Strand # 4: Social and Emotional Health

Lesson Name: Signs of Stress Sort

Summary/Overview of Lesson:
Students have the ability to identify signs and symptoms of stress in
themselves and others by categorizing examples of stressors into three
categories: physical, emotional, and behavioral. Students will be able
to identify signs of stress in themselves and in their parents.
Michigan Benchmark(s):
Grade 6:
4.1. Describe some common
causes of stress and the health
effects of stress
Grade 7-8:
4.6. Describe the signs and symptoms of
stress.

National Benchmark(s):
1.8.2. Describe the interrelationship of emotional,
intellectual, physical, and social
health in adolescence.
7.8.1. Explain the importance of assuming
responsibility for personal health behaviors.

Student Friendly Benchmark(s):

I can explain common causes and health effects of stress.
I can explain the signs and symptoms of stress.
Content:
1.
Signs of stress
2.
Symptoms of stress
3.
Health effects of stress

Skills:
1.
Explain the signs of stress.
2.
Explain the symptoms of
stress.
3.
Explain the health effects of
stress

Differentiated Objective(s):
-Students will describe common causes and health effects of stress
using class content -worksheets individually.
-Students will create three different groups: physical, emotional, and
behavioral symptoms of stress, using class content worksheets in 5
groups.
Materials/Technology
Signs of stress cards
Physical, Emotional, and
Behavioral Signs of Stress worksheet
3.
Physical, Emotional, and
Behavioral Signs of Stress answer
key- one copy
4.
Scissors
1.
2.

Preparation
Make 5 sets of stress cards.
(print 6 slides per page and cut
cards out)
2.
Print one sheet per person of
physical, emotional, and
behavioral signs of stress.
3.
Determine how the class will
be divided into 5 groups.
1.

Warm-Up/Anticipatory Set
Think about a time when you felt stressed out; how were you feeling at
that moment? Talk with your table about how you felt.

Procedure
Step # 1: Think about a time when you felt stressed out; how were you
feeling at that moment? Talk with your table about how you felt.
Step # 2: Get students into 5 groups. Instruct one member of the
group to pick up a bag of stressor cards. Instruct students to separate
the physical, emotional, and behavioral cards into separate piles.
Discuss as a group which category the stressors will go in (physical,
emotional, or behavioral). Distribute the physical, emotional, and
behavioral signs of stress worksheet/answer key and have students
self-check their separated groups.
As a whole class, discuss any correct answers that they found
surprising. Discuss the possible overlap of certain stressors (ex.
nightmares may be emotional, as well as physical). Instruct students to
individually circle the signs of stress that they recognize in themselves
and write a P next to the signs they notice in their parents.
Teaching Tips:
1. Discuss how stress changes throughout life.

Questions at Blooms Level of Learning: (6) Evaluation/Creating

What are the consequences of stress?

Assessment:
Instruct students to individually
circle the signs of stress that they
recognize in themselves and write
a P next to the signs they notice
in their parents.

Homework:
N/A

Strand # 4: Social and Emotional Health

Lesson Name: Signs of Stress Sort
Differentiation/Modification(s):
Students with reading disabilities are paired in groups with strong
readers.

Source: Su Nottingham 2004