Circle of Control Small Group for Stress and Anxiety - Elementary

Help students reduce stress and anxiety by teaching them to focus on what they can control. This engaging 7-week small group counseling curriculum helps students understand the difference between situations that are inside and outside of their control while building healthy coping skills for life's challenges. Through interactive games, hands-on activities, social stories, discussion, and reflection, students will practice responding appropriately to uncontrollable situations and develop confidence in managing stress.

Designed specifically for elementary school counselors, this research-based curriculum includes detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, and simple data collection tools to make leading effective Tier 2 small groups easy. Lessons align with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors and the CASEL Framework.

Weekly Group Outline

Week 1: Circle of Control Introduction

Week 2: Stopping Anxious Spirals

Week 3: Identifying What to Control

Week 4: Coping Skills

Week 5: Calm Down Strategies

Week 6: How to Respond

Week 7: Reflect and Practice

Activities Include:

• Circle of Control cut-and-paste activity
  
• Social story and discussion dice
• Circle of Control sorting activities
• Bracelet craft
• Coping Skills Bingo
• Calm Down Strategies practice and reflection
• Strategy rating worksheet
• "How to Respond" dice game
• Discussion cards
• Relay race review game

What's Included Each Week

• Detailed ASCA & CASEL aligned lesson outline
• Objectives and materials list
• Group rules
• Feelings check activity
• Engaging games and hands-on activities
• Discussion prompts
• Student worksheets
• Pre/Post Group Self-Assessments
  

How Students Benefit

Students will:

• Understand the difference between things they can and cannot control.
• Reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on controllable situations.
• Recognize anxious thought patterns.
• Learn healthy coping skills.
• Practice effective calming strategies.
• Develop appropriate responses to situations outside of their control.
• Increase self-management skills and personal agency.
• Build confidence in handling everyday challenges.

Save Time While Making an Impact

Everything is ready to print and teach! This low-prep curriculum includes detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, reusable materials, and simple data collection tools so you can confidently run a meaningful small group without spending hours planning.

Who Is This Group Designed For?

This curriculum is ideal for elementary school counselors working with students who struggle with anxiety, stress, worry, frustration, perfectionism, or difficulty coping with situations outside of their control. It is perfect for Tier 2 small groups focused on self-management, resilience, and emotional regulation.