Teacher Script: Chill Out & Recharge!

Warm-Up: Stress Buster Brainstorm (2 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought. I want you to close your eyes for a moment, or just look down at your desk, and think about something that sometimes makes you feel a little stressed or overwhelmed. It could be a test, a lot of homework, or even something with friends. Don't worry, you don't have to share it out loud right now, just think about it.

Now, think about one thing you might do when you feel that way to make yourself feel a little better. Maybe you take a walk, listen to music, or talk to someone. Keep that in your mind.

Alright, open your eyes. Can anyone share one thing they do to feel better when they're stressed? Just one quick idea?" (Allow 1-2 students to share briefly.)

Introduction: What is Stress & Coping? (2 minutes)

"Thanks for sharing! Today, we're going to talk all about stress and something called 'coping skills.' Has anyone heard that term before? (Pause for responses).

You see, stress is a totally normal part of life. Everyone feels it sometimes, even grown-ups! It's our body's way of reacting to pressure or challenges. But knowing how to handle that feeling is super important. That's where coping skills come in! Think of them as your personal superpowers, or tools in a toolbox, that help you deal with tough feelings in healthy ways. They help you feel better and think more clearly. Let's look at some!" (Transition to Chill Out & Recharge! Slide Deck - Slide 2)

Coping Strategies Spotlight (3 minutes)

"Here are some awesome tools you can add to your coping toolbox! (Go through Slide 3 of the Chill Out & Recharge! Slide Deck, explaining each point.)

• Deep Breaths: "This sounds simple, but it's powerful! Let's all try one together. Breathe in slowly through your nose, count to four, hold for two, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth, counting to six. Feel that calm?" (Lead one deep breathing exercise.)
• Talk it Out: "It's amazing how much better you can feel just by talking to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counselor, or even a good friend. You don't have to carry your worries alone."
• Move Your Body: "Energy builds up when we're stressed. Releasing it through running, playing a sport, dancing, or even just stretching can make a huge difference."
• Get Creative: "Sometimes, focusing on something else, like drawing, writing in a journal, or listening to your favorite music, can shift your mood."
• Take a Break: "If something is frustrating you, sometimes the best thing to do is step away for a few minutes and come back to it with a fresh mind."
• Help Others: "Believe it or not, when we help someone else, it can actually boost our own mood and make us feel good too!"

"Which of these do you already use? (Allow a few students to share.) Which one sounds new or interesting to you to try?" (Allow a few more shares.)

Game: Coping Skills Match-Up! (5 minutes)

"Okay, let's play a matching game called Coping Skills Match-Up!! I'm going to put you into small groups, and each group will get a set of cards. Some cards have coping skills, and others have descriptions or benefits of those skills. Your job is to work together and match them up correctly. The goal is to see how many you can match! Ready?" (Distribute cards and facilitate the game. Circulate to assist groups and ensure understanding.)

Preparing for Breaks (2 minutes)

"Now, let's think about school breaks. Breaks are usually super exciting, right? But sometimes, breaks can also bring different feelings. Maybe you get a little bored, or you miss your friends and the school routine. It's totally normal to feel that way!" (Transition to Slide 4 of the Chill Out & Recharge! Slide Deck)

"The good news is, all these awesome coping skills we just talked about? They work during breaks too! If you're feeling bored, maybe you can try a creative activity. If you're missing friends, perhaps you can talk to a family member or arrange a safe get-together. Remember, your coping skills are always there for you, even when school isn't in session." (Transition to Slide 5)

Cool-Down: My Recharge Plan (2 minutes)

"You've got this! Managing your feelings is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger with practice. Find what works best for YOU, and always be kind to yourself and others. To wrap up, I want everyone to take a moment to complete this 'My Recharge Plan' (Distribute or display the My Recharge Plan Cool-Down). Think about one coping skill you'll try to use during an upcoming break, or when you next feel stressed. Write it down and explain why you think it will help. You can keep this as a personal reminder, or hand it in if you like."

"Great job today, everyone! Remember to chill out and recharge whenever you need to."

My Stress Buster Warm-Up

Think about a time you felt stressed or overwhelmed. What was happening?

What is ONE thing you do to feel a little better when you're stressed?

Coping Skills Match-Up!

Objective: Students will correctly match coping skills with their descriptions or benefits.

Materials: Sets of cards (or displayed on screen):

• Card 1: Coping Skill Name (e.g., "Deep Breathing")
• Card 2: Description/Benefit (e.g., "Helps calm your body and mind")

Instructions:

1. Divide students into small groups (2-3 students per group).
2. Give each group a shuffled set of coping skill cards and description cards.
3. Students work together to match each coping skill with its correct description or benefit.
4. The first group to correctly match all cards wins, or groups simply work to complete their set within the allotted time.

Coping Skill Card Ideas:

• Deep Breathing
• Talk it Out
• Move Your Body
• Get Creative
• Take a Break
• Help Others
• Listen to Music
• Draw/Color
• Go for a Walk
• Count to Ten

Description/Benefit Card Ideas:

• Helps calm your body and mind by slowing your heart rate.
• Sharing your feelings with a trusted adult or friend can make you feel lighter.
• Physical activity releases tension and boosts your mood.
• Expressing yourself through art, writing, or music can be a great distraction and outlet.
• Stepping away from a stressful situation for a few minutes can give you a fresh perspective.
• Focusing on someone else's needs can shift your own focus and make you feel good.
• Music can change your mood and help you relax or energize.
• Focusing on a creative task can help you unwind and express feelings.
• Getting fresh air and changing your environment can clear your head.
• Taking a moment to pause and reset before reacting can prevent bigger problems.

My Recharge Plan Cool-Down

During an upcoming school break, or the next time you feel stressed, what is ONE coping skill you will try to use?

Why do you think this coping skill will help you?