Sure it's important for kids to be able to name and recognize emotions, from anger to anxiety and everything in between. But it's even more important to help them identify and recognize the signs of those emotions in their own body.
Being able to recognize those signs or symptoms in the early stages can mean that they use a coping strategy, if needed, sooner. That in turn can help reduce meltdowns. Or, in the case of anxiety, that might mean avoiding a panic attack.
However, I know that if I were to ask my anxious son to describe how his body feels and name his anxiety symptoms, that it would be a tough task for him to verbalize. Yet, give him a written list with a variety of options and the task will be significantly easier. That's what it's like to play into his hyperlexic learning style though.
Anyway, I paired it with an interest of his - video games! - and voila, it's the perfect fit for him. So yeah, that's where the idea for this video game themed anxiety warning signs worksheet came from.
About this Anxiety Warning Signs Worksheet
This worksheet is best geared towards teens and/or older kids in the middle years grades. It can be used to help kids identify their own anxiety triggers.
They can simply color in, highlight, or circle the anxiety symptoms that apply to them. Maybe they feel like crying or their heart rate increases. Or maybe they get all tense and feel a tightness in their chest. That's for them to figure out. With or without your guidance, of course.
You'll find a wide variety of warning signs of anxiety listed on this printable worksheet including:
- Shortness of breath
- Speech difficulties
- Negative thoughts
- Irritability
- Stomach pain
- Crying
- Dry mouth
- Refusing to do certain things
- Overthinking
- ...and so much more!
Download the Free Video Game Themed Anxiety Printable
Want More Ideas for Teaching Emotions? Try this Video Game Themed Printable Pack!
This printable is a free sample from the Video Game Themed Emotions Pack. If you love this activity and this theme, then grab a copy of the full emotions pack below. The pack also includes an anger warning signs printable like this one.
Get your copy of the Video Game Themed Emotions Pack
