Lesson Plan
Coping Skills Toolbox Lesson Plan
Participants will identify a range of coping skills, discuss their uses, and apply them to personal stress scenarios through guided practice.
Enhancing emotional resilience by equipping adults with practical strategies for managing stress and emotions helps prevent escalation and supports overall well-being.
Audience
Adult learners (Tier 2 group)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on discussion and scenario application.
Materials
Coping Skills Overview Sheet, - Personal Scenario Cards, - Stress Scale Worksheet, - Whiteboard or flip chart, - Markers, and - Timer
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print copies of Coping Skills Overview Sheet for each participant.
- Print and cut Personal Scenario Cards.
- Review the Stress Scale Worksheet as needed.
- Set up a whiteboard or flip chart with markers.
- Have a timer ready.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome participants and outline session objectives.
- Establish group norms and confidentiality agreement.
Step 2
Explore Coping Skills
10 minutes
- Distribute Coping Skills Overview Sheet.
- Review and categorize each coping skill (problem-focused, emotion-focused, relaxation).
- Invite participants to share personal experiences using any listed skill.
Step 3
Scenario Practice
10 minutes
- Pair up participants and hand out Personal Scenario Cards.
- Each pair discusses which coping skill(s) fit their scenario and why.
- Reconvene and have pairs share their chosen strategies.
Step 4
Reflection and Closing
5 minutes
- Distribute Stress Scale Worksheet.
- Ask participants to rate their current stress level and select one coping skill to try this week.
- Summarize key takeaways and encourage application between sessions.
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Slide Deck
Coping Skills Toolbox
• 30-minute Tier 2 group session
• Adult learners
• Discover, discuss, and practice coping strategies
Materials:
- Coping Skills Overview Sheet
- Personal Scenario Cards
- Stress Scale Worksheet
- Whiteboard/flip chart, markers, timer
Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and briefly explain that today’s focus is on exploring practical coping skills for managing stress. Emphasize confidentiality and mutual respect.
Session Objectives
By the end of today’s session, participants will:
- Identify a variety of coping skills
- Discuss when and why to use each skill
- Apply coping strategies to real-life scenarios
Read through the objectives aloud. Highlight how each objective will be met during the session.
What Are Coping Skills?
Coping skills are techniques people use to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
They help us:
- Reduce emotional distress
- Solve problems
- Regulate mood
Define the term and invite participants to share their own definitions or examples.
Categories of Coping Skills
- Problem-Focused: Tackle the source of stress
- Emotion-Focused: Manage your feelings
- Relaxation Techniques: Calm the mind and body
Introduce the three main categories. Use examples from the overview sheet.
Problem-Focused Strategies
• Making a to-do list
• Time management and planning
• Seeking information or advice
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps
Explain each example briefly. Encourage participants to think of additional examples.
Emotion-Focused Strategies
• Talking with a friend
• Journaling or expressive writing
• Reframing negative thoughts
• Engaging in creative outlets (art, music)
Discuss emotional strategies. Ask: “Which of these do you use?”
Relaxation Techniques
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery or visualization
• Short mindfulness practice
Guide participants through relaxation examples. Optionally lead a brief breathing demo.
Personal Experiences
• Which coping skills have you used?
• How did they help (or not)?
• What challenges did you face using them?
Invite participants to share which skills they’ve tried and how those worked for them.
Scenario Practice
- Pair up participants
- Draw a Personal Scenario Card
- Discuss: Which coping skill(s) fit this scenario and why?
- Prepare to share key points with the group
Explain the pairing and scenario process. Distribute scenario cards and set timer.
Reflection & Next Steps
• Rate your current stress level (1–10)
• Choose one coping skill to practice this week
• Write down when and how you’ll use it
Thank everyone and remind them to apply their chosen skill before the next session.
Distribute the Stress Scale Worksheet. Encourage honest reflection and commitment to action.
Worksheet
Coping Skills Overview Sheet
Use this sheet to review different types of coping skills and reflect on how you might apply them in your daily life.
1. Problem-Focused Coping Skills
Definition: Strategies that help you tackle the source of stress by solving the problem or changing the situation.
Examples:
- Making a to-do list or action plan
- Breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Seeking advice or information
- Prioritizing and scheduling tasks
Exercise: Write two problem-focused coping skills you have used or could use in a stressful situation:
2. Emotion-Focused Coping Skills
Definition: Techniques aimed at managing your emotional response to stress rather than changing the situation itself.
Examples:
- Talking with a supportive friend or family member
- Journaling or expressive writing
- Reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones
- Engaging in a creative activity (art, music, dance)
Exercise: Write two emotion-focused coping skills you have tried or want to try:
3. Relaxation Techniques
Definition: Methods to calm your mind and body, reducing overall stress and tension.
Examples:
- Deep breathing exercises (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing)
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Guided imagery or visualization
- Brief mindfulness or meditation practices
Exercise: List two relaxation techniques you would like to practice regularly:
Personal Reflection
Choose one coping skill from above that resonates most with you. Describe when you will use it and how you expect it to help:
Keep this overview sheet handy throughout the session as a quick reference to support your growth in stress management.
Activity
Personal Scenario Cards
Cut out the cards below. When you draw a scenario, discuss in your pair:
- What is the main stressor?
- Which coping skill(s) (problem-focused, emotion-focused, or relaxation) would you choose?
- Why is this strategy a good fit?
Scenario 1:
You’ve missed an important work deadline because your computer crashed, and now you’re scrambling to catch up while worried about your reputation.
Scenario 2:
A family member has criticized your life choices, and you feel hurt, angry, and uncertain how to respond without escalating the conflict.
Scenario 3:
You’ve just received notice of an unexpected bill due next week, and your financial stress is keeping you up at night.
Scenario 4:
Your to-do list at home and work seems endless—juggling a big project, household chores, and caring for a loved one leaves you overwhelmed.
Scenario 5:
You’re scheduled to speak in front of a large group tomorrow and are experiencing intense anxiety about being judged or making mistakes.
Scenario 6:
Lately you’ve felt isolated—working remotely and living alone—and you’re noticing low mood and lack of motivation.
Scenario 7:
After receiving critical feedback at work, you find yourself replaying negative self-talk, questioning your abilities and worth.
Scenario 8:
Your mind races with worries each night, making it hard to fall asleep, and you wake up feeling exhausted and irritable.
Worksheet
Stress Scale Worksheet
Use this worksheet to assess your current stress level, reflect on contributing factors, and plan a concrete coping strategy to try this week.
1. Self-Rating
On a scale of 1 (low stress) to 10 (high stress), rate your current stress level:
Stress Level: _____ / 10
2. What’s Contributing to My Stress?
List two or three main factors or situations that are affecting your stress right now:
3. Coping Skill Commitment
Choose one coping skill from the session today that you will commit to practicing this week:
Selected Coping Skill: ____________________________________________
Why I chose this skill and how I expect it to help me:
4. Implementation Plan
Where and when will you use this coping skill? Include as many details as possible (time of day, environment, reminders):
When: _____________________________________
Where: _____________________________________
Reminder Strategy (e.g., set an alarm, leave a note, ask a friend):
5. Follow-Up Reflection
At the end of the week, revisit this worksheet and note:
- Did I use my chosen coping skill as planned?
- What worked well?
- What challenges did I face?
- Adjustments for next time:
Keep this worksheet in a visible place to support your stress-management practice.