Stress Signals Teacher Guide Stress Signals
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Learning Objective
Students will identify the physiological changes that occur when the nervous system escalates (Fight, Flight, or Freeze) and understand the roles of the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex.
Key Concepts for Kids
The Amygdala
The body's "Smoke Detector." It looks for danger and sounds the alarm.
The PFC
The "Wise Leader." It helps us think clearly and make good choices when calm.
Quick Prep
Review the "Body Dashboard" video animation.
Print one "Body Dashboard" worksheet per student.
Gather red and green colored pencils.
The Lesson Flow
1
The "Flipping Your Lid" Demo
Use your hand as a brain model. Tuck your thumb (Amygdala) into your palm and fold fingers (PFC) over. When we get angry/scared, our fingers "flip up"—the Wise Leader is gone!
"When our lid is flipped, our body takes over to protect us. Let's see what that looks like."
2
Video Observation
Play the nervous system animation. Ask students to spot 3 things that change in the body as the emotion gets stronger.
Heart beats faster Breathing gets shallow Temperature rises Hands get sweaty
3
The Dashboard Reflection
Distribute the worksheets. Guide students in coloring their own "Body Alarm" signals. Emphasize that these signals are the body trying to be helpful, even if they feel uncomfortable!
Body Dashboard Worksheet Body Dashboard
Nervous System Mission Control
Explorer Name
Mission Date
Sensor Scan
Your Turn: Color the parts of the body where you feel "Big Feelings" (like anger or fear) using a RED pencil.
The Body Alarm Checklist
Check all the signals you notice when you're escalated:
Heart Pumping Fast
Sweaty Palms
Tummy Butterflies
Fast Breathing
Tensed Muscles
Clenched Jaw
Mission Reflection
When your "Body Alarm" goes off, what is it trying to do for you?
What is ONE way you can help your "Wise Leader" (PFC) take back control?
Brain Hack!
Remember: When your lid is flipped, you aren't "bad." Your brain is just in emergency mode!
System Spike Slides Mission: Human Biology
System
Spike
How your nervous system sounds the alarm when emotions get big.
The Brain
The Nerve
The Body
Meet Your Control Center
Prefrontal Cortex
"The Wise Leader"
Helps you make choices, solve problems, and stay calm.
The Amygdala
"The Smoke Detector"
Looks for danger and takes over your body to keep you safe.
Body System Scan
Let's watch how the nervous system escalates during a big emotion!
Waiting for Video URL...
(The animation will appear here once you provide the YouTube link!)
When the Alarm Sounds...
Heart
Beats faster to pump blood to your muscles for action!
Breathing
Gets shallow and fast to get extra oxygen to your brain!
Skin
You might get sweaty or feel hot as your engine revs up!
"Your body is trying to help you, but it's okay to feel overwhelmed!"