Francis Faces His Fears

About

Summary: Francis overcomes his stage fright by practicing his clarinet daily and gradually building confidence.

Synopsis: Francis feels anxious about performing in a talent show, experiencing symptoms like sweating and dizziness. Despite his fears, he loves playing the clarinet and devises a plan to practice daily until he feels better. He starts by practicing alone, then in front of friends, and finally on stage with other kids, gaining confidence each time. On the day of the show, he manages his fear, performs beautifully, and feels a sense of accomplishment, vowing to participate again next year.

Themes:  The story explores themes of courage, perseverance, and self-confidence. It emphasizes the importance of practice and gradual exposure to fears as effective coping strategies. The narrative also highlights the supportive role of friends and family in overcoming anxiety and building self-assurance.

Using Francis Faces His Fears in Session

Therapists can use "Francis Faces His Fears" to help children understand the process of facing and overcoming their anxieties. Discussing Francis's step-by-step plan can illustrate the value of gradual exposure and practice. Role-playing Francis’s journey can help children relate it to their own fears and develop similar strategies. The story also provides an opportunity to talk about the importance of support from friends and family in managing anxiety.

Discussion Questions:
    1. How did Francis feel about performing in the talent show at first?
    2. What physical symptoms did Francis experience when he felt anxious?
    3. What was Francis’s plan to overcome his fear of performing?
    4. How did practicing in front of his friends help Francis feel more confident?
    5. What did Francis do when he felt nervous before the talent show?
    6. How did Francis feel after he performed in the talent show?
    7. Can you think of a time when you faced a fear? How did you handle it?
    8. Why is it important to have support from friends and family when facing fears?