Coping Strategies Worksheet

Part 1: My Current Strategies

Write three coping strategies you already use:

1. _______________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. _______________________________________________________
   
   
   
3. _______________________________________________________
   
   
   

Part 2: New Strategies to Try

Below is a list of coping strategies. Circle the three you would like to try, then write them below.

• Deep breathing exercises
• Counting backward from 10
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Journaling your thoughts
• Taking a short walk
• Listening to music you enjoy
• Talking with a friend or trusted adult
• Positive self-talk (e.g., “I can handle this.”)
• Drawing or doodling
• Mindfulness or meditation
• Setting small, reachable goals
• Using a stress ball or fidget toy

Chosen strategies:

1. _______________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. _______________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. _______________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: My Coping Plan

Pick one of the strategies you wrote above. Describe when and how you will use this strategy in the coming week.

_______________________________________________________

Part 4: Using Wayfinder for Support

How can you use Wayfinder to help you learn more or practice this strategy? (Check the Wayfinder Program Quick Start Guide for resources.)

_______________________________________________________

Resilience Scenario Cards

Use these cards in small groups to identify coping strategies and role-play responses.

Instructions:

1. In your group, draw one card.
2. Read the scenario aloud.
3. Choose one or more coping strategies from the Coping Strategies Worksheet.
4. Role-play how you would respond, practicing the chosen strategies.
5. Be ready to share your key takeaway with the whole group.

Card 1: Test Anxiety
You have a big math test tomorrow and feel really nervous. Your stomach is in knots, and you keep thinking you’ll fail no matter how much you study.

Card 2: Family Stress
You got into an argument with a family member before school. You’re feeling upset and distracted, and it’s hard to focus in class.

Card 3: Tryout Disappointment
You tried out for the school basketball team but didn’t make it. You’re disappointed, embarrassed in front of friends, and not sure what to do next.

Card 4: Last-Minute Overwhelm
You forgot about a big homework project due tomorrow. Now you have too much to do in one night and feel overwhelmed and stressed.

Card 5: Rumor Hurt
A classmate spread a rumor about you online. You feel hurt, angry, and worried about what others think.

Card 6: Busy Schedule
You have sports practice, music lessons, and a part-time job this week. You feel over-extended, tired, and worried you’ll burn out.

Reflection Questions (after role-play):

• Which coping strategy did you use and why?
• How did practicing this strategy feel?
• What could you do differently next time?

Wayfinder Program Quick Start Guide

This guide will help you quickly learn how to access and use Wayfinder’s main features to find support, track your progress, and connect with counselors.

1. Accessing Wayfinder

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
2. Go to your school’s Wayfinder URL (e.g., https://schoolname.wayfinder.com).
3. Sign in using your school credentials (username and password).
4. If it’s your first time, follow the on-screen prompt to accept the terms of use.

2. Exploring the Dashboard

Once you log in, you’ll see the Wayfinder Dashboard with several panels:

• Welcome Banner – Quick links to popular resources and upcoming events.
• Your Progress – A summary of any assessments you’ve completed and goals you’ve set.
• Notifications – Messages from counselors or reminders about appointments.

3. Using the Resource Menu

1. Click the ☰ Menu icon in the top left corner.
2. Select Resources from the list.
3. Browse categories such as:
   • Articles & Guides (stress management, study tips)
   • Videos (mindfulness exercises, peer stories)
   • Worksheets (journaling prompts, goal-setting templates)
4. Click any item to open it. You can save favorites or download PDFs for later.

4. Completing a Self-Assessment

1. From the main menu, choose Self-Assessment.
2. Select an assessment (e.g., Stress Level Check, Mood Tracker).
3. Answer each question honestly, then submit.
4. Review your results and suggested next steps (coping strategies, articles to read).
5. You can retake assessments anytime to see how you’re improving.

5. Booking an Appointment with a Counselor

1. Go to Appointments in the left menu.
2. Click Schedule New Appointment.
3. Choose a counselor, select a date/time, and add a brief reason for your visit.
4. Submit your request; you’ll receive a confirmation notification.
5. To view or cancel upcoming appointments, check the My Appointments tab.

6. Getting Help and Support

• If you forget your password, use the Forgot Password? link on the sign-in page.
• For technical issues or questions, click Help & Feedback in the bottom menu.
• If you need immediate support, reach out to your school counselor in person or by phone.

Remember: Wayfinder is here to help you build healthy coping skills, access resources, and connect with caring adults. Explore at your own pace and come back whenever you need support!

Group Agreement

1. Listen and Speak Respectfully
   • Give your full attention when others are talking.
   • Use a calm tone of voice.
2. Keep It Confidential
   • What’s shared here stays here.
   • Respect each other’s privacy.
3. Use “I” Statements
   • Speak from your own perspective (e.g., “I feel…,” “I think…”).
   • Avoid making assumptions about others.
4. Participate and Support
   • Share your thoughts and experiences.
   • Encourage and uplift your peers.
5. Ask Questions When Unsure
   • It’s okay to ask for clarification.
   • We learn by being curious.
6. Be Open-Minded and Non-Judgmental
   • Respect different opinions and experiences.
   • Keep an open heart and mind.

Group Check-Out Form

Thank you for participating today! Please complete this quick reflection before you leave.

1. How confident do you feel about using Wayfinder to find resources and support?
   (1 = Not confident at all  5 = Very confident)
   ◯ 1 ◯ 2 ◯ 3 ◯ 4 ◯ 5
2. How confident are you in trying at least one new coping strategy from today’s worksheet?
   (1 = Not confident at all  5 = Very confident)
   ◯ 1 ◯ 2 ◯ 3 ◯ 4 ◯ 5
3. What is one thing you learned or liked about today’s session?

1. What is one goal you will set for yourself this week using Wayfinder or a new coping strategy?

Please hand your completed form to the counselor as you leave. Thank you!

Unlocking Wayfinder: Teacher Script

Materials You’ll Use

• Group Agreement Poster
• Wayfinder Program Quick Start Guide
• Coping Strategies Worksheet
• Resilience Scenario Cards
• Group Check-Out Form

1. Welcome and Group Agreement (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome back to our Tier 2 group. My name is [Your Name], and I’m really glad you’re here. Today we’re going to learn about Wayfinder – our online program for finding help and boosting our coping skills. Before we get started, let’s review how we’ll work together.”

(POINT to the Group Agreement Poster displayed on the wall.)

Teacher (reading one guideline at a time):

1. “Listen and speak respectfully.”
2. “Keep what’s shared here private.”
3. “Use ‘I’ statements when you talk.”
4. “Participate and support each other.”
5. “Ask questions when you’re unsure.”
6. “Be open-minded and non-judgmental.”

Teacher:
“Those are our agreements. If you’re on board, please give me a thumbs-up.”

(Wait for students to show thumbs-up or sign their name on a paper version.)

Teacher (smiling):
“Great! Thank you. Let’s get started.”

2. Introduction to Wayfinder (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“I’m now passing out the Wayfinder Program Quick Start Guide.”

(DISTRIBUTE guides.)

Teacher:
“Wayfinder is like our digital hub for Tier 2 supports. It helps you find articles, videos, worksheets, and even book time with a counselor.”

(Show the slide or project the dashboard screenshot.)

Teacher (pointing to menu on the screen):
“Here’s the Resource Menu, here’s Self-Assessment, and here’s Appointment Booking. Who can volunteer to walk us through how you would click into ‘Resources’?”

(WAIT for a volunteer.)

Teacher:
“Thank you. Now, who can show us or describe how to schedule a counselor appointment?”

(PROMPT as needed: “You click ‘Appointments’… then select a time.”)

Teacher:
“Awesome! Wayfinder makes it easy to find help when you need it. Let’s move on to strategies you already use.”

3. Identifying Coping Strategies (7 minutes)

Teacher:
“We’re switching gears now to think about how you cope with stress. I’m handing out the Coping Strategies Worksheet.”

(DISTRIBUTE worksheets.)

Teacher:
“Part 1 asks you to list three strategies you already use. Take two minutes to write those down.”

(GIVE 2 minutes; walk around.)

Teacher:
“Great! Now in Part 2, circle three new strategies you’d like to try and write them below. You have two minutes.”

(GIVE 2 minutes; monitor pairs.)

Teacher:
“Okay, turn to a partner and share one strategy you find really helpful and explain why. I’ll let you talk for about one minute each.”

(PAUSE for pair sharing; signal when time’s up.)

Teacher:
“Thanks for sharing—those are some solid ideas!”

4. Resilience Scenario Role-Play (8 minutes)

Teacher:
“Next, we’re going to practice coping skills in real-life scenarios. I’m dividing you into groups of three or four.”

(GROUP students; hand each group one Resilience Scenario Card.)

Teacher:
“Read your card aloud. Decide which coping strategies from your worksheet apply. Then role-play how you would handle the situation for one to two minutes. I’ll give you five minutes; go ahead.”

(MOVE around, offer prompts: “Which strategy feels most helpful here?”)

Teacher (after 5 minutes):
“Okay, let’s hear from Group 1. Please show us your role-play and tell us which strategy you used.”

(GROUP 1 performs; follow with brief applause.)

Teacher:
“Fantastic! Who’s next? If time runs out, that’s okay—we’ll try to hear as many as we can.”

5. Check-Out and Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“Great work today, everyone. It’s time to wrap up.”

(DISTRIBUTE the Group Check-Out Form.)

Teacher:
“Please rate how confident you feel using Wayfinder and trying a new coping strategy. Then answer the two reflection questions. You have three minutes.”

(GIVE 3 minutes.)

Teacher:
“Would anyone like to share one takeaway or goal from today? You can just raise your hand.”

(HEAR a few responses.)

Teacher (smiling):
“Thank you for sharing. Please hand your forms to me on your way out. Remember, Wayfinder is here whenever you need support, and you can practice these strategies at home or school.”

Teacher:
“I appreciate your participation today—see you next time!”

End of Session