Session 1 Script: What's Your Stress Score?

## Introduction (5 minutes)
"Welcome everyone to our Coping Skills Crew! I'm really glad you're here. Over the next six sessions, we're going to explore what stress is, how it affects us, and most importantly, learn some awesome ways to handle it. Think of this as building your very own emotional toolkit. Today, we're going to start by taking a quick look at where we're at.

First, I'm going to hand out a Coping Skills Pre-Assessment. This isn't a test for a grade, so there are no right or wrong answers. It's just a way for us to see what you already know and how you currently feel about coping with stress. It helps me tailor our sessions to what you need most. Please answer honestly, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Your responses are just for you and for me to understand your starting point. Take about 5 minutes to complete it."

(Distribute Coping Skills Pre-Assessment. Allow students to complete.)

"Okay, has everyone finished? Great. You can just leave them face down for now, and I'll collect them at the end. We'll revisit a similar assessment at the end of our unit to see how much you've grown and what new tools you've added to your toolkit."

## Discussion: What is Stress? (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "What's Your Stress Score?")

"Now, let's talk about stress. It's a word we hear a lot, but what exactly is stress? How would you describe it?"
(Allow students to share. Guide with prompts like: "What does it feel like in your body? Headache? Tense shoulders?" "What thoughts go through your mind when you're stressed?")

"Exactly! Stress is our body's reaction to pressure, whether that pressure comes from school, friends, family, or even things happening in the world. It's a natural response. So, let's get specific: What are some things that cause you stress as a 10th grader?"
(Allow students to share. Write common themes on the board.)

"Those are all very real stressors. It's helpful to recognize what triggers stress for us personally."

## Brainstorming Coping Skills (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "How Do You Currently Cope?")

"Now that we've talked about what stress is and what causes it, let's think about how we handle it. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, what are some things you currently do to cope? There's no judgment here, just share what comes to mind."
(Allow students to share. Write ideas on the board. Prompt them to think about both healthy and potentially unhealthy coping mechanisms without labeling them as such yet.)

"Thanks for sharing those. It takes courage to talk about how we deal with tough emotions. Some of these things you mentioned might feel helpful in the moment, and others might not be as effective in the long run. Over these sessions, we're going to explore a variety of strategies – some you might already know, and some that might be new – that can really help you manage stress in healthy and productive ways."

## Wrap-up & Preview (5 minutes)
"To wrap up today, I want you to hold onto this thought: Coping skills are tools, and the more tools you have, the better equipped you are to build a strong, resilient self. We're going to learn about all kinds of tools, from calming our minds to talking things out, to even moving our bodies.

Next time, we're going to dive into something called 'mindfulness' – how to really be present in the moment. It sounds simple, but it's incredibly powerful.

Before you go, I'll collect your pre-assessments. Thank you all for your participation today. I'm really looking forward to working with you all in these sessions!"

Session 2 Script: Mindful Moments

## Warm-up & Check-in (5 minutes)
"Welcome back, Coping Skills Crew! Last time, we talked about what stress is and started thinking about how we cope. How are you all doing today? Does anyone want to share one thing that caused them a little stress since our last session and how they reacted to it? No pressure, just if you feel comfortable."
(Allow students to share. Briefly affirm their experiences.)

"Thanks for sharing. It's really helpful to start noticing those moments. Today, we're diving into a powerful coping skill: mindfulness."

## Introduction to Mindfulness (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Mindful Moments: Being Present")

"So, what is mindfulness? It sounds a bit 'zen' or complicated, but it's actually quite simple. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, noticing your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations without judgment. It's not about clearing your mind or stopping your thoughts; it's about observing them, like watching clouds float by."

(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Let's Try It!")

"Let's try a very short mindful breathing exercise together. You don't need to do anything special, just get comfortable in your seat. You can close your eyes if you feel comfortable, or just lower your gaze. I'll guide you."

"Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, feeling your belly rise... Hold it for a moment... Now, slowly exhale through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. Let out any tension with that breath. Do this a few more times at your own pace. Just notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. If your mind wanders, that's okay, just gently bring your attention back to your breath. There's no right or wrong way to do this."
(Lead for about 2-3 minutes.)

"Okay, gently open your eyes if they were closed. How did that feel? What did you notice?"
(Allow students to share. Emphasize that it's okay if their mind wandered, or if it felt strange at first.)

## Mindful Practice & Discussion (10 minutes)
"That was a quick taste of mindfulness. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to bring yourself back to the present. I'm going to hand out these Coping Skills Journals. We'll be using them throughout our sessions."
(Distribute Coping Skills Journal.)

"For a few minutes, I'd like you to write a brief reflection in your journal. How did the breathing exercise feel? Was it difficult to focus? Did you notice any changes in your body or mind? What are your initial thoughts about mindfulness as a coping skill?"
(Allow 5 minutes for writing.)

"Would anyone like to share a brief thought or feeling from their reflection?"
(Facilitate a short discussion, reiterating that mindfulness is a skill that takes practice.)*

## Cool-down (5 minutes)
"Great job today, everyone. Mindfulness is a skill that can help you create a little space between a stressful trigger and your reaction, giving you more control. For homework, I challenge you to practice mindful moments throughout your week. Maybe when you're eating a snack, really taste it. When you're walking, really feel your feet on the ground. Just try to notice 5 things using your senses each day.

Next session, we'll talk about the power of talking things out and expressing ourselves. See you then!"

Session 3 Script: Talk It Out, Write It Down

## Warm-up & Check-in (5 minutes)
"Welcome back, Coping Skills Crew! Last time, we explored mindfulness. How did your mindful practice go this week? Did anyone try noticing 5 things using their senses? What did you discover?"
(Allow students to share. Affirm their efforts.)

"Awesome! It takes practice, but even small moments of mindfulness can make a difference. Today, we"re diving into another incredibly important coping skill: communication. Sometimes, the best way to cope is to talk about what"s going on."

## Communication as a Coping Skill (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Talk It Out, Write It Down")

"Why do you think it"s important to talk to someone when you"re feeling stressed, upset, or overwhelmed?"
(Allow responses. Guide towards ideas like: getting different perspectives, feeling less alone, finding solutions, releasing pent-up emotions.)

"Exactly! When we keep everything bottled up, it can make stress even worse. Talking to someone we trust can help us feel heard, understood, and sometimes, even help us find solutions we hadn"t thought of. Who are some trusted people you could talk to?"
(Brainstorm a list: parents, guardians, siblings, friends, teachers, counselors, coaches, etc.)

"It"s about finding your person, or people. Someone who listens without judgment. But how we talk is just as important as that we talk. We"re going to touch on assertive communication. This means expressing your feelings, needs, and opinions clearly and respectfully, without being aggressive or passive."

"For example, instead of saying, "You always make me mad when you do that!", which is aggressive, or staying silent and stewing, which is passive, you could say, "I feel frustrated when [specific action] happens, because [impact on you]. I would really appreciate it if [desired outcome/action]." See the difference?"

## Scenario Practice (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Practice Scenarios")

"Let"s try a few scenarios. How might you use assertive communication in these situations? You don"t have to role-play, just tell me what you might say or how you would approach it."
* Scenario 1: "Your friend borrowed your favorite jacket and returned it stained."
* Scenario 2: "You have a big project due, and you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work."
* Scenario 3: "Someone in your class keeps making comments that make you feel uncomfortable."
(Allow students to discuss each scenario, offering guidance and positive feedback on their assertive communication attempts.)

## Wrap-up (5 minutes)
"Excellent job practicing those scenarios. It takes courage to speak up assertively, but it"s a skill that will serve you well your whole life. Remember, finding a trusted person to talk to is a huge step in coping. And sometimes, we might not be ready to talk, or there isn"t someone immediately available.

That"s where writing can come in! Journaling, like in your Coping Skills Journal, is another fantastic way to process emotions. It"s like talking to yourself on paper. For homework, I"d like you to choose one of the journal prompts in your Coping Skills Journal and spend at least 10 minutes writing about it. See how it feels to get those thoughts and feelings out.

Next time, we"ll explore how getting our bodies moving can be a powerful coping tool. See you then!"

Session 4 Script: Move Your Mood

## Warm-up & Check-in (5 minutes)
"Welcome back, Coping Skills Crew! Last time, we focused on the power of communication and journaling. How did your journal entry go? Did anyone find it helpful to write down their thoughts and feelings?"
(Allow students to share.)

"Awesome. It really can be a great way to clear your head. Today, we're going to switch gears a bit and talk about something that might surprise you as a coping skill: physical activity!"

## Physical Activity as a Coping Skill (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Move Your Mood: Get Active!")

"When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what's one of the first things you don't want to do? For many people, it's exercise. But actually, getting your body moving can be an incredibly effective way to cope with stress and improve your mood."

"How do you think physical activity helps with stress?"
(Allow responses. Guide towards ideas like: releases energy, changes your focus, releases feel-good chemicals (endorphins), improves sleep.)

"You got it! When we're stressed, our bodies can get tense, our minds race. Physical activity helps release that pent-up energy, gives our minds a break from worrying, and even releases chemicals in our brain that make us feel better. It doesn't have to be running a marathon; it can be anything that gets your body moving. What are some physical activities you enjoy, or used to enjoy?"
(Brainstorm a list: walking, dancing, sports, stretching, yoga, riding a bike, jumping jacks, etc.)

## Quick Movement Break (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Let's Energize!")

"Let's try a super quick movement break right now. Nothing strenuous, just to feel our bodies. Everyone, if you're comfortable, stand up. Let's do some gentle stretches. Reach for the sky, touch your toes, roll your shoulders, twist gently side to side. Take a few deep breaths while you move."
(Lead a 2-3 minute gentle stretch/movement break.)

"Okay, you can sit back down. How did that feel? Did you notice any shift in your energy or focus, even with just a few minutes of movement?"
(Allow responses.)

## Cool-down (5 minutes)
"See? Even a little movement can make a difference. The key is to find activities you genuinely enjoy, so it doesn't feel like a chore. For homework, I want you to pick one physical activity from our brainstorm or one you already like, and try to incorporate it into your week. Even 10-15 minutes can help."

"I'm also going to hand out this Coping Skills Worksheet. It has some questions about different ways to cope, including physical activities and hobbies. Please complete the sections related to physical activity and hobbies. It will help you think more deeply about how movement and enjoyable pastimes can be part of your coping toolkit.

Next time, we'll explore how creative expression can be a wonderful way to cope. See you then!"

Session 5 Script: Creative Coping

## Warm-up & Check-in (5 minutes)
"Welcome back, Coping Skills Crew! Last time, we talked about moving our bodies to move our moods. How did it go trying to incorporate some physical activity this week? Did anyone try a new activity or notice how an existing one helped them feel better?"
(Allow students to share about their experience with the Coping Skills Worksheet and physical activity.)

"Awesome! It’s great to hear how many different ways we can use movement. Today, we’re going to explore another powerful, and often fun, coping skill: creative expression."

## Creative Expression (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Creative Coping: Express Yourself")

"When you think about creative activities, what comes to mind?"
(Allow responses: drawing, painting, music, writing, crafting, singing, dancing, etc.)

"That’s right! And the great thing about creative expression as a coping skill is that you absolutely don't need to be an amazing artist or a perfect musician. The goal isn't to create a masterpiece; it's to use the creative process to express, distract, or process your feelings."

"How do you think using art, music, or writing can help you cope with stress or difficult emotions?"
(Guide responses: distraction, emotional release, focus, a sense of accomplishment, communicating feelings when words are hard.)

"Exactly. Sometimes, feelings are too big or too messy for words, and a doodle, a song, or a story can help us get them out. It gives us a different way to understand what we're feeling without having to perfectly explain it."

## Creative Activity (10 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Your Creative Space")

"Today, we're going to try a little creative expression ourselves. I have some paper and basic art supplies here for everyone: colored pencils, markers. Your task is simple: create something that represents how you feel when you're stressed, or something that shows what helps you cope. There are no rules, no grades, no 'good' or 'bad' art. Just let your feelings guide your hand. You can draw, doodle, write a few words, whatever feels right. I'll put on some calming music while we work."
(Distribute supplies. Play soft instrumental music if available. Circulate and offer encouragement. Allow about 7-8 minutes for creation.)

## Share & Reflect (5 minutes)
"Okay, let's bring it back together. Would anyone like to share what they created, or just share how it felt to engage in that creative activity?"
(Allow voluntary sharing. Emphasize that sharing is optional.)

"Thank you for sharing your thoughts and creations. Remember, this is just one example. You might prefer writing, playing an instrument, or even just listening to music. The goal is to find what works for you to help express or release those emotions.

For homework, I want you to try another form of creative expression this week, or engage in your preferred one. Also, please complete another entry in your Coping Skills Journal reflecting on how creative activities might help you manage stress.

Next session is our final session, and we'll be putting all these tools together to create your own personal coping plan!"

Session 6 Script: My Coping Plan

## Warm-up & Review (5 minutes)
"Welcome to our final session, Coping Skills Crew! It's been a journey. Over the past few weeks, we've explored different coping skills. Let's quickly review them. Who can name one coping skill we've talked about?"
(Prompt students to recall: Mindfulness, Communication/Talking It Out, Physical Activity, Creative Expression.)

"Excellent! We've covered a lot of ground, and you all have been doing great work exploring these different strategies. Today, we're going to pull it all together and build your personal coping plan."

## Developing a Personal Coping Plan (15 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "My Coping Plan: Your Toolkit" and "Build Your Personalized Plan")

"Think of all these skills as tools in your personal toolkit. Just like a builder needs different tools for different jobs, you need different coping skills for different stressors and feelings. Your goal today is to create a plan that works specifically for you."

"In your Coping Skills Journal, or on a separate piece of paper if you prefer, I want you to answer a few questions to build your plan:
1. Identify Your Top Stressors: What are 3-5 things that most often cause you stress or overwhelm you? Be specific.
2. Choose Your Coping Skills: For each of those stressors, what 2-3 healthy coping skills from our sessions (or others you know) do you think would be most helpful? Think about what feels right for you.
3. Plan Your Action: When and how will you use these skills? What's your step-by-step plan? For example, 'When I feel stressed about a test, I will take 3 deep mindful breaths, then talk to my friend, and after that, go for a quick walk.'"
(Circulate around the room, offering guidance and support as students work on their plans. Encourage them to be realistic and personal.)

## Administer Post-Assessment (5 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "Post-Assessment: Reflect and Grow")

"Okay, let's pause our coping plans for a moment. Remember the assessment we took at the very beginning of our sessions? Now we have a chance to take a look at your growth. I'm going to hand out the Coping Skills Post-Assessment. Just like before, answer honestly. This helps us see how much you've learned and how your confidence in coping has grown."
(Distribute Coping Skills Post-Assessment. Allow students to complete.)

"Has everyone finished? Great. You can just leave them face down, and I'll collect them in a moment."

## Closing & Encouragement (5 minutes)
(Refer to Coping Skills Slide Deck - Slide: "You've Got This!")

"You've all put in fantastic work over these past six sessions. You've built a valuable toolkit for managing stress and emotions, and that's something to be incredibly proud of. Life will always throw challenges your way, but now you have more strategies to navigate them. Remember to keep practicing these skills. The more you use them, the stronger they become. Your emotional well-being matters, and you have the power to take care of it.

I wish you all the best and encourage you to continue building and using your coping skills crew!"
(Collect post-assessments.)

My Coping Skills Journal

This journal is your personal space to reflect on your feelings, explore coping strategies, and track your progress. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest reflection.

Journal Prompts

Prompt 1: Stress & Feelings

Think about a recent time you felt stressed or overwhelmed. What happened? How did it feel in your body and mind? What thoughts were going through your head?

Prompt 2: Mindful Moments

After practicing mindfulness, what did you notice? Was it easy or difficult to stay in the present moment? How do you think mindfulness could help you in a stressful situation?

Prompt 3: Talking It Out

Think about a situation where you might need to talk about your feelings. Who is a trusted person you could talk to? What would be one assertive way to express what you're feeling?

Prompt 4: Physical & Creative Outlets

Describe a physical activity or a creative activity that helps you feel better or less stressed. How does engaging in this activity change your mood or perspective?

Prompt 5: My Coping Toolkit

Reflect on all the coping skills we've discussed. Which 2-3 skills do you feel are most helpful for you right now? How do you plan to incorporate them into your daily life when stress arises?

Coping Skills Worksheet: Explore Your Tools

This worksheet is designed to help you think about different ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions.

Part 1: My Stress Triggers

1. List 3 common situations or events that cause you stress:

   1. 
      
      
      
   2. 
      
      
      
   3. 
      
      
      

2. How do you typically react (thoughts, feelings, actions) when these stressors occur?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Physical Activity & Hobbies

1. What are 2-3 physical activities you enjoy, or would be willing to try, that could help reduce your stress?

   1. 
      
      
      
   2. 
      
      
      
   3. 
      
      
      

2. How do these activities make your body or mind feel when you engage in them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Beyond physical activity, what are some hobbies or enjoyable activities that help you relax or take your mind off worries? (e.g., reading, gaming, cooking, listening to music)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Communication & Support

1. Who are 2-3 trusted people (adults, friends, family) you feel comfortable talking to when you're stressed or upset?

   1. 
      
      
      
   2. 
      
      
      
   3. 
      
      
      

2. In your own words, describe what 'assertive communication' means to you.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 4: Mindfulness & Creative Expression

1. Describe one way you could practice mindfulness in your daily life (e.g., mindful eating, mindful walking, deep breathing).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is a creative outlet you could use to express or process your emotions? (e.g., drawing, writing, playing music, journaling)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 5: Building My Toolkit

1. From all the skills we've discussed (mindfulness, communication, physical activity, creative expression, hobbies), list 3 specific coping skills you are committed to trying or using more regularly.

   1. 
      
      
      
   2. 
      
      
      
   3. 
      
      
      

2. How will you remind yourself to use these skills when you need them most?