Lesson Plan
Chill Pill Toolkit Plan
Guide a 7th grade student through selecting and practicing personalized coping strategies using interactive cards and track emotional regulation progress in a single 30-minute session.
Individualized self-regulation skills boost resilience, focus, and emotional awareness. Tailoring coping strategies helps the student feel empowered and better manage stress in and out of the classroom.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on strategy cards, guided demo, independent practice, and reflection tools.
Prep
Material Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and organize the Chill Pill Strategy Cards.
- Open and review the Personal Coping Demo Slide Deck on your device.
- Print copies of the Coping Choices Chart Worksheet and Mood Tracker Journal.
- Familiarize yourself with the Self-Regulation Check Rubric to guide student reflection.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and check in on their current emotional state.
- Explain the session: learn personalized coping strategies and track emotions.
- Set a supportive tone and emphasize that experimenting with techniques is encouraged.
Step 2
Guided Practice
10 minutes
- Introduce the Chill Pill Strategy Cards and explain each technique.
- Use the Personal Coping Demo Slide Deck to model selecting and applying a strategy.
- Invite the student to choose two cards and practice each with your guidance.
- Provide real-time feedback and positive reinforcement.
Step 3
Independent Activity
8 minutes
- Distribute the Coping Choices Chart Worksheet.
- Instruct the student to select a preferred coping strategy and record it, noting when and how to use it.
- Allow the student to practice the strategy independently, observing emotional shifts.
Step 4
Reflection & Self-Assessment
5 minutes
- Guide the student to complete the Self-Regulation Check Rubric by rating confidence and effectiveness.
- Ask the student to record their current mood and insights in the Mood Tracker Journal.
- Discuss successes and identify areas to refine.
Step 5
Closing
2 minutes
- Summarize the practiced coping strategies and celebrate the student’s engagement.
- Set a goal: use at least one strategy before the next session.
- Reinforce that progress takes time and offer ongoing support.
Slide Deck
Personal Coping Demo
Chill Pill Toolkit
Welcome the student and set a calm, supportive tone. Use the brand gradient (#A3DCDC → #7BB4B4 → #538E8E) as the background. Explain that this deck will demonstrate how to pick and use coping strategies.
Session Objectives
• Select personalized coping strategies
• Practice step-by-step application
• Monitor and reflect on emotional responses
Read each objective aloud and connect it to the student’s goals. Emphasize that today they will both learn and practice strategies.
Strategy Cards Overview
Our Chill Pill Strategy Cards are grouped into three categories:
• Physical – deep breathing, simple stretches
• Mental – positive self-talk, counting exercises
• Creative – quick drawing, listening to a favorite song
Show a sample set of cards or pass around a physical deck. Describe each category briefly.
Demo Walkthrough: Deep Breathing
- Notice a feeling (e.g., test nerves)
- Choose the “Deep Breathing” card
- Inhale for 4 seconds through your nose
- Exhale for 6 seconds through your mouth
- Repeat 3 full cycles
Guide the student through each breathing step. Model the pace with them and encourage slow, even breaths.
Your Turn to Practice
• Select two cards you’d like to try
• Practice each strategy now
• Notice how you feel before and after
I’ll guide you and celebrate your efforts!
Invite the student to physically pick two cards and practice while you observe. Offer positive feedback and adjustments.
Next Steps & Reflection
- Complete the Self-Regulation Check Rubric
- Record your mood in the Mood Tracker Journal
- Set a goal: use at least one strategy this week
Summarize what was learned and explain how to continue tracking. Encourage use of the Mood Tracker Journal and rubric before the next meeting.
Worksheet
Coping Choices Chart
Fill in two coping strategies you want to try. For each, describe when you will use it, the steps to follow, and personal notes.
| Strategy | When to Use | Steps | Personal Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Rubric
Self-Regulation Check Rubric
Use this rubric to rate your experience with the coping strategy you tried today. Circle the number that best fits how you feel.
| Criterion | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Good | 2 – Fair | 1 – Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confidence | I feel very confident using this strategy. | I feel somewhat confident. | I feel a little unsure. | I do not feel confident at all. |
| Ease of Steps | Steps were very easy to follow. | Steps were mostly easy. | Steps were a bit confusing. | Steps were hard to follow. |
| Likelihood to Use Again | I will definitely use this again. | I will probably use it again. | I might use it sometimes. | I am unlikely to use it again. |
Scoring Key:
4 = Excellent • 3 = Good • 2 = Fair • 1 = Needs Improvement
After rating yourself, discuss with your teacher which part felt most helpful and what could make it easier next time.
Journal
Mood Tracker Journal
Date: ____________________
1. Mood Scale (Circle One)
1 😢 2 😟 3 😐 4 🙂 5 😄
2. Which feelings am I experiencing right now? (Check all that apply)
[ ] 😠 Angry [ ] 😢 Sad [ ] 😨 Anxious [ ] 😞 Frustrated
[ ] 😕 Confused [ ] 😌 Calm [ ] 😄 Happy
3. What happened today that influenced my mood?
4. What thinking or coping strategy did I use?
5. How effective was this strategy? (Circle One)
1 (Not effective) 2 3 4 5 (Very effective)
6. Action Plan: What could I do differently next time?
7. Additional Notes or Reflections
Project Guide
Chill Pill Strategy Cards
This project guides teachers in creating a set of 12 personalized coping strategy cards (4 per category). Use the template below to design each card, then print, cut, and laminate for durability. Students can carry their favorite cards to use anytime.
Card Template (Print double-sided on cardstock)
Front Side:
| Category: ________ | Card Title: ________ |
| Icon/Image: (Draw or paste here) | |
| Description: What this strategy is and why it helps. | Steps: 1. ________ 2. ________ 3. ________ |
Back Side (Notes):
Space for personal notes: when I used it, how I felt.
Print 2 cards per sheet, double-sided. Trim along crop marks.
Strategy Card List (12 Cards)
Physical (4)
- Deep Breathing
• Inhale 4 seconds → hold 2 sec → exhale 6 sec → repeat 3×. - Shoulder Rolls
• Roll shoulders forward 5×, then backward 5×. Breathe deeply. - Stretch Break
• Reach arms overhead, side bends 3× each side. Loosen muscles. - Five-Finger Grounding
• Touch each fingertip to thumb, name a color/shape and describe it.
Mental (4)
- Positive Self-Talk
• Choose a supportive phrase (e.g., “I can handle this.”) and repeat 5×. - Counting Backwards
• Count from 20 → 0 slowly, focusing on each number. - Visualization
• Close eyes, imagine a calm place. Engage all five senses for 1 minute. - Mindful Observation
• Pick an object, observe details (shape, color, texture) and describe silently.
Creative (4)
- Quick Drawing
• Sketch a simple shape or scene for 60 seconds. No pressure on skill. - Favorite Song Clip
• Hum or replay 30 seconds of a calming/fun song. - Color Coding Feelings
• Use colored pencils to map feelings on a simple chart (e.g., red = stress). - Affirmation Writing
• Write down one personal strength or accomplishment.
Preparation Instructions
- Copy the Card Template (two per page) onto sturdy cardstock.
- Design each card front by filling in the template fields and adding icons/visuals.
- Print double-sided: front on one side, blank notes on the back.
- Cut cards to size (approx. 3×5 inches).
- Laminate each card using 5-mil pouches or thicker for longevity.
- Trim edges post-lamination; punch a hole in one corner if linking cards on a ring.
Customization Tips
• Involve the student in choosing colors, icons, or photos for each card.
• Leave space for the student’s name or a motivational sticker.
• Encourage drawing a personal symbol on the back notes area.
Lamination Suggestions
• Use 5-mil (thick) or 7-mil (very durable) pouches.
• If you want cards to be tactile, consider matte finish lamination.
• For classroom sets, bundle cards by category with colored rubber bands or key rings.
Students carry their Chill Pill Strategy Cards as a personalized toolkit to manage stress and build self-regulation wherever they go.