!"
It tells us something important is happening!
Your Mission
Explore the Stations
Visit different booths to play games, create tools, and discover your calm superpowers.
Build Your Toolkit
Collect ideas for your own Personal Calm Kit that you can use anywhere!
Listen for the signal to rotate! 🔔
Stress Signals 🚦
Your Body
Fast Heartbeat
Tight Muscles
Fluttery Tummy
Feeling Tired
Your Mind
Feeling Worried
Feeling Sad
Frustrated
Nervous
What is your trigger?
Different things stress different people. Is it school? Friends? Big changes?
Identify it to defeat it! 🛡️
Superpower #1
Calm Jars & Breathing
Watch the glitter settle... just like your thoughts. Take a DEEP BELLY BREATH as you watch.
Breathe In...
Breathe Out...
Superpower #2
Mindful Movement
Use your senses! Listen to the tiny sounds. Feel your feet on the ground. Be right HERE and right NOW .
Superpower #3
Positive Self-Talk
"I AM CAPABLE!"
"I AM CALM!"
"I CAN DO THIS!"
Your words are like armor against stress.
YOU'VE GOT THIS!
Remember: Stress is normal. You have the tools. You are strong. You are calm.
Breathe
Move
Talk Kind
Facilitator Script Stress Less Fair Facilitator Script
Stress Less, Smile More!
1. Welcome & Fair Overview (10 Minutes)
Say: "Welcome, 3rd and 4th Grade Superstars, to our amazing 'Calm & Strong Fair'! Today is all about discovering your inner superpowers to 'Stress Less, Smile More!'"
[Pause for cheers]
"Has anyone ever felt worried, or like their tummy was doing flips? That's stress, and it's a normal feeling. But guess what? We have incredible tools to help ourselves feel better! We're going to visit different stations to find these tools—like a treasure hunt for calm!"
Action: Lead the Stress Check-In Warm Up . Ask students to describe where they feel feelings in their bodies.
2. Station Rotation (40 Minutes)
While students are moving, use these prompts as you circulate:
Calm Jars:
"Watch the glitter settle, just like your thoughts. How deep can you breathe while you watch?"
Affirmation Cards:
"Your words have power! What's a kind word you can tell yourself right now?"
Mindful Walk:
"Focus on your senses. What's the quietest sound you can hear in this room?"
Obstacle Course:
"Move that stress out of your body! Shake it off as you go!"
3. Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 Minutes)
Say: "Wow, what an incredible fair! You've all been amazing stress-busting superheroes today. What's one new strategy you learned that you're excited to try?"
[Allow students to share]
"Before you go, if you want to keep building your personal kit, grab the Anti-Stress Project Guide for a fun project at home. Thank you for a wonderful fair!"
Facilitator Tips
• Use a chime or bell for transitions to keep things calm.
• Circulate frequently to help students who may feel overwhelmed by the noise of the fair.
• Encourage "Calm Transitions"—walking slowly and quietly between stations.
Reading What is Stress What is Stress?
Understanding Our Body and Mind
Has your heart ever started beating fast before a big test? Or maybe your tummy felt a little fluttery and your thoughts raced when you had to speak in front of the class? Those powerful feelings might be signs of stress !
Stress is how our bodies and minds react when we face challenges, big changes, or things that make us feel worried, nervous, or pressured. It's a natural and common feeling that everyone experiences sometimes!
How Stress Feels in Our Bodies
Fast Heartbeat: Your heart pumps faster to get ready for action.
Upset Stomach: Feelings like "butterflies" or a nervous ache.
Tight Muscles: Your neck, shoulders, and jaw might feel stiff.
Feeling Tired: Stress uses up a lot of your body's energy.
How Stress Feels in Our Minds
Worry and Anxiety: Thinking a lot about things that might happen.
Difficulty Concentrating: Hard to focus on schoolwork or chores.
Feeling Overwhelmed: Thinking there is "too much" to handle at once.
The good news? You can learn powerful ways to help your body and mind feel calm again!
Worksheet Stress Triggers English Name: __________________________ Date: __________________________
Self-Discovery
My Stress Triggers
Everyone feels stressed sometimes! Identifying what causes it is the first step to staying calm.
Instructions: Think about times you felt worried, anxious, or pressured. Draw or write about three different things that cause you to feel stressed.
1 Stress Trigger #1
Draw or write here
2 Stress Trigger #2
Draw or write here
3 Stress Trigger #3
Draw or write here
Reflection Question
How does your body AND your mind feel when this happens?
"When I know my triggers, I can use my superpowers!"
Discussion Prompts Stress Less Stress Discussion Prompts
Let's talk about it! Group questions for the Calm Fair.
Part 1: Understanding Stress
1. Body vs. Mind
What are the key differences between how stress feels in our bodies (physical) versus our emotions (mental)?
2. Positive Outcomes?
Can you think of a positive outcome that might come from overcoming a stressful situation? (e.g., resilience, learning something new)
Part 2: Sharing Experiences
3. Universal Feelings
How does it feel to know that other people (and even animals!) sometimes feel stressed too? Does it change how you view your own stress?
4. Personal Reactions
Do you think everyone reacts to the same triggers in the same way? Why might our reactions be different?
Part 3: Applying Coping Strategies
5. Favorite Strategy
From the strategies we've learned today (breathing, jars, movement), which one resonated with you the most and why? How will you use it this week?
6. Supporting Friends
Imagine a friend is really stressed. What specific advice or support could you offer them based on what we've learned?
Teacher Tip:
Encourage students to listen respectfully and build on each other's ideas using "I agree because..." or "That's a great point, and also..."
Activity Calm Jar Creation Calm Jar Creation
Settle Your Thoughts
Materials
Clear plastic bottle or jar
Glitter glue or liquid glitter
Warm water
Food coloring (optional)
Steps
1
Add Glitter: Squeeze 2-3 tablespoons of glitter glue into your jar.
2
Fill: Pour warm water into the rest of the jar. Leave a tiny space at the top.
3
Color: Add 1 drop of food coloring if you want a colorful "calm ocean."
4
Seal: Ask a teacher to super-glue the lid shut tightly!
How to use it:
Shake the jar when you feel stressed. Watch the glitter swirl... and breathe deep as it slowly settles to the bottom.
STATION: CALM JARS
"Just as the glitter settles,
Activity Mindful Listening Walk English Mindful Listening Walk
The Power of Hearing the "Now"
How to Walk Mindfully
1
Set the Rules
This is a quiet walk. We use our "listening ears" and keep our mouths closed so we don't miss any sounds.
2
Start Moving
Walk slowly. Feel your feet touching the floor. Listen to the sound your shoes make. Notice the rustle of clothes.
3
Listen Near and Far
Stop for 10 seconds. What do you hear inside this room? Now, try to hear something outside the room.
Did you hear it?
Air conditioning hum
Distant voices
Clock ticking
Your own breath
Someone's footsteps
"Focusing on sounds pulls our mind away from worries and brings it into the present moment."
Reflection Question
What was the quietest sound you noticed during your walk?
Activity Positive Affirmations Cards English Positive Affirmation Cards
Your Words Are Your Superpower
What is an Affirmation?
It's a kind and brave thing you tell yourself. When your brain starts thinking worried thoughts, affirmations help switch them back to "Strong & Calm" mode!
Build Your Armor!
Brainstorming Boosters
"I am brave!"
"I can do hard things!"
"I am enough!"
"I will try my best!"
"I am calm and strong!"
"It's okay to make mistakes!"
Make Your Cards
1. Draw it: Grab an index card. Write one affirmation in big, bold letters.
2. Decorate it: Add colors, stickers, or doodles that make you feel happy.
3. Use it: Keep your cards in your pocket, taped to your desk, or in your "Calm Kit" to read whenever you feel stressed.
Write one affirmation here now:
__________________________________________________________
Activity Mindful Maze Mania English Maze Mania
Finding Focus Through the Folds
Mindfulness Station
How to be a Maze Master:
As you trace the path, breathe in slowly on straight lines and breathe out slowly as you turn corners. There is no race—just focus.
Level 1: Gentle Flow Easy
Simple Path Maze Area
Start
End
Level 2: Focused Journey Moderate
Complex Path Maze Area
Start
End
Post-Maze Reflection
How did it feel to match your breathing to your movement? Did your mind stay on the path?
Activity Emotion Charades English Emotion Charades
Acting Out Our Feelings
How to Play
1
Pick an Emotion Card from the hat. Don't show anyone!
2
Use your face and body to act it out. NO TALKING!
3
The rest of the group tries to guess. When they get it, talk about what that feeling feels like!
"Acting out emotions helps us recognize them in ourselves and our friends."
Emotion Cards (Cut these out!)
Worried
Excited
Calm
Frustrated
Confused
Stressed
Happy
Sad
Talking Points for Groups:
What did you notice about their body language?
What is one thing that might make someone feel this way?
What is one way to help a friend who feels this emotion?
Activity Gratitude Jar Craft English Gratitude Jar Craft
Collecting Happy Thoughts & Small Joys
Project Steps
1
Make it Yours
Decorate your jar or paper bag with markers, stickers, or glitter. Make it unique!
2
Look for the Good
Write or draw one thing you are grateful for on a slip of paper. Think of friends, family, or even a yummy snack!
3
Fill Your Jar
Fold your slip and put it in the jar. Keep adding more happy thoughts every day!
Why it Helps
When we focus on good things, our brains feel happier and less stressed. It's like training your mind to see the sunshine instead of just the clouds!
"Every happy thought counts,
Gratitude Slips (Cut these out!)
I am grateful for...
I am grateful for...
I am grateful for...
I am grateful for...
Game Calmness Catch English Calmness Catch Game
Quick Recall & Focused Fun
How to Play
1
Stand in a circle with your group. One person holds the soft ball or beanbag .
2
The leader tosses the ball to a friend. Tosses must be gentle!
3
When you catch the ball, you must say one calm word or action (like "Breathe" or "Drawing"). Then, toss it to the next person!
Challenge Mode:
Can your group go 2 full minutes without repeating a single word? Use your creative brains!
Need an Idea?
Deep Breath
Stretching
Talk to a Friend
Music
Reading
Kind Thoughts
Drawing
Walking
The Goal
"Quickly remembering our superpowers helps us use them when we really need them!"
Game Positive Pictionary English Positive Pictionary
Draw Your Superpowers!
How to Play
Pick a card with a Coping Strategy (something that helps you stay calm).
Draw the strategy on the board. NO TALKING, WRITING, OR SOUNDS!
Your team has 60 seconds to guess the strategy!
Artist Tip
"Use simple shapes and symbols. It doesn't have to be perfect—it just has to be understood!"
Artist Prompts (Cut these out!)
Deep Breathing
Stretching
Talking to a Friend
Listening to Music
Reading a Book
Playing Outside
Hugging a Pet
Writing in Journal
Drinking Water
Why this helps: Visualizing our tools makes them easier to remember when we are stressed and our brain is having a hard time finding words.
Game Stress Buster Obstacle Course English Stress Buster Obstacle Course
Shake It Off & Find Your Focus
The Course Path
1
Deep Breath Tunnel
Crawl through the "tunnel" taking three big belly breaths as you go.
2
Worry Wiggle Path
Wiggle your body down the line! Shake your hands and feet to shake off the worries!
3
Affirmation Jump
Jump high over the hurdle and shout out: "I AM STRONG!"
4
Calm Balance Beam
Walk slowly and carefully on the line. Focus on your feet and be completely quiet.
Why We Move
Safety Rule:
"This is NOT a race! Move thoughtfully and safely to keep your brain calm."
Game Emotion Matching English Emotion Matching Game
Reading Faces & Understanding Situations
How to Play
1
Lay all the cards face down in a grid on the table. One set has emotion words, and the other has pictures/scenarios.
2
Turn over two cards . If they match (like "Worried" matching a picture of someone chewing their nails), you keep the pair!
3
When you find a match, tell your group: "I once felt [emotion] when [something that happened]."
What's in the Deck?
HAPPY
WORRIED
CALM
STRESSED
Matching pictures to words helps us "read" how our friends are feeling!
Why Match?
"The better we are at recognizing feelings, the better we can help ourselves and our friends!"
Game Calm Scavenger Hunt English Calm Down Scavenger Hunt
Find the Peaceful Spots in Your Room
How to Play
There are many things in our classroom that help us feel peaceful. Your mission is to find them using my secret clues!
Listen to the clue carefully.
Walk quietly to the spot.
Sit or touch the item for 5 seconds of calm, then come back!
Example Clues
"I'm a cozy place where you can read a book and let your worries drift away." (Reading Corner)
"I have colors and paper, ready for your creative thoughts to flow." (Art Station)
"I make a gentle sound when you spin me, helping you breathe." (Pinwheel)
Teacher: Adapt these clues to your unique room!
The Discovery
"Knowing where to find calm in your own room is like having a secret hideout for your mind!"
Game Stress Storytime English Stress Storytime Game
Creating Heroes of Calm
How to Play
We are going to tell a Collaborative Story together!
1
Roll the story cubes. They have pictures of faces, feelings, and coping tools.
2
Start a story about a character who feels stressed (e.g., "Once there was a bird who was worried about a storm...").
3
The next person rolls and adds a Coping Strategy to the story to help the character feel better!
What's on the dice?
"Your imagination can help you solve
The Hero's Tool
"Even heroes feel stressed. What makes them heroes is how they use their tools to find their calm!"
Warmup Stress Check In English Stress Check-In
How Are We Feeling Today?
Instructions
1. Welcome: Invite students to take a moment of quiet reflection.
2. One Word: Ask students to think of ONE word to describe their current feeling. Encourage "nuanced" words (e.g., curious, antsy, focused) instead of just "good."
3. Body Scan: Ask: "Where do you feel that emotion in your body?" (e.g., butterflies in tummy, tight shoulders).
"Teacher Model first: I'm feeling curious, and I feel a little tingle in my brain!"
Nuanced Words
Curious
Energetic
Sleepy
Excited
Focused
Antsy
Identifying the exact feeling helps us choose the right tool!
Cooldown Calm Down English Calm Down Cool Down
My Calm Superpower for the Week
Steps to Calm
1
Reflect: Close your eyes. Which station or tool did you find most helpful today?
2
Commit: Choose ONE new superpower to use this week when you feel stressed.
3
Share: Tell a friend which tool you chose and why you like it.
YOU HAVE THE POWER!
Stress is a signal, but you have the toolkit. You are strong, you are calm, and you are amazing!
My Superpower Pledge:
"This week, when I feel stressed, I will try ____________________."
Quiz Understanding Stress English Name: __________________________ Date: __________________________
Quiz
Understanding Stress
Show What You Know!
Which of these best describes what stress is?
A feeling of being very happy and excited.
How your body and mind react to challenges, changes, or feeling worried.
A type of weather that makes you sleepy.
When you learn a new skill really fast.
Which of the following are common signs that your BODY might be feeling stressed?
Your teeth start glowing.
Your heart beats faster, muscles feel tight, or stomach feels upset.
You grow taller instantly.
You suddenly want to do homework more than anything.
Name two ways your MIND or EMOTIONS might be affected when you feel stressed.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
Using a Calm Jar or doing mindful breathing are good techniques for:
Making loud noises to get attention.
Helping your body and mind feel calm and settled.
Running a marathon.
Building a tall tower out of blocks.
Describe how practicing positive affirmations can help you manage stress. Give an example of an affirmation you might use.
Is it normal for kids to feel stressed sometimes?
No, kids are too young to feel stressed.
Yes, everyone feels stressed sometimes, including kids and adults.
If a friend said "I can't do this!" because they were overwhelmed, what is ONE strategy you could suggest, and WHY would it help?
Project Guide Calm Kit English My Personal Calm Kit
Design Your Own Toolbox for Peace
The Challenge
After exploring the fair, you've learned many ways to manage stress. Now, it's time to build your own Personal Calm Kit ! This kit will hold tools and ideas that help you stay calm and strong at home or school.
1. The Kit
Create a physical box or bag. Decorate it! Or, create a digital slideshow showing your tools.
2. The Contents
Include at least 5 items . For each item, write down how it helps you cope with stress.
Toolkit Ideas
Small Calm Jar
Doodle Notepad
Calm Song List
Affirmation Cards
Breathing Guide
Stretch List
3. Present!
Share your kit with the class. Explain what stress is and how your tools help you win the day!
Rubric Calm Kit English Student: __________________________ Date: __________________________
Project Rubric
My Personal Calm Kit
Criteria 4 - Exceeds 3 - Meets 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning Understanding Stress Explains stress & coping deeply; connects to fair activities perfectly. Clearly explains what stress is and why we cope. Shows some understanding, but explanation is short. Minimal understanding of stress is shown. Kit Design & Contents Kit is creative and has 6+ diverse, well-explained tools. Kit is well-designed and has at least 5 relevant tools. Kit is present, but lacks tools or explanation. Kit is incomplete or missing relevant strategies. Explanation of Tools Explains exactly HOW each tool works with specific examples. Explains how most tools help manage stress. Explains how some tools help, but lacks detail. Explanations are unclear or absent. Presentation Skills Confident voice, clear eyes, and engages the audience. Presents clearly with good voice and eye contact. Presentation is somewhat unclear or shy. Presentation is very difficult to understand.
Teacher Comments:
Total Score
____ / 16
"Great work building your toolkit for a calm and strong mind!"
Reading What is Stress Spanish ¿Qué es el Estrés?
Comprendiendo Nuestro Cuerpo y Mente
¿Alguna vez tu corazón ha empezado a latir rápido antes de un examen importante? ¿O tal vez tu estómago se sintió un poco revuelto y tus pensamientos se aceleraron? ¡Esos sentimientos poderosos podrían ser señales de estrés !
El estrés es cómo reaccionan nuestros cuerpos y mentes cuando enfrentamos desafíos, grandes cambios o cosas que nos hacen sentir preocupados. ¡Es un sentimiento natural y común que todos experimentamos a veces!
¿Cómo se siente en el cuerpo?
Latidos rápidos: Tu corazón bombea más rápido para prepararte.
Estómago revuelto: Como "mariposas" o un pequeño dolor.
Músculos tensos: El cuello y los hombros se sienten rígidos.
Cansancio: El estrés gasta mucha de tu energía.
¿Cómo se siente en la mente?
Preocupación: Pensar mucho en cosas que podrían pasar.
Dificultad para concentrarse: Es difícil enfocarse en la tarea.
Sentirse abrumado: Sentir que hay "demasiado" por manejar.
¡La buena noticia es que puedes aprender formas poderosas de calmar tu cuerpo y mente!
Worksheet Stress Triggers Spanish Nombre: __________________________ Fecha: __________________________
Auto-Descubrimiento
Mis Desencadenantes de Estrés
¡Todos nos sentimos estresados a veces! Identificar la causa es el primer paso para estar tranquilo.
Instrucciones: Piensa en momentos en los que te sentiste preocupado o presionado. Dibuja o escribe sobre tres situaciones diferentes que te causen estrés.
1 Desencadenante #1
Dibuja o escribe aquí
2 Desencadenante #2
Dibuja o escribe aquí
3 Desencadenante #3
Dibuja o escribe aquí
Pregunta de Reflexión
¿Cómo se siente tu cuerpo Y tu mente cuando esto pasa?
"¡Cuando conozco mis desencadenantes, puedo usar mis superpoderes!"
Project Guide Calm Kit Spanish Mi Kit de Calma Personal
Diseña tu propia caja de herramientas para la paz
El Desafío
Después de explorar la feria, has aprendido muchas formas de manejar el estrés. ¡Ahora es el momento de construir tu propio Kit de Calma Personal ! Este kit tendrá herramientas e ideas que te ayuden a ti a mantenerte tranquilo y fuerte.
1. El Kit
Crea una caja o bolsa física. ¡Decórala! O crea una presentación digital mostrando tus herramientas.
2. El Contenido
Incluye al menos 5 artículos . Para cada uno, escribe cómo te ayuda a enfrentar el estrés.
Ideas para tu Kit
Frasco de la Calma
Cuaderno de Dibujo
Tarjetas de Afirmación
Guía de Respiración
3. ¡Presenta!
Comparte tu kit con la clase. ¡Explica cómo tus herramientas te ayudan a ganar el día!
