Anxiety and Worries Group Intervention – Item 154

This is the Anxiety and Worries Group intervention. It is for a group of up to six children and led by a teaching assistant. Children who worry a lot would be a good focus group for this intervention. The age range is 7 to 11. Although older pupils would also benefit from this intervention. It runs for approximately 40-60 minutes, weekly for six weeks.

What does it cover?

This Anxiety and Worries Group intervention covers;

• emotions
• relaxation
• calming down techniques
• and learning objectives

During each session they will learn about emotions. They will learn relaxation and calming techniques through the ‘relaxation time’.  This knowledge and these skills will help them to become more emotionally literate.

The warm-up games teach a variety of skills such as;

• co-operation
• team work
• taking turns
• communication skills
• friendship
• self-esteem
• confidence

The coming together of a group can foster a sense of belonging and therefore raises self-esteem. Belonging and friendship should be promoted at every opportunity. Relaxation exercises during each session can help to manage anxiety.

Information on Anxieties and worries;

This intervention is about giving children the knowledge to help themselves. To gain a little understanding about what anxiety is. It is NOT about fixing children’s problems, but about supporting them through their problems. Anxiety work needs to be done by professionals who have training in counselling or psychology.

By giving children the self-awareness, knowledge and some relaxation skills, you are empowering them to help themselves cope. If you are ever worried about a child, please refer them onto professional services.

Included in the pack:

*A planning booklet with 6 session plans. *Circle time rules. *Warm up games for circle-time. *Assessments. *Emotion wheels. *Emotion wordmat. *Certificates. *Five Star Breathing poster. *NEEDS to know Poster. *Emotion cards. *NEEDS to know cards. *Anxiety physical symptoms cards. *Where in your body worksheet. *Anxiety cards. *Coping strategies poster. *Worry tree. *Thought bubbles (ants). *Changing those thoughts worksheet. *Zap anxiety poster. *My Five a day plan. *ELSA/Teaching Assistant notes.