Nervous before a test, a speech or a concert? Feeling Nervous: Before the Curtain Opens is a printable workbook that helps children aged 8–12 recognise what nervousness feels like, why it happens and what actually helps.

WHAT’S INSIDE (10 PAGES)

• A full-colour illustrated story about two friends, Aiden and Zoe, who are both terrified before the school play, and what they do about it, with “Think About It” questions and a key message

• 10 key vocabulary words (nervous, anxiety, prepare, breathe, relief, pride and more) with simple definitions

• “My Definition”: children write their own ideas first, then check them against the answer key

• What nervousness feels like in the body, and why a little of it is useful, with a real-life example

• “What Helps and What Does Not”, with a “What would YOU do?” choice

• Two reflection pages with four questions about children’s own experiences

• Answer key

• “A Letter to Future Me”: a keepsake page to write to their future self

GREAT FOR

• Home, classroom, tutoring, circle time and a calm corner

• Speaking and performance preparation

HOW IT WORKS

Print, read the story together, then work through the pages at the child’s own pace. There are no wrong answers in the reflection pages, which makes them good for talking things over.

FILE DETAILS

• A PDF in A4 size. Print at home or at a print shop. It will also print on US Letter with a small scale-down.

• This is a digital download, so nothing is shipped.

PLEASE NOTE

• Part of the My Emotions series by Joanne Goran. Check the shop for other feelings.

• This is an educational resource and not a substitute for professional help. If a child is very distressed, please speak to a trusted adult or specialist.