1. If teamwork has been an issue, try the Deadline is Everyone's Job activity on page 8 of the Teams and Leaders section of the curriculum. This is one of our favorites for putting teamwork into concrete terms.

2. Plan a series of minute-to-win-it style games. Starting the class off with a 60-second challenge can get students revved up to work together. Ideas: picking up M&Ms with chopsticks, mini-scavenger hunt, trivia contest, popping balloons while wearing oven mitts. Google is your friend for even more ideas.

3. If your kids are crafty, taking a break to make something fun or decorate the classroom can release tension. Maybe your inspiration wall needs some updating. Put out an all-call for magazines and hit the hardware store for some paint chips. Have them make paper versions of our swatches from our Pick Your Palette collection on Pinterest.

4. Go outside. On a beautiful, sunny day, pick up the cameras (and phones) and go on a photo safari around your school. Give small prizes (or extra credit) for photos that demonstrate one of the principles of composition.

5. Admitting the problem helps. Sometimes it helps just to set aside time to go around the room and give students the opportunity to express what is stressing them out the most. You might set a three-item limit in the interest of time. Maybe they can list two things that are stressing them out and one thing that’s not. If kids don’t feel like sharing with the group, allow them to write it down (and then rip the paper into tiny shreds.) And then, let it go.