Lesson for Dayspring Youth Ministries on September, 13th 2015. Not to be reused without permission.
Stress: What, who, why, how
Goal: YWBAT understand the “What” of stress. What can cause stress, and what does stress feel like.
Materials Needed: What slide show, computer, projector, speakers, power chord, any game materials.
What? Ask youth the questions. Record their answer on white board or other device.
- What is stress?
- a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
- What stresses you out?
- School, parents, friends, expectations, society, etc.
- Anything else?
- Is all stress bad?
Activity
Instructions: Number youth off from 1-2. Separate them into groups. Have each group choose two volunteers to be the groups test subjects.
- Group 1: Negative Stressors-
- Group members will function as negative stressors on their test subjects. Negative comments, unhelpful suggestions, general distractions, etc.
- Group 2: Positive Stressors-
- Group members will function as positive stressors in what ever way they think is appropriate, encouragement, compliments, helpful hands.
Set up “obstacle course” of stress. Obstacle course to be completed as fast as possible.
- Physical stressors: Suicides in large open area. Set boundary before hand. 10 push ups. 10 jumping jacks.
- Mental stressors: Complete math problems on the white board.
- Problems: 4×4, 38/6, 2x+17= 0
- Board Game: Operation remove two pieces. If you hit buzzer you have to start over completely.
- Societal Stressors: “You’re Outfit Of the Day didn’t get enough likes on instagram” change it to get more likes
Have group 1 test subjects complete course. Group mates should function as negative stressors as indicated above. During this time Group 2 should be observing both test subjects and group mates, taking notes about their observations.
Have group 2 test subjects complete course. Group mates should function as negative stressors as indicated above. During this time Group 1 should be observing both test subjects and group mates, taking notes about their observations.
For additional stress: have music in the background. For group 1, play angry music (death metal, hardcore rap, etc). For group 2 play friendly happy music.
Debrief: Return to large group. Discuss the activity.
Encourage youth to discuss every part of this activity. What did it feel like to be a test subject. A group mate. What did you notice when you were observing the activity.
Make sure to list the signs of stress that youth were able to notice. Review what was discussed. End lesson with Highlights and bummers.
nd be able to apply this knowledge in our future. Lastly, we hope to sing advanced music. This will come with time, and we hope that as we gain more members, our musical repertoire can increase in difficulty.
Jake White 