Uncertainty during COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) can lead to cancelled events and reduced physical interaction. While these restrictions are critical to support public health, we understand they can leave students feeling upset about being unable to see their friends and doing their usual activities. It can be helpful to remind students that there are things they can do to help deal with situations like these.

Year Level

7-12

Duration

60 minutes

Type

  • In class activity
  • Online learning
  • Take-away activity

SEL Competencies

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-management

Learning Intention

Students identify the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19, analyse how these make them feel, and develop and implement personal coping strategies.

Key Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

  • describe ways to cope with uncertainty
  • identify how uncertainty makes them feel.
Activity 01

Brainstorm: Uncertainty 10 min

Explain to students that in times of uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. By dealing with the challenges that arise with uncertainty, they will become more resilient and develop new strategies for coping with the unknown, both now and in the future.

  1. Ask students to think about the uncertainties they are currently experiencing.
  2. Students create an individual list of their ideas. To help, suggest they use categories such as:
    • Friends: Will I be able to see my friends?
    • Family:  Will we be able to go on holidays?
    • School:  Will school close? How will I complete this year at school?
    • Community: Are all the shops going to close?
  3. Students highlight the three things that are the most daunting or confusing for them.