Eating Disorder Warning Signs: A StoryboardThat Guide

Q: What are the warning signs of eating disorders in students?

Warning signs of eating disorders in students can include preoccupation with weight or calories, sudden weight loss, wearing baggy clothes to hide changes, avoiding meals, food rituals, excessive exercise, frequent trips to the bathroom after eating, isolation during meals, and physical symptoms like brittle nails or frequent sickness.

Q: How can teachers identify students who might have an eating disorder?

Teachers can identify students who might have an eating disorder by observing behaviors such as dramatic changes in eating habits, excessive concern about weight, avoiding food in social settings, frequent complaints about body image, or noticeable physical changes like thinning hair or poor wound healing.

Q: What classroom activity can help students recognize eating disorder warning signs?

A helpful classroom activity is to have students create visuals and write definitions for eating disorder warning signs, encouraging them to recognize and discuss these behaviors in a safe and supportive environment.

Q: Why is it important not to ignore small warning signs of eating disorders?

Small warning signs of eating disorders can be early cries for help. Addressing them quickly allows for earlier intervention and support, reducing the risk of serious health complications for affected students.

Q: How can educators create a safe space when discussing eating disorders with students?

Educators can create a safe space by using sensitive language, avoiding triggering images, stressing inclusivity, and encouraging open, respectful dialogue about eating disorders without judgment.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

Disordered eating is something that is usually kept a secret. Some of these warning signs may be a cry for help and should not be ignored. In this activity, students will create visuals of the most important warning signs, which will help them identify them in real life. There are a few, small warning signs that you may be able to pick up on when someone is suffering when it comes to weight control. Some of them may be:

Preoccupation with weight, calories, fat content
Denial of hunger
Isolation when eating
Dramatic weight loss
Baggy clothing to hide weight loss
Comments about weight
Excessive exercise
Food rituals
Avoiding eating entirely
Use of bathroom directly after eating
Difficulty concentrating
Brittle nails and thinning hair
Frequent sickness and poor healing of wounds

Eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender, so making sure students do not make atypical storyboards is important. The students may select their warning signs from the list above, or the teacher can pre-select which ones they want students to use. It is important to stress to your students that creating disturbing scenes may be a trigger to themselves or others.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Depict different warning signs of someone suffering from an eating disorder.

Click "Start Assignment".
In the left-hand column, identify and provide your own definition of the warning signs in two or more sentences.
In the right-hand column, create visuals of these signs with school-appropriate content.

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Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Social Emotional Learning

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Eating Disorders and Coping

Students will create a complex storyboard that shows healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Structure	Nine cells were used in a chart layout with three columns of three cells. Each cell has it's own description box. There are column titles indicating which cells are examples of uncontrollable stressors, unhealthy coping (ED), and healthy coping. The titles on the rows indicate the theme of the cell.	Nine cells were used in a chart layout with three columns of three cells. Each cell has its own description box. There are column titles indicating which cells are examples of uncontrollable stressors, unhealthy coping (ED), and healthy coping. The titles on the rows do not clearly indicate the theme of the cell.	Nine cells were used in a chart layout with three columns of three cells. There is no description box for the cells. The column titles do not clearly indicate which cells are examples of uncontrollable stressors, unhealthy coping (ED), and healthy coping. The titles on the rows do not clearly indicate the theme of the cell.
Uncontrollable Stressor	All three cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of scenarios teens may face. The lack of self control on the cause of the stressor is clearly depicted and written in the description below.	All three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of scenarios teens may face. The lack of self control on the cause of the stressor is clearly depicted and written in the description below.	Less than three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of scenarios teens may face. The lack of self control on the cause of the stressor is unclear and not followed with a clear description.
Unhealthy Coping	All three cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples how someone may use an eating disorder to cope with stress. The description clearly explains that this method is a negative and unhealthy way to cope.	All three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey how someone may use an eating disorder to cope with stress. The description clearly explains that this method is a negative and unhealthy way to cope.	Less than three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey how someone may use an eating disorder to cope with stress. The description is unclear and does not explain how this method is a negative and unhealthy way to cope.
Healthy Coping	All three cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of three different healthy coping skills. The description clearly explains that this method is a positive coping skill.	All three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of three different healthy coping skills. The description clearly explains that this method is a positive coping skill.	Less than three used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of three different healthy coping skills. The description is unclear and does not explain how this method is a positive and healthy way to cope.
Use of Convections	There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates messages of health and unhealthy coping skills.	There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear.	There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Preoccupation with weight, calories, fat content
Denial of hunger
Isolation when eating
Dramatic weight loss
Baggy clothing to hide weight loss
Comments about weight
Excessive exercise
Food rituals
Avoiding eating entirely
Use of bathroom directly after eating
Difficulty concentrating
Brittle nails and thinning hair
Frequent sickness and poor healing of wounds

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Depict different warning signs of someone suffering from an eating disorder.

Click "Start Assignment".
In the left-hand column, identify and provide your own definition of the warning signs in two or more sentences.
In the right-hand column, create visuals of these signs with school-appropriate content.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Social Emotional Learning

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Eating Disorders and Coping

Students will create a complex storyboard that shows healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Structure	Nine cells were used in a chart layout with three columns of three cells. Each cell has it's own description box. There are column titles indicating which cells are examples of uncontrollable stressors, unhealthy coping (ED), and healthy coping. The titles on the rows indicate the theme of the cell.	Nine cells were used in a chart layout with three columns of three cells. Each cell has its own description box. There are column titles indicating which cells are examples of uncontrollable stressors, unhealthy coping (ED), and healthy coping. The titles on the rows do not clearly indicate the theme of the cell.	Nine cells were used in a chart layout with three columns of three cells. There is no description box for the cells. The column titles do not clearly indicate which cells are examples of uncontrollable stressors, unhealthy coping (ED), and healthy coping. The titles on the rows do not clearly indicate the theme of the cell.
Uncontrollable Stressor	All three cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of scenarios teens may face. The lack of self control on the cause of the stressor is clearly depicted and written in the description below.	All three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of scenarios teens may face. The lack of self control on the cause of the stressor is clearly depicted and written in the description below.	Less than three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of scenarios teens may face. The lack of self control on the cause of the stressor is unclear and not followed with a clear description.
Unhealthy Coping	All three cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples how someone may use an eating disorder to cope with stress. The description clearly explains that this method is a negative and unhealthy way to cope.	All three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey how someone may use an eating disorder to cope with stress. The description clearly explains that this method is a negative and unhealthy way to cope.	Less than three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey how someone may use an eating disorder to cope with stress. The description is unclear and does not explain how this method is a negative and unhealthy way to cope.
Healthy Coping	All three cells used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of three different healthy coping skills. The description clearly explains that this method is a positive coping skill.	All three cells used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of three different healthy coping skills. The description clearly explains that this method is a positive coping skill.	Less than three used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey examples of three different healthy coping skills. The description is unclear and does not explain how this method is a positive and healthy way to cope.
Use of Convections	There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates messages of health and unhealthy coping skills.	There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear.	There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content.

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How Tos about Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Spot early warning signs during classroom interactions

Pay close attention to students’ eating habits, comments about food or weight, and any sudden changes in behavior or appearance. Noticing these subtle shifts helps you identify students who may be struggling and offer support early.

Create a supportive and nonjudgmental classroom environment

Foster an open and accepting atmosphere by modeling respect and empathy. Avoid making comments about appearance or food choices to help students feel safe and valued regardless of their bodies.

Encourage open conversations about healthy body image

Integrate positive messages about self-worth and health into lessons. Invite students to share thoughts and questions in a safe space, reinforcing that everyone’s experience is valid.

Know how to approach students with concerns

Approach students privately and with compassion if you notice warning signs. Express concern using specific observations rather than accusations, and let them know you care and are available to help.

Connect with school counselors and support networks

Inform the school counselor or support team if you have concerns about a student. Collaborate to ensure the student receives professional guidance and resources without breaching confidentiality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

What are the warning signs of eating disorders in students?

Warning signs of eating disorders in students can include preoccupation with weight or calories, sudden weight loss, wearing baggy clothes to hide changes, avoiding meals, food rituals, excessive exercise, frequent trips to the bathroom after eating, isolation during meals, and physical symptoms like brittle nails or frequent sickness.

How can teachers identify students who might have an eating disorder?

Teachers can identify students who might have an eating disorder by observing behaviors such as dramatic changes in eating habits, excessive concern about weight, avoiding food in social settings, frequent complaints about body image, or noticeable physical changes like thinning hair or poor wound healing.

What classroom activity can help students recognize eating disorder warning signs?

A helpful classroom activity is to have students create visuals and write definitions for eating disorder warning signs, encouraging them to recognize and discuss these behaviors in a safe and supportive environment.

Why is it important not to ignore small warning signs of eating disorders?

Small warning signs of eating disorders can be early cries for help. Addressing them quickly allows for earlier intervention and support, reducing the risk of serious health complications for affected students.

How can educators create a safe space when discussing eating disorders with students?

Educators can create a safe space by using sensitive language, avoiding triggering images, stressing inclusivity, and encouraging open, respectful dialogue about eating disorders without judgment.