Coping Skills for Nonverbal Students

Danielle Johnson

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Coping Skills for Nonverbal Students

Coping skills

This lesson is designed to help nonverbal students with disabilities develop coping skills through visual, tactile, and interactive activities. It is important because it equips students with methods to manage their emotions and reduce anxiety, leading to a more positive learning environment.

Audience

Nonverbal students with disabilities

Time

30 mins

Approach

Materials

Emotion Cards, Stress Balls, Visual Schedule, Coping Skills Visuals, and Discussion Questions on Coping Skills

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Greet the students with a warm welcome and ensure they are comfortably seated.
Use a visual schedule to show them the agenda for the lesson.
Briefly explain (with visuals) what coping skills are and why they are important.

Step 2

Emotion Identification

7 mins

Show the students various Emotion Cards and have them identify how they are feeling using the cards.
Allow students to hold up the card that represents their current emotion.
Use nonverbal cues and gestures to help them understand.

Step 3

Coping Skills Practice

10 mins

Introduce different coping strategies using Coping Skills Visuals (e.g., deep breathing, using stress balls).
Demonstrate each strategy and have the students practice along with you.
Provide each student with a stress ball and guide them in using it to manage their emotions.

Step 4

Group Activity

5 mins

Facilitate a group activity where students can choose a coping skill from the visual aids and demonstrate it to their peers.
Encourage peer support and applause for each demonstration.

Step 5

Reflection and Discussion

3 mins

Use simple yes/no or visual choice questions to reflect on how the coping skills made them feel.
Praise their efforts and close with a positive note, reassuring them they can use these skills anytime they need.

Worksheet

Emotion Cards

These cards depict different emotions to help students identify and express how they are feeling.

Happy

Sad

Angry

Scared

Excited

Calm

Worksheet

Coping Skills Visuals

These visuals show different coping strategies that students can use.

Deep Breathing

Counting to 10

Using Stress Balls

Drawing

Listening to Music

Talking to Someone

Discussion

Discussion Questions on Coping Skills

These questions are designed to guide a simple discussion reflection on the use of coping skills.

Did any of the coping skills help you feel better?

Use visual or yes/no questions to allow students to express their feelings.

Which coping skill did you like the most?

Show visuals of each coping skill to help students choose and respond.