Jitter Buster Slides
Camp Calm
Session 1
Jaming the Jitters
How to feel safe, grounded, and ready as we start our new adventure together.
Every feeling is welcome here.
Let's explore
Camp Calm
Normalizing Anxiety
What are "The Jitters"?
Jitters are the butterflies, the nervous energy, or the quiet worries we feel when starting something brand new.
It is 100% normal!
Your brain is just trying to protect you because everything is new. It means you care!
Fast Heartbeat
Your body is charging up like a battery.
Fluttery Tummy
Butterflies throwing an indoor dance party.
"What-If" Thoughts
Your brain asking a million backup questions.
Quiet Body
Wanting to hide or stay very quiet and safe.
Tip: Everyone in this room (even adults!) gets the jitters. Slide 2 of 6
Camp Calm
Mindfulness Practice
The 5-4-3-2-1 Senses Grounder
When your mind is racing, bring your focus back to the physical room around you. Try this now:
5
SEE
Look around. Find five unique things you can spot in this room.
4
TOUCH
Feel four things. Your desk, your clothes, your chair, or the cool floor.
3
HEAR
Listen closely. Can you find three distinct sounds around you?
2
SMELL
Sniff the air. Identify two scents (pencils, paper, fresh air, wood).
1
TASTE
Say one good thing about yourself, or notice the taste of fresh water.
Active Check: Let's do this together right now! Slide 3 of 6
Camp Calm
Breathing Practice
Square Breathing
Slow, deep breaths send a signal straight to your nervous system: "We are safe."
1
Inhale through your nose slowly for 4 counts.
2
Hold your breath gently for 4 counts.
3
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 counts.
4
Pause empty and relaxed for 4 counts.
Inhale (4s) Hold (4s) Exhale (4s) Pause (4s)
Breathe Box
Practice: Let's do 2 full cycles together. Trace the box with your finger! Slide 4 of 6
Camp Calm
Cognitive Reframing
Flipping the "What-Ifs"
When your brain tells you a scary story, you can write a braver ending! Here is how we flip our thoughts:
The Worry Thought
"What if I don't make any friends?"
"What if I make a mistake or get lost?"
The Brave Reframer
"I can start with one smile. Everyone is looking for friends too."
"Mistakes are proof I am learning. I can ask my teacher for help."
Practice: Try to flip a worry on your own worksheet next! Slide 5 of 6
Camp Calm
Brave Explorer Pledge
We are in this together!
Let's read our classroom promise together:
I am brave enough to feel nervous.
I know my breath can quiet my body.
I will ask for help when things feel hard.
Welcome to our brand new school year!
Slide 6 of 6
Brave Explorer Worksheet
Camp Calm
Brave Explorer Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Starting a new school year is a big adventure! Feeling nervous, excited, or a little bit of both is 100% normal. Use this guide to calm your body and prepare your brave thoughts.
1 My Butterflies Check-In
How are your butterflies feeling right now? Color in or circle the ones that match your body today:
Energetic Fast heartbeat
Quiet Wanting to hide
Fluttery Tummy butterflies
Ready Brave and open
2 My 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding practice
Tune into the classroom around you. Write down or sketch what you find:
3 See:
2 Touch:
1 Hear:
3 Reframing My Worry
Pick one worry you've had this week. Then, transform it into a braver, helpful thought!
The Worry Thought
Example: "What if my teacher is too strict?"
My Brave Reframe
Example: "I can introduce myself; we will get to know each other."
4 My School Support Squad
Knowing who to turn to can make any worry feel smaller. Write down who can help:
One adult I can trust at school:
One way I can help a classmate today:
Every explorer needs a map. Mindfulness is yours.
Ready for Adventure
Calm Classroom Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource
Calm Classroom Teacher Guide
Lesson Focus: Normalizing back-to-school anxiety & calming strategies
Pacing 45 Minutes Total
Lesson Goal
Students learn that anxiety is a natural, biological reaction to starting something new. They will acquire concrete sensory grounding skills (5-4-3-2-1) and cognitive reframing techniques ("flipping worries") to ease transition fears.
Core Materials
- Jitter Buster Slides
- Explorer Worksheet
- Scissors (for cards)
Pacing Guide & Step-by-Step Delivery
10 Minutes Hook
Warm-Up: The "Butterfly Storm"
Begin with a quick show of hands: "Who felt a little nervous or excited waking up this morning?" Share that teachers and adults feel it too. Explain that we call this energy "the jitters" and compare it to butterflies having a party in our stomachs.
15 Minutes Direct Instruction
Mini-Lesson: Exploring the Senses
Deliver the Jitter Buster Slides. Focus on normalizing butterflies and guiding students through the 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounder. Do a live rehearsal of Square Breathing, with students tracing their hands or their desks in a square pattern as they count.
15 Minutes Student Activity
Guided Work: Brave Explorer Journaling
Distribute the Brave Explorer Worksheet. Allow students quiet time to identify their current emotional state, list 3 see, 2 touch, and 1 hear items in the classroom, and practice "flipping" a common school worry. Walk around to assist with the reframing.
5 Minutes Wrap-Up
Closing Circle: The Brave Explorer Pledge
Gather in a circle. Recite the classroom pledge together from Slide 6. Remind students that their worksheets can live in their folders as a personal "Camp Calm map" when things feel overwhelming.
Pro-Tips for Classroom Facilitation
Normalizing: If students are reluctant to share worries, share a silly childhood worry of your own (e.g., getting lost on the way to the pencil sharpener).
Anxiety Indicators: Keep an eye on students who withdraw or freeze. Don't force them to speak; invite them to participate in the physical deep breathing exercises.
First Week Jitters Lesson Plan Page 1 of 2
Circle Prompts
Classroom Discussion Cards
Cut out these cards for cooperative groups or morning meeting discussions.
Card 1
The What-If Wonder
