The Scariest Thing to Teach! Understanding and overcoming irrational fears.
Here is an eye-opening and engaging lesson for your students.
**NOTE: This two part lesson, where 'Part 2' is optional.
Age Range: Grade 2 and up Class Size: 5 or more Time: 30 minutes (per lesson)
Materials: Dull looking box Worksheets (attached to article: for lesson 2 only)
Part 1: (30 min)
(5 min) First, Introduction of The Box!
Start the class by slowly and carefully bringing in an empty, closed box with a hand hole in it (really sell that there is something dangerous in it!). Any box will do, just make sure the hole is slightly covered so no one can see in. Also, the more dull and boring the box, the better.
Establish that you have made a "SPECIAL REQUEST" to bring in one of the scariest things in the world. It is vital that your students understand that you ARE telling the truth (this is true, you have to really sell it) and that one of the scariest things is actually in this box, even though there is nothing. Keep the box on display while you move through the next part of the lesson.
(10 min) Second, The List!
Develop a list with your students of 10 - 20 scary creatures, situations and things. The list should be comprised of real and fictional things. This will start up the students' imaginations. The box will become a little scarier for them at this point. This list will be used later on.
(5 min) Third, The Best Part!
**This next step is essential! Ask only a few students what could be in the box. This exercise is to have them imagine something terrifying in the box. Then, ask for a volunteer to put their hand in the box (take a quick count in your head of how many students quickly raise their hands).
NOW... Have one volunteer reach into the box. They can only feel with their hands, and are not allowed to look.
During this part I usually put gloves on the student and make them hold a big spoon as some kind of weapon to defend themselves with. I show them some general striking motions. Finally, I walk over to my desk, hide, and peer over the top.
The student then puts their hand in and learns that there is nothing inside. After, you then establish with the entire class that there is nothing in the box.
(5 min) Fourth, The Breakdown
Ask "What made the box a little scarier than it is now?"
State "One of the scariest things in the world is the unknown, it can make our imaginations run wild" Have a quick discussion about what the students thought was in the box.
How do we make things less scary? LEARN! Learning more about what we fear, especially through exposure can decrease the hold it has on us .
Optional: (5 min)
Generalization of Irrational Fears
Go back to the list of fears you created with the class.
- Label them real and not real. i.e., Spider (Real), Dracula (Not Real)
- Identify the specific scary traits of the real things. i.e., blood, death, teeth, bite, lose control, etc.
- Finally, using the identified traits, focus what actual makes the Non-Real Things scary. Are the same? Are any different?
Show - YouTube ~ Cats vs Cucumbers Explain how our brains generalize those specific scary traits and attach them new circumstances or things. Just like the cats vs cucumber video, the cat is most likely generalizing the traits of a snake to the cucumber. So, the next time you have a nightmare about something that is not real, remember: you are basically scared of a cucumber.
Ask your students if there was something they've seen people run from that they thought is ridiculous.
**Note: Asking students' to share actual fears will bring low participation to the overall discussion.
Part 2: (30 min)
WORKSHOP: Finding pathways to break through fears. (30 min)
(5 min) What is a Fear Ladder?
A fear ladder is a list of the situations you fear, listed from the least scary to the scariest. In order to do this, you need to rate each situation on the fear thermometer. A fear thermometer helps you identify how much fear you have of a specific situation or thing. (From Anxiety BC Exposure pdf.)
**This part of the lesson uses a 'fear ladder'. This helps student make small steps towards an overall goal/desire where fear is holding them back.
(5 min) Create an example Fear Ladder: LINK 1
Create an example on the board together. Break down how to overcome the fears of puddles, clowns, or talking to girls.
(5 min) Show Real Student Examples: LINK 2
Click LINK 3 videos and fear ladder examples.
(5-10 min) Worksheet: LINK 3
**NOTE: Some students don't like using their actual fears for the worksheet. If this happens, give them something funny to work with. i.e. fear of clowns, fear of puddles, fear or mice.
Have the students create their own "Fear Ladder" for a made-up fear or an actual fear they choose.
A more in-depth tutorial of Fear ladder is in a link below.
Optional: (5 - 10 min) Share fear ladder process:
If time permits, have the students explain their steps to overcoming the fear the choose.
Lesson Finished
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I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson as much as do!
Happy Halloween!
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LINK 1: FEAR LADDER INSTRUCTIONS: Click the link below to see examples of a fear ladders. (By: Anxiety BC Youth)
LINK 2: REAL VIDEO EXAMPLES: This website gives you video examples of how other students have used Fear Ladders to overcome their fears. (By: Anxiety BC Youth)
LINK 3: WORKSHEET: The Fear Ladder, a worksheet for creating steps (By: Anxiety BC Youth)